Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden
The best-preserved of Seoul's five Joseon palaces and the only one on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The front buildings are freely walkable, but the real draw is Huwon — the Secret Garden — a 78-acre forested landscape of pavilions, lotus ponds, and winding paths that served as the royal family's private retreat. Huwon is guided-tour only (tickets 8,000 KRW, limited daily). Book online well in advance; weekend slots sell out. Autumn is the peak season when the maple canopy turns deep red above the pavilions. The throne hall Injeongjeon is one of the most intact examples of Joseon royal architecture.
"This place is waiting for its first photo.
If you've been here, share your view —
others would love to see it."
