Moo Moo's Diary: Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden (Huwon)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden (Huwon)

Few years back, MooMoo had visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty during her tour. Therefore, this time, MooMoo decided to visit the Changdeokgung Palace instead.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, while Changdeokgung is the 2nd royal villa built to serve as residence for the royal family when Gyeongbokgung Palace was undergoing routine repairs or was damaged by the fire. The palace is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site for its historical significance, simplicity and subtleness.

MooMoo bought the tickets for both Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon, which is also known as the Secret Garden. The ticket cost 8,000 Won.

Please do check out the timing and details if you want to sign up the tour, especially if you need English speaking tour guide.

Here's some useful information for guide if you wish to visit the place. You can also go to this website for more information on the palace, history and all. (http://eng.cdg.go.kr/main/main.htm)

Admission Fees

Regular Tour (Changdeokgung Palace) - Individuals:

Adults (ages 19-64) 3,000 Won

Children (ages 7-18) 1,5000 Won

Groups (10 or more people): Adults 2,400 Won/Children 1,200 Won

Huwon Tour (Secret Garden area)

Adults (ages 19 and over) 5,000 Won

Children (ages 7-18) 2,500 Won

Operating Hours

Regular Tour (Changdeokgung Palace)

April-October: 0900-18:30

March & November: 09:00-17:30

December-February: 09:00-17:00

Huwon Course (Guided Tour only)

April-October: 09:00-16:30

March & November: 09:00-15:30

December-February: 09:00-15:00

※ Last admission is one hour before closing.

English Speaking Tour Timing:

Changdeokgung Palace (English: 10:30, 14:30)

Huwon (English: 11:30, 14:30)

Directions:

Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 3
Go straight for 5min.

OR

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1, 3 or 5), Exit 7.
Go straight along Donhwamun-ro Street for 10min.

MooMoo’s English speaking guide for the Changdeokgung is really a ‘TIGRESS’. She’s a pretty lady whom speaks real good English but is pretty fierce and can be quite rude in times. It really surprises MooMoo as the people there do not even treat the tourist politely.

Here's some random pictures taken during the Changdeokgung tour around the palace.

You just have to be careful when you walk across some doorways as there are some which are very low. Minnie knocked her head once at one of the door there...

These little Fork thingy installed at the roof of the palaces is to keep the birds away from building birds nest.

The number of animals on the rooptop actually denotes the status of the residence in the building.

They have specified places for all the generals to stand according to the ranks along the pathways.

This woman is going all the way to take nice pictures... lying on the hot burning tile floor...

After finishing the Changdeokgung Palace tour, we headed to the 2nd half of the tour at the Secret Garden. The 'TIGRESS' quickly rush off back to her aircond office before her 'ICI' melt on her face.