Changgyeonggung Palace was originally the site of the Suganggung Palace, built by Sejong(the year of King Sejong's accession) for his father King Taejong in 1418. In 1483 (the 13th year of King Seongjong's reign), King Seongjong enlarged the palace and named it Changgyeonggung Palace for the living quarters of the seniors in the royal family, who were Queen Jeonghui(King Sejo's consort), Queen Sohye (Insudaebi, Queen of Chujon honored King Deokjong), and Queen Ansun (Queen of King Yejong) at that time.

Changgyeonggung Palace was also used as an independent palace, but it was called Donggueol because it was used as a palace without boundaries with Changdeokgung Palace. While Changdeokgung Palace was mainly used as a political space, Changgyeonggung Palace was used as a living space, showing that it emphasizes practicality rather than authority. It was burned down in 1592 (the 25th year of King Seonjo's reign) during the Japanese Invasion of Joseon, and was rebuilt during the reign of Gwanghaegun, and Myeongjeongjeon Hall, the main hall for the royal rituals and events, is the oldest hall among those at the five major palaces. It was mainly used as a living space for royal women, where several kings were born and where several kings and queens passed away. Most notably, Chujon honored King Jangjo (Sado Crown Prince) and King Jeongjo were born in Changgyeonggung Palace and died in Changgyeonggung Palace.

However, since 1907, during the Korean Empire, the palace was damaged by the Japanese most of the buildings were demolished and a zoo and botanical gardens were set up inside the palace, and in 1911, the name was changed to Changgyeongwon. In 1983, the palace was renamed back to Changgyeonggung Palace, and a full-scale restoration was undertaken, giving it its current appearance.