Changdeokgung's Secret Garden is a royal garden featuring forests, trees, ponds, and pavilions, and it operates under restricted access to protect national heritage and ecology. Therefore, visitors cannot enter freely at any time; instead, they must select a time slot that aligns with the season, language of the tour, and the composition of their group.

First, Choose Your Visit Date and Language

For Korean tours, visits are available from March to October every hour from 10 AM to 4 PM, and from November to February, every hour from 10 AM to 3 PM. If you prefer a foreign language tour, specific schedules apply for each language. Changdeokgung is closed on Mondays. If a holiday falls on a Monday, the site will be open, and it will close on the next non-holiday. Just because there are time slots available on the schedule does not mean you can enter on a holiday.

  • English: March to November at 10:30, 11:30, 14:30, 15:30 / December to February at 10:30, 11:30, 14:30
  • Japanese: Available every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 13:30 throughout the year
  • Chinese: Available every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 12:30 throughout the year

Once your visit date is set, compare the Korean operating hours for that season with the desired foreign language tour's days and times to ensure they align. When selecting a foreign language slot, confirm whether you will be visiting alone or with foreign companions.

💡 Editor's Practical Tip: If Reservations Fail, Aim for 'Same-Day 09:00 Ticket Booth' The maximum capacity for each language slot is 100 people, divided into 50 online reservations and 50 tickets sold at the ticket booth starting at 9 AM on the day of the visit. If online reservations are fully booked, arriving at the ticket booth right when it opens is a solid strategy for securing same-day entry. Regular holidays are on Mondays, and if a holiday coincides with a Monday, the site will be open and will close on the next non-holiday.

Reservations and Same-Day Entry are Only Allowed Within the Garden's Capacity

As entry times and capacities are restricted, you must adhere to your designated entry time. Each language slot allows a maximum of 100 visitors, with 50 spots available for online reservations and 50 available for same-day ticket sales starting at 9 AM.

  1. Select a Korean or foreign language slot that matches your visit date and season.
  2. Check the availability of online reservations on the website.
  3. If you do not use online reservations, check for same-day entry tickets available at the ticket booth starting at 9 AM.
  4. Arrive at the garden entrance according to your selected designated entry time.

During foreign language viewing times, local visitors cannot enter alone or participate in guided tours. However, if accompanied by foreign guests, up to two local visitors can enter and join the guided tour. If only local visitors are present, it is advisable not to choose a foreign language slot.

⚠️ Important Note: Local Visitors Cannot Enter Alone During Foreign Language Viewing Times Local visitors cannot enter alone or participate in tours during foreign language slots, and only if accompanied by foreign guests can up to two local visitors enter. Additionally, the last viewing time may change based on sunset, and the viewing course may be adjusted due to weather, repairs, or construction, so please check the official notice before your visit.

Differentiate Between Guided Tours and Free Viewing on Site

Visitors for designated slots gather at the entrance with a guide before entering. Once inside, you can either participate in the guided tour or explore the open areas individually. Be sure to distinguish between the entry procedures with the guide and the viewing options available after entry. Just because individual free viewing is allowed does not mean there are no restrictions on designated entry times or open areas.

The last viewing time may change based on sunset, and the viewing course may be adjusted due to weather, temperature, or repairs and construction. If you choose a late time slot or expect a specific course, double-check the official viewing times and operational notices before your visit.

Seasonal hours, language-specific tour days and times, capacity, and participation conditions for locals and foreigners are key criteria for planning your visit. However, operating hours and courses may vary due to sunset, weather, and construction, so it is essential to reconfirm the available slots and viewing areas on the official notice just before making a reservation or traveling.

Cultural Heritage Administration - Communication Room > Frequently Asked Questions > All > List

📌 Editor's 3-Point Summary

  • Korean viewing: March to October from 10:00 to 16:00 every hour, November to February from 10:00 to 15:00 — Closed on Mondays
  • Maximum of 100 people per slot (50 online reservations + 50 same-day sales starting at 09:00), adherence to designated entry times is required
  • Reconfirm local participation conditions for foreign language slots and operational notices before your visit

Cultural Heritage Administration - Viewing Information > Viewing Hours

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