We left Myeongdong Station at 10AM to start our tour of Seoul's four major palaces. First stop was Changdeokgung Palace, so from Myeongdong (Line 4), we transferred at Chungmuro Station to Line 3, for the train going to the direction of Euljiro 3(sam)-ga. We got off at Jongno 3(same)-ga Station and went out through Exit 7. Coming out from the subway exit, we didn't know first which way to go, but fortunately, some grandpas noticed us and I assume asked us where we're going. They didn't speak English, but understood us when we said "Changdeokgung", so they just pointed to the palace's direction. It was actually straight ahead coming out from the subway stairs - a 7-minute walk.
When we reached Changdeokgung, we bought the combination ticket, a KRW 10,000 ticket valid for the four palaces that we'll visit plus the Jongmyo Shrine. Each palace has its own admission fee, but if you're planning to visit all of them, might as well get this ticket.
After taking some pictures of the palace and its grounds, we went to the Secret Garden entrance for the 11:30AM English tour. This tour was included in the combination ticket and lasted for 1.5 hours. Joining a tour is required to enter the Secret Garden, so anyone can't just wander around.
After the tour, we went back to the Secret Garden entrance because right beside it is the entrance to the next palace, Changgyeonggung. Unlike the previous one, we only stayed here for about 30 minutes, hoping to catch the ceremonies at the next palace.
After Changgyeonggung palace, we went back to Changdeokgung to go back to Jongno 3(sam)-ga station, but instead of taking Line 3, we rode the Line 1 train going to City Hall station. Right beside the City Hall station is Deoksugung Palace. I think you can use either Exit 1 or 2, but we got out from the latter and just walked straight coming out for just about 150 meters. We were hoping to catch the 2PM Changing of the Guards ceremony and we arrived just in time.
After the ceremony, we had a quick snack at the Dunkin Donuts store just beside the palace's gate. 2 sandwiches and a soda cost KRW 9,000. Then, off to the palace itself.
Last on the list was Gyeongbokgung Palace, so to go there, we went back to Jongno 3(sam-ga) via Line 1, transferred to Line 3 in the direction of Anguk, then got off at Gyeongbokgung Station. The station's Exit 5 is connected to the palace's side entrance.
We were done with the four palaces by 5:30 PM. Originally, our plan was Gyeongbokgung → Deoksugung (11AM Changing of the Guards) → Changdeokgung (plus Secret Garden tour) → Changgyeonggung → Jongmyo Shrine, but because we started late, we had to adjust and also sacrifice the visit to Jongmyo Shrine.
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