,url-https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tripexpert.com%2Fimages%2Fmarker-fade%402x.png(126.97701,37.579338)/126.98458012193441,37.57929613267808,15.33059298580614/1280x214@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidHJpcGV4cGVydHdlYiIsImEiOiJja2Fud3l2MDcwbXZ0MndyeGF3eGI3ZWhzIn0.zLqNa1RECyZZadF8zfQM5w)
Changdeokgung PalacevsGyeongbokgung Palace
Both are rated highly by expert reviewers. Overall, Changdeokgung Palace ranks slightly better than Gyeongbokgung Palace. Changdeokgung Palace is ranked #1 in Seoul with positive reviews from 7 sources including Michelin Guide, Fodor's and Lonely Planet.
Changdeokgung Palace
Fodor's
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
Afar Magazine Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
Time Out Afar Magazine
99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-360, South Korea
From $0/night
Fodor's "If you only have time for one of Seoul's five palaces, Changdeokgung is the one to see." Full review
Frommer's "Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Changdeokgung's rear garden has remained a resting area for the royals since the time of King Taejong." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"The beautiful main palace building, Injeongjeon... sits in harmony with the paved courtyard, the open corridors and the trees behind it." Full review
i
The highlight, Biwon (Huwon), the Secret or Hidden Garden.
Afar Magazine "The leafy gardens provide respite from the non-stop city beyond the walls." Full review
Lonely Planet "The beautiful main palace building of Changdeokgung sits in harmony with the paved courtyard, the open corridors and the trees behind it." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"A Unesco world heritage site, Changdeokgung was built in 1404 to house the royal family and remained a royal residence up until 1989." Full review
Time Out "The most well-preserved of all the palaces, Changdeokgung Palace is said to be the favored palace of the Joseon princes and a personal favorite of Seoul locals." Full review
Afar Magazine "a prime example of pungsu, a style derived from the principles of Confucianism that harmoniously blends architecture with the surrounding landscape. " Full review
Gyeongbokgung Palace Fodor's Frommer's Lonely Planet Lonely Planet Lonely Planet Afar Magazine Michelin Guide Time Out Time Out
Independent
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
From $0/night
Fodor's "A must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture, Gyeongbokgung is the most visited tourist site in Korea so crowds can be dense." Full review
Frommer's "Of the five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, this was the largest and most important one." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"Two of the grandest architectural sights in Seoul are here." Full review
Lonely Planet "One of the most impressive structures within Seoul's main palace Gyeongbokgung, this large pavilion rests on 48 pillars and overlooks an artificial lake with two small islands." Full review
Lonely Planet "The main palace building of Gyeongbokgung stands on a double-tiered stone platform with surrounding open-sided corridors." Full review
Afar Magazine "Gyeongbok-gung Palace, Seoul: these gardens and buildings in the middle of this frenetic city date back to the 1390's." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace built in the 19C on the ruins of the former city of kings (late 14C) of the Joseon Dynasty, was damaged in the early 20C during the Japanese occupation." Full review
Time Out "Known as the 'Northern Palace', Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most well known of the five palaces. " Full review
Time Out "Hidden inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jibokjae is one of the oldest and, possibly, the most visually stunning public libraries in Seoul" Full review
Independent "Gyeongbokgung Palace is the diamond at the heart of Seoul, the main royal palace dating from 1395 and dripping with history."
