Changdeokgung Palace Walking Tour: A Royal Family's Tragedy
ID: GYG1522708-2328790
Category:
Country: South Korea
Duration:
01:30 hours
Description
Walk through Changdeokgung, a UNESCO World Heritage, and discover the sorrowful fates of the Joseon royal family hidden behind the palace’s splendor. An engaging, easy-to-follow 90-minute walking tour
Get to know Changdeokgung, a palace that was home to Joseon’s royal family for centuries, through the sorrowful stories that stand in contrast to its beauty.
This 90-minute storytelling walk focuses on the human side of the dynasty. Why did a king destroy the family of the queen who helped him win the throne? Why was a crown prince locked in a rice chest by his own father? And what happened when Korea’s last emperor faced the end of his empire?
As you walk through the palace, each space reveals another chapter of royal life, from the private struggles behind the throne to the final days of the Korean Empire.
Rather than overwhelming you with dates and architectural details, the tour connects history to the people who lived it, making even the most unfamiliar stories easy to follow. No background in Korean history is needed.
Yes, these are sad stories, but the tour itself is anything but heavy. Told in a relaxed, conversational way, with surprising details and real drama, it’s a walk you’ll enjoy as much as you’ll remember.
The walk finishes at Nakseonjae, a quiet corner of the palace where the last members of the royal family once lived. Take your time there for photos, questions and a last look around.
Highlights
- Discover the real story of the royal family who lived amid the beauty of palace
- Uncover the hidden bond of the king and queen who won the throne over brothers
- Hear the tragic story of fathers and sons across three Joseon generations
- Stand where Korea’s last emperor lost his country, and feel his sorrow
- Finish at Nakseonjae with time for further exploring
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This tour covers the main palace area only. The Secret Garden (Huwon) requires a separate ticket and reservation and is not part of this tour.
Hanbok rental is not included. If you wish to wear a hanbok, please arrange your rental before the tour.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the starting time. Late arrivals may not be able to join once the tour has started.
The exact route may change if palace areas are temporarily restricted or closed. The main stories and tour duration will remain the same.
Please meet your guide in front of the ticket office at Changdeokgung Palace.
Your guide will send you a photo of the exact meeting point individually the day before the tour.
INCLUDED
- Palace admission ticket
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide
NOT INCLUDED
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Hanbok rental
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
