What Is the Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour?
The Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour runs from April 16 to May 31, 2026 at Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Seoul. Tickets are 30,000 KRW (~$22 USD) per person for a 100-minute guided evening walk through halls and secret gardens that are only open to the public during this program, complete with traditional performing arts along the way.
First launched as a pilot program in 2010, this is now the 17th consecutive year for one of Korea’s most popular palace night programs. The serene nighttime scenery, story-rich pavilions, and harmonious landscaping of Changdeokgung can only be experienced after dark through this tour.
2026 Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour Schedule
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 16 – May 31, 2026 |
| Location | Changdeokgung Palace (99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul) |
| Entry Times | 19:10 / 20:00 (twice per evening) |
| Duration | Approx. 100 minutes |
| Admission | 30,000 KRW (~$22 USD) per person |
| Phone | 1522-2295 |
| Website | www.kh.or.kr |
| Organizer | Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Korea Heritage Service |
| Operator | Korea Heritage Agency |
Tour Route and Key Programs
Walking Route
The circular route starts at Geumhomun Gate and takes you through the palace’s most important halls and the famed Secret Garden (Huwon). The biggest draw is that areas like Buyongji Pond, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, Yeongyeongdang, and the Secret Garden forest trail—normally hard to access—are open for nighttime viewing.
Geumhomun Gate → Jinseonmun → Injeongjeon → Huijeongdang → Nakseonjae → Sangnyangjeong → Buyongji Pond → Aeryeonjeong & Aeryeonji Pond → Yeongyeongdang → Secret Garden Forest Trail → Geumhomun Gate
What’s Included
The Moonlight Tour is more than a simple night walk—it’s an immersive cultural experience that blends guided storytelling, live performances, and a garden stroll.
- Guided Night Walk: An expert guide shares the history, culture, and landscape stories of Changdeokgung as you walk through the palace grounds.
- Traditional Performing Arts: Live performances take place at Sangnyangjeong and Yeongyeongdang, each tailored to the atmosphere of the venue.
- Full-Course Commentary: Special commentary designed exclusively for the Moonlight Tour is provided throughout the entire route.
Ticket Prices and Discounts
| Category | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| General admission | 30,000 KRW (~$22 USD) | — |
| Severe disability (Grade 1–3) | 15,000 KRW (~$11 USD), 50% off | Applies to the visitor + 1 companion |
| Mild disability (Grade 4–6) | 15,000 KRW (~$11 USD), 50% off | Visitor only |
| Veterans / Registered patriots | 15,000 KRW (~$11 USD), 50% off | Visitor only |
You must present valid documentation (disability card, veteran registration card, etc.) at the entrance to receive the discount.
How to Get to Changdeokgung Palace
Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (와룡동)
From Seoul
- Subway: Take Line 3 to Anguk Station. The palace is within walking distance from the station.
From Busan
- KTX: The KTX bullet train from Busan Station to Seoul Station takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. From Seoul Station, transfer to the subway to reach the palace.
From Incheon International Airport
- Airport Railroad (AREX): The express train from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station takes about 43 minutes. From Seoul Station, transfer to the subway.
Since this is an evening event, public transportation is strongly recommended.
Tips Before You Visit
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking through palace grounds and garden paths for about 100 minutes, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential.
- Bring a light jacket. Although April and May days are warm, temperatures drop after 19:00. A light outer layer will keep you comfortable.
- Choose your entry time. Two sessions are available each evening—19:10 and 20:00. Pick the one that best fits your schedule.
- Book early—this program sells out fast. Now in its 17th year, the Moonlight Tour is hugely popular and often sells out well in advance. Book online at www.kh.or.kr as soon as tickets open.
- Bring your discount documentation. If you qualify for a disability or veteran discount, you must show the original certificate at the entrance—no document, no discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour?
It runs from April 16 to May 31, 2026, with two entry times each evening—19:10 and 20:00. The full tour takes about 100 minutes.
How much is the admission fee?
Tickets are 30,000 KRW (~$22 USD) per person. A 50% discount applies to visitors with severe disabilities or veterans.
Who qualifies for a discount?
Visitors with a severe disability (Grade 1–3) get 50% off for themselves plus one companion. Those with a mild disability (Grade 4–6) and registered veterans receive 50% off for themselves only. You must present valid documentation on-site.
What is the tour route?
The tour starts and ends at Geumhomun Gate, passing through Jinseonmun, Injeongjeon, Huijeongdang, Nakseonjae, Sangnyangjeong, Buyongji Pond, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, Yeongyeongdang, and the Secret Garden forest trail. It takes about 100 minutes.
What programs are included in the tour?
The tour includes expert-guided commentary on the palace’s history, architecture, and gardens, plus traditional Korean performing arts at Sangnyangjeong and Yeongyeongdang.
Where can I book tickets?
Tickets can be booked online at the Korea Heritage Agency website (www.kh.or.kr). For inquiries, call 1522-2295.
How do I get to Changdeokgung from Seoul Station?
Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station. From there, Changdeokgung Palace is within walking distance. The airport express (AREX) from Incheon Airport takes about 43 minutes to Seoul Station, where you can transfer to the subway.