Changgyeonggung Palace

Address: 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: https://english.cha.go.kr/

Changgyeonggung is a royal palace complex in central Seoul, South Korea, originally established during the Joseon dynasty. It was constructed in the 15th century and later modified under successive kings.

The site presents a compact sequence of traditional wooden halls, gates and courtyards arranged around landscaped grounds, offering a close view of Joseon-era royal residential architecture. The palace compound also contains the Western-style Seokjojeon building, added in the early 20th century and used for exhibitions.

Founded as a royal residence in the Joseon period, the palace has been repaired and altered across centuries and served various ceremonial and residential functions for members of the royal family. Early 20th-century additions introduced Western architectural elements to the grounds.

Located east of central Seoul in the Jongno district, the palace sits within the modern urban fabric close to other historic sites and is reachable by Seoul’s metro and bus networks.

• Palace network: One of the Five Grand Palaces built by Joseon dynasty monarchs in Seoul, originally constructed in the 15th century and repeatedly rebuilt and extended.
• Notable building: Contains **Seokjojeon**, an early 20th-century Western-style building within the palace grounds that contrasts with the traditional wooden structures.

What to See#

• Seokjojeon (Western-style hall): Seokjojeon is a Western-style brick and stone building on the palace grounds dating to the early 20th century and now used for exhibitions and cultural displays.
• Joseon-era halls and pavilions: The palace complex contains a series of wooden Joseon-era pavilions, gates and courtyards that exemplify royal residential architecture of the dynasty.

Changgyeonggung is in central Seoul near the Hyehwa and Jongno districts. The easiest public-transit route is Seoul Metro Line 4 to Hyehwa Station-it’s roughly a 10‑minute walk from the station to the palace entrances. Jongno 3‑ga Station (Lines 1, 3 and 5) is also within a 10-15 minute walk; multiple city buses along Jongno road stop near the palace as well.

• Go at opening to enjoy quieter grounds and better photo opportunities; Changgyeonggung is less crowded early in the day than during peak tourist hours when groups circulate between the nearby palaces.
• Don't miss the palace greenhouse and the restored historic garden areas - these features are less obvious from the main approach and are often skipped by visitors who only walk the central courtyards.
• Combine your visit with a short walk to the neighboring palaces (Changdeokgung and Jongmyo are nearby) to spread visitorship across the complexes and avoid returning during the busiest mid-day period.