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Changdeokgung Palace vs Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Both are highly recommended by writers. On balance, Changdeokgung Palace ranks significantly higher than Seodaemun Prison History Hall. Changdeokgung Palace comes in at #1 in Seoul with praise from 6 reviewers like Lonely Planet, Frommer's and Michelin Guide.

Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace
9 / 10
99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-360, South Korea
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"If you only have time for one of Seoul's five palaces, Changdeokgung is the one to see." Full review
Frommer's 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 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 Afar Magazine
"The leafy gardens provide respite from the non-stop city beyond the walls." Full review
Lonely Planet 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
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Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
8 / 10
484 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-760, South Korea
From $0 /night
Frommer's Frommer's
"Located in Seodaemun Independence Park, this prison-turned-museum was built at the end of the Joseon Dynasty and used as a place to torture and kill Korean patriots of the independence movement." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Built in 1908, this one-time prison is a symbol of Japanese cruelty and oppression during their colonial rule of Korea from 1910 until 1945." Full review
Atlas Obscura Atlas Obscura
"A chilling monument to Korean patriots who resisted the Japanese occupation. " Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"It once imprisoned Korean independence activists...it houses history exhibits and various prison rooms documenting their suffering and honoring the lives lost on the road to Korean independence." Full review