When going to Changdeokgung 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 Changdeokgung Palace, check the subway route first.

In the original Seoul Open Data Plaza, the subway access information here is listed as “Walk from Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station on Subway Line 1.” 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.

Changdeokgung Palace as seen through public information in Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace (昌德宮) is the most Korean-style palace in harmony with nature and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Changdeokgung Palace was founded in 1405 (the 5th year of King Taejong's reign) as a secondary palace of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace. It was destroyed in the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 (the 25th year of King Seonjo's reign) and rebuilt in 1610 (the 2nd year of King Gwanghaegun's reign) as the first palace among the palaces. Afterwards, successive kings used Changdeokgung Palace more for about 270 years until Gyeongbokgung Palace was rebuilt in 1867, serving as a de facto legal palace. In particular, Heungbokheon, a building attached to Daejojeon, is also an unfortunate place where the Gyeongsul national rule was decided in 1910, and the Nakseonjae area is also where the last imperial family of the Korean Empire (Empress Sunjeong (second empress of King Sunjong), Crown Princess Uimin (Lady Lee Bang-ja), and Princess Deokhye (daughter of King Gojong) lived and passed away after liberation. The back garden was first built on the north side of Changdeokgung Palace in 1406 (the 6th year of King Taejong's reign), expanded in 1463 (9th year of King Sejo's reign), and then destroyed during the Japanese Invasion of Korea. Afterwards, from the reign of King Injo to the reign of King Sunjo, Okryucheon, Gyujanggak, Juhamnu, Aeryeonji, Uiduhap, and Yeongyeongdang were additionally built, creating a harmony between Changdeokgung Palace as a space for politics and a space for rest and living. Changdeokgung Palace was called ‘East Palace’ without any distinction from Changgyeonggung Palace. Compared to other palaces, Changdeokgung Palace was built naturally to harmonize with the surrounding terrain rather than following artificial structures, and was evaluated as the most Korean-style palace, so it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 (Source: Cultural Heritage Administration Palace Site Headquarters website)

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 “99 Yulgok-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 09:00~18:00 * Closed every Monday, operating hours vary by season.” The paid/free category is registered as “paid.” The usage fee information is “3,000 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 Changdeokgung Palace?

Public data from the Seoul Metropolitan Government states, “Walk from Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station on Subway Line 1.” 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.