When going to Changgyeonggung Palace, you can make the route more stable by deciding on the subway route, station, and exit before the bus route. This article focuses on the order of starting from the station, walking to the site, and returning to the subway, based on information on night view attractions released at Seoul Open Data Plaza.
For Changgyeonggung Palace, check the subway route first.
In the original Seoul Open Data Plaza, the subway access information here is listed as “Walk from Exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on Subway Line 4.” When going to see the night view, use this guide as a reference point from the departure station, and check the relevant route and exit signs first while inside the station.
At night, even at the same station, the pedestrian flow at each exit and the location of the crosswalk significantly change the perceived travel time. Entering the address rather than the place name as the destination in the map app and then checking the subway stop, exit, and walking route on one screen makes it easier to plan than relying on bus transfers.
Changgyeonggung Palace as seen through public information in Seoul
Changgyeonggung Palace (昌慶宮) is a palace built by King Seongjong in the old Suganggung Palace for his three royal concubines. Changgyeonggung Palace was originally the site of Suganggung Palace, which was built by King Sejong in 1418 (when King Sejong ascended the throne) for King Taejong of Sang. Later, in 1483 (the 14th year of King Seongjong's reign), King Seongjong greatly expanded Sugang Palace for his three queen concubines (Queen Jeonghui, Queen of King Sejo, Queen Sohye, Queen of Deokjong, and Queen Ansun, Queen of Yejong) and renamed the palace Changgyeonggung. Changgyeonggung Palace was a single palace area called Donggwol (東闕) without boundaries with Changdeokgung Palace, and was mainly used as a living space for the royal family. Changgyeonggung Palace was destroyed by fire during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 (25th year of King Seonjo's reign) and rebuilt in 1616 (8th year of King Gwanghaegun's reign). Most of the buildings were destroyed by a great fire in 1830 (30th year of King Sunjo's reign) and rebuilt four years later. However, after King Sunjong ascended to the throne in 1907, a zoo and botanical garden were built within Changgyeonggung Palace, and it began to lose its appearance as a palace. In 1911, the name of the palace was downgraded to Changgyeongwon (昌慶苑) by the Japanese and it became a park rather than a palace, causing severe damage. After liberation, the name was restored to Changgyeonggung Palace in 1983, the zoo located within the palace grounds was relocated, and restoration work was carried out to its original appearance, resulting in its current appearance. Unlike other palaces that face south, Changgyeonggung Palace has its main gate and main hall facing east. (Source: Palace Relics Headquarters, Cultural Heritage Administration)
The night view is an itinerary to experience the lighting and surrounding walking environment after the sun sets. Rather than just looking at the viewpoint and moving quickly, you can reduce having to retrace your steps at the site by deciding in advance where you will stay after arrival, where you will take pictures, and the station you will return home from.
Look at the address and exit from the station to the site.
The published address is “185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.” After getting off, rather than just memorizing the exit number, open this address again to start walking directions. Even in the same station area, the entrance to the park, the north and south ends of the bridge, and the actual entrance to the cultural facility may be different.
Before exiting the exit, check the station's electronic signboard and exit map first, and check the main street direction and crosswalk once more on the ground. Traveling at night is much easier if you choose a road with wide sidewalks and lights rather than taking unreasonable shortcuts.
Please check operating hours and entrance fees on the day of departure.
The published operating hours are “Tuesday-Sunday 09:00~21:00 * Closed every Monday, operating hours vary by season.” The paid/free category is registered as “paid.” The usage fee information is “Paid: 1,000 won for adults, free for Hanbok wearers.” Nighttime operations, admission deadlines, and event date controls may vary from time to time, so please check the official website and on-site notices on the day of your visit.
In particular, access to some areas of parks, squares, and waterfront spaces may be restricted depending on weather, events, and facility inspections. It is a good idea to first decide on the end time of the tour based on the last subway train, and leave enough walking time to return home after arriving at the site.
Plan your way home around the subway.
The exit you used to come in is not always the best exit to get home. After finishing the tour, check again the nearest station entrance and the direction of the line you want to board before moving on. If the last train is close, compare routes with fewer transfers first, and within a station, select a platform based on the actual destination on the electronic display rather than the route color.
The subway access information in this article is a compilation of information registered in Seoul's open data. Train operations, exit openings, and pedestrian control may change in real time, so please use the Seoul Transportation Corporation and on-site guidance as the final guideline just before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which subway station can I get off at Changgyeonggung Palace?
Public data from the Seoul Metropolitan Government states, “Walk from Exit 4 of Hyehwa Station on Subway Line 4.” Please check the map and station signs on the day of your visit for the actual exit and walking route.
Is it better to take the subway rather than the bus?
This guide focuses on how to first determine the subway route, station, and exit. However, if you are traveling after the last train, accompanying a vulnerable person, or in a situation where there is on-site control, compare taxis and other means as well.
Where can I check operating hours and admission fees?
Please check the original operating hours and usage fee information of Seoul Open Data Plaza and the official website of each location. Nighttime operations and admission deadlines are announced on the day of visit.
Check Official Information Before You Go
Operating hours, fares, exits, and facility information may change. Check the official information and station signs below before travelling.