Changgyeonggung Palace was enlarged in 1483 under King Seongjong to house senior royal women, and it is one of the calmest palaces to stroll in central Seoul. Deep in its north side lies Chundangji Pond, where mandarin ducks are often seen, with the early-modern glass Grand Greenhouse beside it — a popular finish to a palace walk. During the Japanese colonial period the grounds were turned into a zoo and botanical garden called "Changgyeongwon"; today's look was restored afterward.
1. Getting there
It is in downtown Seoul and easy to reach by subway. The main gate, Honghwamun, is on Changgyeonggung-ro.
Line 4 — Hyehwa Station
- Exit 3 or 4, about 15 minutes on foot
- Walk up from the Daehangno area to reach the main gate (Honghwamun)
- Easy to combine with Daehangno cafés and restaurants
Line 3 — Anguk Station
- Exit 3, about 19 minutes on foot
- Pairs well with Bukchon and Insadong
- Check the exact walking route in a map app
Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Enter through the main gate, Honghwamun.
2. Hours, admission and night visits
Quiet strolling by day; in the evening you can see the pond under lighting.
Hours
09:00–21:00
(last entry 20:00)
Closed
Every Monday
Open if it falls on a public holiday
Admission
About 1,000 won for adults
Free for some groups, e.g. hanbok wearers
Hours, fees, free-entry groups and night-opening areas can change. Free entry has been announced for the last Wednesday of each month ("Culture Day"). Check the latest details on the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center official site before you go.
3. Suggested walking route
Walking slowly from the main gate inward takes roughly 1.5–2 hours.
- 1Honghwamun Gate
The east-facing main gate. After entering, cross Okcheongyo Bridge and continue inward.
- 2Myeongjeongjeon Hall
Known as the oldest surviving main throne hall of a Joseon palace. A wide courtyard and tiled roofs make good photos.
- 3Tongmyeongjeon area
Halls and a pond garden that were once royal women's living quarters. Usually quiet.
- 4Chundangji Pond
A pond in the palace's inner north. Mandarin ducks can be seen around the central island, and cherry blossoms or autumn colours change the scene by season.
- 5Grand Greenhouse
An early-modern glass greenhouse beside the pond. Check on the day whether and when the interior is open.
4. What to see at Chundangji
A lap around the pond is short, but people tend to linger.
- Island and mandarin ducks — a small island sits in the middle, and mandarin ducks are often spotted. Observe quietly.
- Seasonal scenery — cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn reflect in the water; both seasons are popular and crowded.
- Night visit — you can see the lit pond after dark, but the night-opening areas depend on current policy.
- Access has been restricted for maintenance (announced for 28 Nov 2025 – 12 Jan 2026). Always check official notices on whether the pond is open.
Photo Gallery
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Photos: ⓒ Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1 (commercial use and modification allowed with attribution) · Copyright policy
5. Nearby sights
Check walking routes and opening status in a map app and on official sites.
| Place | Relation to Changgyeonggung | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Changdeokgung & Secret Garden | Neighbouring palace | UNESCO World Heritage. The Secret Garden often needs a separate timed reservation — check ahead. |
| Jongmyo Shrine | Close by | Royal ancestral shrine of Joseon and a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its own visiting rules. |
| Daehangno & Hyehwa | Within walking distance of the gate | Cafés and restaurants — handy before or after your walk. |
| Bukchon & Insadong | A good continuation on foot | Hanok alleys and traditional shops toward Anguk Station. |
6. Safety & etiquette
- Stay out of the pond edge and any restricted areas. Please follow the heritage-protection rules.
- Do not feed or shout at mandarin ducks and other wild birds.
- The pond area is wooded and cooler than the streets. Bring a light jacket in the evening.
- Cherry-blossom and foliage seasons and nights are crowded. Keep photo stops short so others can pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Chundangji Pond at Changgyeonggung?
It is about a 15-minute walk from Hyehwa Station (Line 4, Exit 3 or 4) or about 19 minutes from Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 3). Enter through the main gate, Honghwamun, and walk toward the inner palace to reach the pond. Check the exact route in a map app.
What are the opening hours and closing day?
Generally 09:00 to 21:00, with last entry at 20:00. The palace is closed on Mondays, but it is announced as open when a Monday falls on a public holiday. Policies can change, so check the official site before you go.
How much is admission?
Adult admission is around 1,000 won, and some groups such as hanbok wearers have been listed as free. Free entry has also been announced for the last Wednesday of each month (Culture Day). Amounts and eligibility can change, so check the official site.
Can I see Chundangji Pond at night?
Changgyeonggung runs night openings, and the announced areas include Chundangji Pond and the Grand Greenhouse. Night schedules and areas depend on policy and works, so check before you visit.
Is access to Chundangji ever restricted?
Yes. Access was announced as restricted for maintenance from 28 November 2025 to 12 January 2026, and schedules can change with on-site conditions. Check the official notices before you go.
Is it the same palace as Changdeokgung?
No. Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung are separate neighbouring palaces with different tickets and visiting rules. The Changdeokgung Secret Garden often requires a separate timed reservation, so check ahead.