Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung — The Main Joseon Palace, the Starting Line of a Korea Trip

If I had to recommend one place to a foreign friend visiting Seoul for the first time, it's almost always Gyeongbokgung. A 600-year-old palace sitting right in the city center, with N Seoul Tower and Gwanghwamun's high-rises behind it — the moment that says "this is Korea" lands here, more than anywhere else. Throw on a hanbok and admission is free, which is why 90% of foreign travelers leave with a hanbok photo from this palace.

What it is

The main palace of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897). First built in 1395, the largest of Seoul's five royal palaces. More than 90% was destroyed in the Japanese invasion (1592) and the colonial period, and major restoration since the 1990s is still ongoing today. In Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu.

Don't miss

• 🚪 Gwanghwamun Gate + Royal Guard Changing Ceremony — the main gate. The changing ceremony runs twice daily (10:00 and 14:00), about 20 minutes of traditional reenactment. Free to watch, the #1 hit for foreign visitors.
• 🏛 Geunjeongjeon — the throne hall (state and coronation ceremonies). A huge two-story wooden hall with a vast courtyard.
• 🍵 Gyeonghoeru Pavilion — a pavilion floating on a pond. The #1 foreign-traveler photo spot. General admission lets you view it from outside; interior visits require separate reservation.
• 🌸 Hyangwonjeong — a small pavilion on a pond. A signature spot in cherry-blossom and foliage seasons.
• 👑 Jagyeongjeon & Gangnyeongjeon — the queen's and king's quarters. Interiors closed, but the exteriors and courtyards have atmosphere.
• 🏯 National Palace Museum of Korea — an affiliated museum, free. Joseon royal relics.

Getting there — the easiest in Seoul

• Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5 → 1-min walk. Fastest.
• Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station Exit 2 → 5–7 min walk. Lets you start in front of Gwanghwamun.
• City bus: any "Gwanghwamun" stop.

Free admission in hanbok — what foreigners always use

Wearing hanbok (traditional or modernized) gets you in free (all five royal palaces).

• Hanbok rentals around Insadong and Gyeongbokgung: 2–3 hours from 15,000–25,000 won.
• Must be traditional or modern hanbok (fusion or costumes may be excluded).
• About 3,000 won in admission saved + the photos = effectively free.
• Staff are notably friendlier to hanbok wearers, and you get priority at photo spots.

Suggested route (2–3 hours)

1. Arrive at Gwanghwamun → time it for the changing ceremony (10:00 or 14:00 start)
2. Gwanghwamun → Geunjeongjeon (throne hall and courtyard)
3. Geunjeongjeon → Gyeonghoeru (pavilion-pond photo)
4. Jagyeongjeon → Hyangwonjeong (garden)
5. National Palace Museum (optional, add 1 hour)

Pair with nearby — the Jongno palace cluster

• Bukchon Hanok Village — 10–15 min walk from the east gate
• Insadong — 15 min walk southeast
• Samcheong-dong — connects from Bukchon. Cafés and galleries.
• Gwanghwamun Square — right in front of the main gate. King Sejong and Yi Sun-sin statues.
• Changdeokgung (another palace) — 20 min walk. Its rear garden is the real highlight (advance booking required).

Food — nearby

No food inside the palace. Around it:

• Gwanghwamun / Jongno — old kalguksu and gukbap shops
• Bukchon / Samcheong-dong — hanok cafés, hanjeongsik (Korean set meals)
• Insadong — traditional teahouses, hanjeongsik
• Gwangjang Market — 20-min walk, market food

Season by season

• 🌸 Spring (April) — cherry blossoms + plum. Around Hyangwonjeong and the rear garden peak here.
• ☀️ Summer — little shade. Bring an umbrella or hat. The bright light is great for hanbok photos.
• 🍁 Autumn (late Oct – early Nov) — foliage + tile roofs. The most beautiful time of year.
• ❄️ Winter — Gyeongbokgung in snow is a once-in-a-lifetime photo. Bring layers.

Night opening — special event

Gyeongbokgung runs night openings in spring and autumn. Reservations required and tickets sell out fast. The throne hall and Gyeonghoeru by night look nothing like the day. Foreigners can apply too.

• Spring night: part of April–May
• Autumn night: part of Sept–Oct
• Booking: Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation site or Interpark.

Honest tips

• Right at opening (9 AM) or 1–2 hours before closing has the fewest people. Lunch through afternoon brings tour-group crowds.
• Walking distances inside the palace are bigger than they look — wear comfortable shoes. Sneakers are fine even in hanbok.
• The changing ceremony only runs at 10 AM and 2 PM. Time your visit.
• Photo queues at Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong can be long. Be patient or try another angle.
• Don't do Changdeokgung the same day — both is exhausting. One palace per day.
• Audio guides in English, Chinese, Japanese, and more — free or low-cost at the ticket counter.

Visitor info

• Admission: about 3,000 won (adult) / free in hanbok / free for ages 6 and under and 65+
• Closed: Tuesdays
• Hours: 09:00–18:00 (varies by month in 30-min increments), last entry 17:00
• Official: royalpalace.go.kr (English supported)