Today, I’m going to walk you through Changdeokgung Secret Garden (Huwon) reservations for foreigners. When you enter Changdeokgung after passing the alleys near Anguk Station while the morning air is still crisp, the sounds soften to the point where you’ll think, “This is the middle of Seoul—why is it so quiet?” And once you take just one more step into the forest paths of Huwon (Biwon), there comes a moment when today’s trip stops being “sightseeing” and becomes a “walk.”

Based on a foreign first-timer perspective, this post organizes in one place a focused course that lets you enjoy the Changdeokgung buildings + Huwon (Biwon) most satisfyingly, along with practical, real-world tips for booking the Secret Garden. (Policies can change frequently, so be sure to check official announcements before your visit.)

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Changdeokgung · Huwon (Secret Garden) Key Info at a Glance

Category	Key Checkpoints
Closed day	Every Monday (operations may change if it overlaps with a public holiday)
Changdeokgung visiting hours	Feb–May & Sep–Oct 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00) / Jun–Aug 09:00–18:30 (last entry 17:30) / Nov–Jan 09:00–17:30 (last entry 16:30)
Admission fee	Changdeokgung buildings (adult) 3,000 KRW / Huwon (adult) 5,000 KRW, youth/child 2,500 KRW
How Huwon operates	Timed sessions + capacity limit (100 per session: 50 online + 50 on-site)
Location/transport	99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / Walk from Anguk Station (Line 3) Exit 3 (per official guidance)
Note	Due to Donhwamun Gate repairs, the entrance may be temporarily changed to “Geumhomun Gate (Entrance)”

Visiting hours/closed days/Huwon timetable/regular closing days are based on the official guidance from the Korea Heritage Service’s Royal Palaces and Tombs Center. (Royal KHS)
The admission fees (Palace buildings 3,000 KRW · Huwon 5,000 KRW/2,500 KRW and “Palace admission ticket required when visiting Huwon”) are also based on the official fee table. (Royal KHS)
Directions (Anguk Station Exit 3, etc.) and the “No parking facilities” notice are referenced from the official “Directions” page. (Royal KHS)
The notice that the entrance may change to Geumhomun Gate due to Donhwamun repair work is referenced from official announcements/press releases. (Royal KHS)

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Why “Changdeokgung + Huwon (Biwon)” Is the #1 First-Visit Pick for Foreigners

Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 1997), and one of its most notable charms is that its palace buildings and gardens were designed to harmonize with the natural terrain. (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)
And Huwon (Biwon, the Secret Garden) is literally a forest-and-pond space where “royal rest” remains—making it one of the most emotionally memorable walks you can have in Seoul.

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Secret Garden (Huwon/Biwon) Reservations: Practical Tips You Won’t Fail With

1) Booking “only Huwon” is not the end

Huwon requires a separate ticket, and when visiting Huwon, you also need the palace buildings ticket (Changdeokgung admission). (Royal KHS)

• In other words, the basic combo is 3,000 KRW (Palace buildings) + 5,000 KRW (Huwon) for adults. (Royal KHS)

2) Online ticket opening timing: “10:00 AM, 6 days in advance”

For Huwon, first-come, first-served online booking is available from 10:00 AM, 6 days before the visit date (excluding the visit date) until 1 day before. (Royal KHS)
Also, you can book up to 10 people per booking, and only once per day. (Royal KHS)

Tip

• Log in exactly at 10:00, secure your “preferred language/session” first, and pay quickly.
• The official fee/guide notes that April–May and October–November sell out very quickly. (Royal KHS)

3) On-site purchase is also possible: “First-come, first-served from 9:00 AM on the day”

If online booking fails, first-come, first-served on-site purchase is available from 9:00 AM on the day of the visit. (Royal KHS)
(There is also guidance that on-site purchase is limited to a maximum of 10 tickets per person. (Royal KHS))

4) Capacity per session: “100 people (50 online + 50 on-site)”

The official timetable states that Huwon operates with 100 people per session, split into 50 online + 50 on-site. (Royal KHS)

5) Huwon timetable (by language): key summary only

Exact times can change depending on the season/operations, but based on the official timetable, the typical pattern looks like the following. (Royal KHS)

• Korean (Mar–Oct): runs every hour from 10:00 to 16:00
• Korean (Nov–Feb): 10:00–15:00
• English (Mar–Nov): 10:30 / 11:30 / 14:30 / 15:30
• English (Dec–Feb): 10:30 / 11:30 / 14:30
• Japanese: 13:30 (Wed · Fri · Sun)
• Chinese: 12:30 (Tue · Thu · Sat)

And since Huwon is a restricted visit with fixed entry times and capacity, being on time is the key. (Royal KHS)

6) “Foreign-language sessions” have restrictions for Korean nationals

There is guidance that during foreign-language visiting times for Huwon, entry for Korean nationals is restricted, and up to two Korean nationals are allowed when accompanied by a foreign visitor. (Royal KHS)

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A “Focused Course” Itinerary for an Emotional Walk

From here on, this route isn’t “all day long”—it’s about walking only the prettiest sections, intensely.
(Total time: 3.5–5 hours / If you take lots of photos, add +1 hour)

One-line course summary

Anguk Station → Changdeokgung palace buildings (highlights only) → Huwon (Secret Garden) 70-minute walk → Ikseon-dong/Bukchon vibe café or Insadong souvenirs

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1) 0–30 min: Warm up “slowly” from Anguk Station

• Start: The official guidance includes walking access from Anguk Station (Subway Line 3) (based on Exit 3). (Royal KHS)
• Tip: If you arrive in the morning, the grounds are relatively quiet and photos come out cleaner.

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2) 30–90 min: Enjoy the Changdeokgung buildings—“highlights only,” quickly

You’ll want to save energy for Huwon, so it’s fine not to be too ambitious with the palace buildings.

Vibe points (personal recommendation)

• Look at the main courtyard of the main hall (the king’s official space) once from the “front,” and once from a “side” angle
• Catch the moment where tiled roofs overlap at a point where the path bends slightly
• Photograph the “negative space” of palace walls/gates/courtyards

According to the FAQ, palace buildings viewing has no entry-cap limit, so those eligible for free/discounted admission can enter without advance reservations. (Royal KHS)

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3) 90–110 min: Timing to the Huwon entrance makes or breaks it

If you’ve secured a Huwon session, I recommend arriving at the Huwon entrance 15–20 minutes early.

• The official tour guidance notes that it takes 15 minutes or more on foot from the entrance (Geumhomun Gate) to the Huwon entrance. (Royal KHS)
• So if you think “I can just walk there slowly once inside,” it’s a setup where you can easily miss your entry time.

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4) 110–200 min: Huwon (Secret Garden) emotional walk (70 minutes)

Huwon is currently 안내되어 있고, the visit is 안내되어 있고, it is stated to take about 70 minutes, and it is specified that the Okryucheon area is closed for repairs/maintenance (scheduled for 2026). (Royal KHS)

Scenes you must feel in Huwon

• The calmer the pond is, the more the shadows of tiled roofs and trees settle like an “ink-wash painting”
• A section where the forest path gets slightly darker and then brightens again (a change in light that’s hard to feel in the city)
• The “sound of leaves” when the wind brushes past near the pavilions

Also, the FAQ 안내 says that a limited number of visitors gather at the Huwon entrance at the designated viewing time to enter, and that you may choose whether to join a guided tour or enjoy independent free viewing within the open areas. (Royal KHS)
(However, the 운영 method can change depending on the season/announcements, so follow on-site guidance.)

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5) 200 min+: After Huwon, add “just two places”

After you’ve seen Huwon, you’ll have an awkward amount of energy left. At this point, satisfaction is higher if you don’t overdo it and add only two places.

Option A: End with Ikseon-dong (cafés/dessert) vibes

• Hanok vibes + light dessert make it great for organizing “today’s photos.”

Option B: End practically in Insadong (souvenirs/traditional items)

• If you’re with foreigners, it’s perfect for choosing gifts.

Option C (if you have time): Continue walking to Changgyeonggung

It is 안내되어 있고 that Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung are connected via Hamyangmun Gate, allowing you to move between them (no re-entry / watch closing time). (Royal KHS)
However, it is also 안내되어 있고 that you cannot enter Changdeokgung Huwon directly from Changgyeonggung, so if you plan to visit Huwon, don’t mix up the order. (Royal KHS)

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Recommended Combos by “Today’s Weather / Companion / Condition”

First visit + keep it clean with an English tour

• Morning: Quick palace buildings → English Huwon 10:30 or 11:30 → lunch
• You can check the English sessions on the official timetable. (Royal KHS)

Photos are the top priority (when the light is pretty)

• Morning: Backlit/front-facing shots in the palace buildings area
• Afternoon: Choose English Huwon 14:30/15:30 for forest light + sunset vibes
• (Sunset times vary by season, so if photography is your goal, calculate around dusk.)

Rainy day (surprisingly the best)

• The official FAQ notes that Huwon has unpaved paths (dirt roads) that can get muddy. (Royal KHS)
  Still, on rainy days the pond reflections and forest scent come alive, so the “vibes” are at their best.
  → Just watch for slippery sections + waterproof shoes are best.

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If you’re with a stroller/wheelchair, read this

Based on the official FAQ,

• Most areas in the palace buildings zone are flat and there are some slopes, so movement is possible, but there may be sections where close-up viewing of buildings is difficult, (Royal KHS)
• Huwon consists of a mix of flat ground + hills, and has steep inclines/unpaved paths, so it may be risky when using a stroller or wheelchair. (Royal KHS)

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Due to Donhwamun repairs, “the entrance may change”

Recent announcements/press releases inform that due to the 추진 of Donhwamun repair work, operations may use a temporary entrance/exit (Entrance: Geumhomun Gate / Exit: Firefighting Gate next to Geumhomun Gate). (Royal KHS)
This can affect actual routes and meeting points (tour assembly), so be sure to check the signs on the day of your visit.

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Official sites / booking links (collection)

Below is organized only for “copy & paste addresses.”

Royal Palaces and Tombs Center (Official): https://royal.khs.go.kr
Huwon booking (Official ticketing system): https://ticket.uforus.co.kr

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FAQ (Changdeokgung Secret Garden Reservation)

Q1. Do you have to reserve Changdeokgung Huwon (Biwon)?

In most cases, you’ll need a reservation (first-come, first-served online) or a same-day first-come, first-served on-site purchase. Online opens at 10:00 AM, 6 days in advance, and on-site is 안내되어 있고 starts from 9:00 AM on the day. (Royal KHS)

Q2. Can you enter if you buy only the Huwon ticket?

No. It is officially 안내되어 있고 that a palace buildings ticket (Changdeokgung admission) is also required when visiting Huwon. (Royal KHS)

Q3. How many people are allowed per Huwon session?

Based on the official timetable, it is 100 people per session (50 online + 50 on-site). (Royal KHS)

Q4. What time is the English Huwon tour usually?

According to the official timetable, it is 안내되어 있고 10:30/11:30/14:30/15:30 for Mar–Nov, and 10:30/11:30/14:30 for Dec–Feb. (Royal KHS)

Q5. What day of the week is Changdeokgung closed?

The regular closure 안내 lists Monday (including Changdeokgung). (Royal KHS)

Q6. Can the Palace Integrated Ticket (6,000 KRW) be used to enter Huwon too?

No. The guidance indicates that Changdeokgung Huwon is excluded from the coverage. (Royal KHS)

Q7. If it’s “Culture Day (last Wednesday),” is Huwon also free?

The official fee guidance notes free admission on Culture Day (excluding Changdeokgung Huwon). (Royal KHS)

Q8. Can you enter Changdeokgung’s Huwon directly from Changgyeonggung?

According to the FAQ guidance, Hamyangmun Gate connects the palace buildings areas, and it says that you cannot enter Changdeokgung Huwon directly from Changgyeonggung. (Royal KHS)

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