Local participants are generally not allowed in the foreign language tours at Changdeokgung Palace. However, if accompanied by a foreign guest, a maximum of two locals can participate. Before selecting a language for the tour, make sure to verify the composition of your group and the participation conditions. The information provided here pertains to the palace's guided tours and does not apply to the separately operated viewing of the rear garden.
Principles of Local Participation and Exceptions for Accompaniment
According to official guidelines, local participants are generally prohibited from joining foreign language tours. However, locals can participate if accompanied by a foreign guest, with a limit of two locals per foreigner. This condition includes both the presence of a foreign guest and the allowed number of locals. Simply being able to understand a foreign language does not grant participation rights to locals. You must confirm both the presence of a foreign guest and the number of allowed locals. The notification that no separate reservation is needed for the guided tours does not negate the eligibility requirements for participation in foreign language sessions.
Check Your Group Composition First
| Viewing Method | Participation Method |
|---|---|
| Individual Viewing of the Palace | Free viewing is allowed. |
| Guided Tour of the Palace | Participate according to the scheduled times for free tours in Korean, English, Japanese, or Chinese. |
| Reservations and Participation Eligibility | No overall limit on the number of participants means no separate reservation is needed, but the eligibility for local participation and limits on accompanying guests apply separately. |
- Plan your schedule to avoid missing the entry time. Even if you have purchased your ticket in advance, entry and refunds are not possible after the entry time has passed.
- When participating in the tour, go to the information board across from the Injeongjeon Hall at the designated tour time. The guided tour of the palace starts here.
- Consider the duration of approximately 50 to 60 minutes when planning your schedule after the tour.
Visitors can choose between individual free viewing and guided tours based on their purpose of visit. If you opt for individual viewing, be aware of the procedure to gather at the tour starting point, and if you wish to listen to a guided explanation, move to the starting point according to the scheduled time for your preferred language. The fact that the guided tour is free does not mean that the conditions for ticket purchase and entry are the same. When scheduling other activities after the tour, first consider the approximately 50 to 60 minutes of guided time.
Before your visit, it’s advisable to check the presence of a foreign guest, the number of locals wishing to participate, the language of the tour, and the start time all at once. Do not assume that if your entire group consists of locals, you can select a foreign language tour. Even if reservations are not required, this does not mean you can exceed the designated entry time. To avoid disappointment, ensure you check the entry conditions of your ticket and the meeting time for the tour separately.
📌 Editor's Three Key Takeaways
- Local participation in foreign language tours is generally prohibited — a maximum of two locals allowed with a foreign guest.
- Free guided tours available in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese; no separate reservation needed, but eligibility conditions apply.
- Gather at the information board across from Injeongjeon Hall at the scheduled time, with a duration of about 50 to 60 minutes.
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