Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung, founded in 1395, is the foremost main palace of the Joseon dynasty and shows the essence of Joseon palace architecture in buildings such as Geunjeongjeon, Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong. Wearing a hanbok gets you in free, and the royal guard changing ceremony is a signature sight that is especially popular with international visitors.

• Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun subway stations)
• Coordinates: 37.5796, 126.9770
• Admission: paid for adults (free in hanbok; check at the time of your visit)
• Best time: spring and autumn, in the morning right after opening
• Time needed: 2–3 hours

• Geunjeongjeon: a National Treasure, the throne hall where kings were enthroned and held court
• Gyeonghoeru: a pavilion over a pond and the signature photo spot
• Hyangwonjeong: a pavilion and pond in the rear garden
• National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum: within or next to the grounds

The royal guard changing ceremony is reenacted several times a day at Gwanghwamun Gate. It can be cancelled because of rain, extreme heat or events, so check the schedule on the day.

• Bukchon Hanok Village: within walking distance
• Gwanghwamun and Cheonggyecheon: a downtown walk
• Samcheong-dong and Insa-dong: cafés and traditional streets

• Admission is free if you rent a hanbok, so many visitors use the rental shops nearby.
• It is quietest right after opening, which is best for clean photos.
• Combine it with Bukchon and Samcheong-dong for a half-day route.

Gyeongbokgung is the main palace founded by King Taejo of Joseon in 1395. After the Imjin War and the Japanese colonial period, it has been restored in stages since the 1990s. Geunjeongjeon, Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong are its signature buildings, and the royal guard changing ceremony takes place in front of Gwanghwamun every hour on the hour (cancelled in winter and in rain). Admission is free in hanbok, so many travelers plan their route together with a nearby hanbok rental shop.

The Gyeongbokgung combined ticket covers four palaces and one shrine (Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Jongmyo) for 3 months, which makes it good value. Night openings (twice a year, in spring and autumn only) require advance booking, which you apply for on the Korea Tourism Organization website. Gwanghwamun Square and the National Palace Museum (free) are also a 5-minute walk away, so they are easy to combine.

Admission, opening hours and event schedules may change, so please check official information before you visit. This content is general travel information.