Changgyeonggung Palace is a historic palace located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. Originally built during the reign of King Sejong in the 15th century, it was reconstructed and expanded by King Seongjong in 1483. The palace, which once served as a royal residence, is a favorite for visitors due to its rich history, beautiful gardens, and tranquil atmosphere. Today, it stands as a significant cultural heritage site that attracts both locals and tourists alike.
10 Must Do Items (Suggested):
Explore the Main Gate – Honghwamun
Visit the Throne Hall – Myeongjeongjeon
Stroll Through the Garden & the Pond – Chundangji
Admire the Royal Greenhouse – Daeonsil
Experience the Stone Bridges – Okcheongyo
Visit Tongmyeongjeon Hall
Walk Along the Royal Pathways
See the Sungmundang Hall
Enjoy Seasonal Festivals and Events
Learn About the History at the Exhibition Hall
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.7/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Official Website: https://royal.khs.go.kr/ENG/main/index.do
Main Positive Reviews:
"A peaceful oasis in the middle of the city". The palace grounds are incredibly serene. It feels like you're miles away from the bustling city despite being right in the heart of Seoul.
"Historical significance combined with beautiful gardens". Changgyeonggung offers a great glimpse into Korea’s past, with well-preserved buildings and lovely gardens.
"Great for a family visit". The palace is family-friendly; kids enjoyed running around the large open spaces while we soaked in the history.
"Affordable and beautiful".For just ₩1,000, you get access to an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place. It's a great deal for the experience.
"Stunning during cherry blossom season". Visiting in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom is like stepping into a painting. Highly recommend a spring visit.
"Less crowded than Gyeongbokgung". Changgyeonggung is less touristy than some of Seoul’s other palaces, making it a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
"Great for photographers". The palace offers numerous picturesque spots, from the old wooden structures to the serene gardens. A photographer’s dream.
"Easy access and great location". The palace is easily accessible by public transport, and it’s located near other attractions like Changdeokgung, making it a convenient stop.
"Hanbok rental makes the experience more special". Many visitors rent traditional hanbok to wear while walking around the palace, adding a unique and immersive element to the visit.
"Nice escape from the busy parts of Seoul". It's a great place to unwind, sit on the grass, and enjoy the tranquility, especially after a busy day in the city.
Main Negative Reviews:
"The palace feels a bit small and simple". Compared to other palaces in Seoul, Changgyeonggung feels smaller and lacks some of the more grandiose architectural details.
"Not much to do beyond the palace". Once inside, there isn’t much to engage with besides walking around and taking photos. It’s more of a place for quiet reflection than activities.
"Not as grand as other palaces". If you've visited Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung, you might find this palace less impressive in terms of scale and grandeur.
"Limited facilities".There aren’t many places to sit or rest inside the palace grounds, which could be an issue for older visitors or those with young children.
Overall Analysis
Cost:
Entrance Fee: ₩ 3,000 (Korean Won) for adults.
Group: ₩ 2,400 (Korean Won)
Additional Expenses: Visitors may choose to participate in guided tours or rent traditional Korean hanbok outfits, which may cost an extra ₩10,000 - ₩30,000 depending on the vendor.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Yes, Changgyeonggung Palace is considered a must-visit for those interested in Korean history and architecture. The palace offers a peaceful escape with its gardens and historical buildings, while being conveniently located near other major attractions in Seoul. It is a great value for the price, particularly given its affordability and the quality of the experience.
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