Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden)
My blog is gonna be so long because there are so many photos I’m gonna share to all my readers, it means you! 
Before we jumped into heavy content with lots of photos, here’s a brief outline of my Day 2 Korea Itinerary
Day 2
Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden)
Lunch at Ccoccoro
Bukchon Hanok Village
Cheonggyecheon stream
Gwangjang market
Today I’m gonna share my experience in Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden) ❤
My lovely mom & Me 
As per Wiki
Changdeokgung Palace is a palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), built in harmony with the natural environment around it. The palace is famous for its rear garden, also called Huwon. The vast garden was a resting place for the royal family and is beautifully landscaped in a way that held on to the original nature of the space. Of all the royal palaces, Changdeokgung Palace is the most well-preserved to this day, showcasing the creativity of Korean palace construction through the combination of buildings and nature. In harmony with the trees, ponds, pavilions and flower gardens, the palaces main structures include Injeongmun Gate, Injeongjeon Hall, Huijeongdang Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Buyongji Pond, Nakseonjae Hall and Donhwamun Gate, exist in harmony with the natural environment.
Changdeokgung Palace
For me, I expected the typical “secret garden” just like any Korea ancient movies where I would see lots and lots of flowers everywhere.But, It was mostly streams and trees. But nonetheless, it was really peaceful and relaxing garden.
The price for International Visitors are 3,000 won for the palace entrance fee and 5,000won for the Huwon Garden (Secret Garden tour).
Look at their drains! haha 
Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon (Secret Garden) is one of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
This 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the city’s jewel. It’s as famous for its outstanding architectural details as for its verdant and expansive gardens.
Located just beside the throne hall is the Seonjeongjeon. This is the place where the king handled routine state affairs along with his high ranking officials.
Just a few meters walk, we found ourselves at Seongjeonggak. This was the area designated as the residence of the crown prince. one of the main structures of Seongjeonggak.
Huijeongdang Hall is a one-storey structure built in ikgong style (bird wing-shaped eaves placed on top of the pillars) with a hip tiled gable roof.
Opposite of Huijeongdang Hall there’s a cafe for you to relax. Mostly are full house, and you may need to sit outside. 
The map of all the palaces. And Changdeokgung palace just small part of them
The coffee and tea menu
And inside of the cafe they do sell souvenirs too! However I would rather get it from outside of the palaces. Because most of the souvenirs here are overpriced.
Mummy drinking coffee seriously
Injeongmun Gate is the main gate leading into Changdeokgung Palace and its courtyard where Injeongjeon Hall is located. With a name meaning “benevolent rule,” Injeonjeon Hall was used for matters relating to the king’s ruling of the nation, and was used for conducting state affairs, including the coronation of a new king and prince, and royal weddings.
Injeong-jeon or “Hall of Benevolent Government” is the the throne hall at Changdeokgung Palace.
Injeongjeon Main Hall is one of the most important of all the buildings in Changdeokgung Palace.
Photo in front of Injeongjeon
The ranking of the officials , Court officials would stand behind their designated stone marker when meeting with the king. Higher ranked officials stood closest to the king. Lower ranked officials would stand furthest from the king.
正一品 is one of the highest rank among the most senior officials.
Also, for those who did not notice, this is the only building within Changdeokgung with a roof made up of blue tiles.
Huwon – Secret Garden
We had to walk quite a bit to reach the entrance of the secret garden. Its better to make reservation online to avoid any disappointment. I made an online reservation first to secure a place, We booked for the 11:30am English tour, but if you were late, you may join with the other tour. However the language will be different.
Beside palace itself, it was the Huwon (Secret Garden) that made me want to visit Changdeokgung Palace the most. Because you can only visit the Secret Garden by joining a guided tour, and I’m really curious on what’s inside. What so special about it.
The ticket for our Huwon Secret Garden ❤
Mummy’s signature post
The tour hours are depend on the languages (Korean, English, Japanese , Chinese ) that you prefer. The general tour will take about 90 mins with an estimate of 3 km walk.
The tour starts on time and waits for no one. So don’t be late!
While waiting for our tour guide, we are required to wait at the Secret Garden’s Entrance.
Secret Garden was once called the Forbidden Garden because access was only given to the royal family, even high government officials weren’t allowed to enter the garden without permission from the King – said by the tour guide
And this is our tour guide, isn’t he cute 
Before setting off, He did say that there would be a lot of walking involved, and believe me it was really a lot a lot a lot of walking! But Of course, if we’re tired or giving up on exploring this garden, he will show us the shortest route to return back.
So forget about heels, comfortable shoes or slipper for walking would be the best choice for exploring this garden. Because there are slopes and stairs everywhere! Thank goodness is not too hot! You can feel so refreshing while walking. Because over here, the air are so clean and fresh.. Which really will do you good. You don’t have to walk fast, in fact a slow stroll is preferable for absorbing as much of the quality, temperament, spirit, mood and personality of the garden as possible.
Time to enter the Secret Garden!
(Be prepared for lots of lots of walking if you are intending to visit the place)
The first stop , Juhamnu Pavilion (Lotus Pavilion) and Buyongji Pond (Lotus Pond)
Eosumun Gate leads to Juhamnu Pavilion, a two story pavilion that served as a library and reading room during the reign of King Jeongjo.
The maple leaves have yet to become yellow.
Just in front of Juhamnu Pavilion
When we first arrived, it felt like we were entering some private sanctuary, it was so cool
Mommy with her signature pose again
Buyongji pond, one of the most photographed places during the guided tour.
Inside Yeonghwadang Hall.
It’s here in the Yeonghwadang that such an examination called “Jeonsi” was held. But this is was originally the place where the king and his subjects enjoyed poetry and flowers. It was from King Jeongjo’s reign that such an examination was held here.
Just in case you forgotten to go wash room, they have it inside just nearby the pond.
This stone gate, Bullomun was built to represent prayers for the king’s continued good health.
It is said that whoever passes under Bullomun gate will not grow old Those who wanting a longevity have to walk through the Bullomun and it also called Gate of long life
Everyone is taking a break, It is so challenging climb up and down the slope and stairs in the Secret Garden
Famed for its gardens , is the place to be if you want to admire some pretty spring/autumn blossoms! We went during early Autumn which is during their Chuseok Holidays, during mid of September.
Well , definitely I prefer Autumn, this is suppose to look like (below) during Autumn compared to mine.. Maybe will visit here again during late Autumn in the future!
*photo from Google (credit@kidsfuninseoul) during autumn. Isn’t it beautiful 
Stairs and slopes everywhere!! we’ve been left behind Hahaha 
We found minions mushroom.
and finally catching up with the tour group
Cheonguijeong is the only existing thatched pavilion left in the grounds of Changdeokgung. In front of it is a small rice field, the king would farm rice to aid his understanding of the hard work of farmers and show his solidarity with the farmers. The dried rice plants would be used to thatch Cheonguijeong.
During the tour, we explored the various sights throughout the Palace. It was so interesting hearing about the day to day happenings that occurred here.
Rooms where the servants slept.
These quarters are also divided among men and women. For example, the entrance of the men quarters are higher then the female’s.
This guy who hosted our Huwon tour was great , can speak very fluent english, friendly, informative, and he wore pink traditional Korean Costume(Dopo)
we still enjoyed taking pictures and exploring the area.
🌹🌹
one of the most beautiful Juniper tree I’ve seen.
And that concludes our palace visits! Although the palaces look amazing with all the historical details it holds but there’s nothing much you can do inside the palace but to admire everything you see. And of course , we tried to take as much photos as possible. haha 
Lastly, it’s time to grab some food after a long long walk! Stay tune for my next post ^_^
Some information you need to know if you want to visit Huwon(Secret Garden)
Changdeokgung Palance & Huwon (Secret Garden)
Operating Hours – Closed on Mondays
Feb-May, Sep-Oct 09:00-18:00
Jun-Aug 09:00-18:30
Nov-Jan 09:00-17:30
How to go
Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1, 3 or 5), Exit 6.
Walk for about 10-min to arrive at the palace entrance.Address
20, Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Ticket Price
[International Visitors]
Adults (ages 19-64): Regular 3,000 won / Huwon 5,000 won
Huwon’s Tour (Duration: 90 min)
English: 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30
* Admission to Huwon is limited to 100 people per session. (Online or on-site reservations -on a first-come, first served basis). Therefore, please book as early as possible, because it will always full especially autumn!
Our next stop will be Bukchon Hanok Village
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Bye, and thanks for reading ^.^
Adeline❤
Adeline's Journey 