The largest and most iconic of Seoul’s five royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-visit if your into history, culture, and photography. Built in 1395, it served as the main seat of the Joseon Dynasty and remains one of the most important cultural landmarks in Korea.

Location & Hours

• Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161)

• Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) → Exit 4 (u-turn) or Exit 5 (straight to main gate)

• Closed: Tuesdays

• Hours:

  • Jan–Feb: 9:00am – 5:00pm

  • Mar–May: 9:00am – 6:00pm

  • Jun–Aug: 9:00am – 6:30pm

  • Sep–Oct: 9:00am – 6:00pm

  • Nov–Dec: 9:00am – 5:00pm

• Changing of the Guard: 10:00am & 2:00pm at Gwanghwamun Gate (free to watch)

  The ceremony is a reenactment of this custom of the royal court which was performed during the Joseon Dynasty to ensure security of the king and his court.
  

Pricing

• Admission: Adults ₩3,000 | Youth (7–18) ₩1,500 | Under 7 & Over 64: Free

• Free Entry: Wear a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) for free admission — dozens of rental shops are nearby.
  

Tips:

1. Arrive Early → Be at the gates by 8:45am. Enter as soon as it opens at 9:00am. This way you beat the tour buses & you'll have better photos.

2. Start at Geunjeongjeon Hall (근정전) → The throne room. Fewer crowds early on.

3. Head West to Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (경회루) → The iconic banquet hall on water.

4. Go North Through the Residences → Gangnyeongjeon (king’s quarters), Gyotaejeon (queen’s quarters), and inner court halls.

5. Hyangwonjeong Pavilion (향원정) → Cross the small bridge to this photogenic pond pavilion. By this time, crowds will be moving the opposite direction.

6. Wrap Up → Visit the National Folk Museum inside the palace grounds, or exit north to Seochon/Tongin Market for lunch.

7. Don’t skip the Changing of the Guard at Gwanghwamun Gate — it’s colorful and free.

8. A Royal Palace Pass (₩10,000) covers Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung (with Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Jongmyo Shrine — great value if you’re visiting multiple sites.

9. The palace is mostly outdoors, so bring water in summer and bundle up in winter.

Tours

• Free Guided Tours: Start at Heungnyemun Gate Information Center.

  • English: 11:00am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm (daily, except Tuesdays)

  • Japanese: 10:00am, 2:30pm

  • Chinese: 10:30am, 3:00pm

  • Other languages (Vietnamese/Spanish) at select times.

• Special Events: Moonlight Tours, concerts, and cultural performances (book via Creatrip).

• Photo Tip: Hire a local photographer or rent a hanbok for stunning palace shots.

Whats nearby

• Bukchon Hanok Village → Traditional neighborhood with cafes & galleries.

• Tongin Market → Try the famous dosirak (lunchbox) cafeteria.

• Insadong → Souvenirs, tea houses, and Jogyesa Temple.

• MMCA Seoul (Modern & Contemporary Art Museum) → Next to the east gate.

• Bugaksan Trail → Scenic hike behind the palace with fortress wall views.