Events

Changdeokgung's Daejojeon Opens Inside for the First Time: Special Tour of Heojeongdang and Daejojeon (Oct 20–31, Lottery)

AI-generated image of a traditional Korean palace hall with one lattice door slightly open and a stone step in front, in autumn light. Thin white lines trace the door and the step next to a handwritten note reading 'Peek inside'.

AT A GLANCE

Dates
Oct 20 (Tue)–31 (Sat), Tuesday to Saturday
Sessions
Twice a day, starting 10:00 and 14:30, about 70 minutes each
Group size
Up to 24 per session, ages 19 and over
Cost
Tour is free; the palace ticket is bought separately
Apply
Advance lottery, closes Oct 16 at 10:00 (no group or walk-up entries)
Contact
Changdeokgung Management Office website

Changdeokgung is opening the inside of Heojeongdang and Daejojeon, the living quarters of the king and queen, for a guided special tour from October 20 to 31. Daejojeon opens to visitors for the first time this year. It runs twice a day for up to 24 people, by lottery, and applications close on October 16 at 10:00. This guide focuses on prep for lottery winners and options if you missed it. Checked on: 2026-10-16

The hero image is AI-generated and is not a photo of the real palace.

What is this program?

It’s called “Entering Changdeokgung’s Inner Quarters, the Living Space of the King and Queen.” The inner quarters were where the royal couple lived, at the back of the palace. Two buildings are open this time.

  • Heojeongdang: has had limited special tours since 2022.
  • Daejojeon: opened inside to the public for the first time this year.

Both burned down in a fire in 1917 and were rebuilt in 1920. That’s why you’ll find glass windows, Western-style wallpaper, lampshades and carpets alongside traditional Korean architecture.

What you’ll see

  • Heojeongdang: replicas of Kim Gyu-jin’s paintings of scenic Diamond Mountain views
  • Daejojeon: a phoenix painting by Oh Il-yong and Lee Yong-woo and a facsimile of Kim Eun-ho’s white cranes
  • Traces of old radiators, a guest restroom in Heojeongdang and a barbershop in Daejojeon thought to have been used for King Sunjong’s hair

Winners, bring your ID. You check in at the Visitor Support Center desk with your lottery message and ID.

If you won

  • Results arrive by message after 10:00 on October 16. The “application received” message you got earlier isn’t a win notice.
  • One application per account, up to 2 tickets.
  • Check-in times: 9:30–9:50 for the morning session, 14:00–14:20 for the afternoon.
  • After check-in you get a badge and booklet, buy a palace ticket and wait in front of the World Heritage marker inside Geumhomun Gate.
  • You can’t join after your entry time has passed.

If you didn’t apply

There are no walk-up entries or group bookings. Check other Changdeokgung programs instead: the 2026 autumn festival calendar lists the crown-prince program running through November 8, and Seoul outings for Chuseok has palace route ideas.

FAQ

Can I still apply? Applications close October 16 at 10:00. There is no walk-up entry.

Can kids join? No. Participants must be 19 or older.

What does it cost? The tour is free. You pay only for the palace ticket.

Sources (checked on 2026-10-16)