Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Small Group Walking Tour - Royal Tragedies and Admission Included

Hear the tragic stories of the
Joseon royal family at Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung was the residence of the Joseon royal family for centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through the palace for 1 hour 30 minutes with a live English-speaking guide and hear the stories of the people who lived there. Palace admission is included and groups are limited to 8 people. It is a storytelling tour that is easy to follow even if you do not know Korean history.

Learn about the royal family and the fight for the throne

The stories follow questions such as why a king wiped out the family of the queen who helped him take the throne, and why a crown prince was locked in a rice chest by his own father. You will also hear about the hidden bond between a king and queen who took the throne over his brothers, and a tragedy between fathers and sons across three generations of Joseon, as you move through the palace.

Stand where the last emperor lost his country

From private conflicts behind the throne to the last days of the Korean Empire, each space tells a different story. Stand where the last emperor of the Korean Empire lost his country and feel his sorrow.

Many of the stories are sad, but the guide tells them in a relaxed, conversational way, so the tour itself never feels heavy.

Finish at Nakseonjae and look around

The tour ends at Nakseonjae, a quiet corner of the palace where the last members of the royal family lived. Take photos, ask the guide questions, and have a last look around at your own pace.

※ This tour covers only the main palace area of Changdeokgung. The Secret Garden requires a separate ticket and reservation and is not included.
※ If some areas of the palace are temporarily restricted or closed, the exact route may change. The main stories and the tour duration stay the same.