Huwon Garden, Biwon Garden or Rear Garden behind the Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site
Spring is approaching and I think it would be the best time to return to the Secret Garden soon…
This beautiful garden located behind the Changdeokgung palace was originally constructed for the benefit of the royal family and women of the palace. It’s a magic place just to wonder around. You will find there a lotus pond, several outstanding pavilions, and landscaped lawns, trees, and flowers.
Just like English gardens, the Korean gardens used to be kept as natural as possible and so the streams, rocks and hillsides become integral parts of the garden. There are over 26,000 specimens of a hundred different species of trees in the garden and some of the trees behind the palace are now over 300 years old.
Secret garden has undergone a series of name changes over its history : because it was an extremely private space for the king it has been called ‘Geumwon’ (금원, 禁苑, Forbidden garden) because even high officials could not dare to come in without king’s permission.Other name of the garden used to be ‘Naewon’ (내원, 內苑, ‘Inner garden’).
Today Koreans often call it ‘Biwon’ (비원, 秘院, Secret garden) which derived from the office of same name in the late 19th century . Though the garden had many another names, the name most frequently used through Joseon dynasty period was ‘Huwon’.
- Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 3. Go straight for 5min.
- Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1, 3 or 5), Exit 7. Go straight along the Donhwamun-ro Street for 10min.
kidsfuninseoul 
Thank you for providing such a valuable information.
Thanks Alejandra! We’re glad if this is helpful!
Do you know how long is the guided tour?
I think it takes approximately 1 hour.