I enter a meditative state as I gaze at the repeating wooden beams that fan out before me in geometric floral patterns. I almost forget I’m in the middle of the city until I see Seoul’s skyscrapers peeking over the palace walls. If you only have time to visit one of the five palace complexes while in South Korea’s capital, Changdeokgung is the one to see. If you purchase the Secret Garden Tour tickets onsite (that portion can only be visited through a guided tour), it’s recommended to buy them 1-1.5 hours before the tour – they tend to sell out quickly. You can use the time beforehand to explore the rest of the complex. Brochures, maps, and panels are placed throughout the complex written in Korean and English for self-guided tours. #palace #history #architecture #unesco