Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide (things to do + how to get there)

If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace should be on your top five places to visit!

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the five grand royal palaces in Seoul and the biggest.

I’ve been a few times already, and I’m sure I’ll be back again. 😆

Make sure to visit for a time hop into the rich history and architecture from the Joseon dynasty.

If you’re new to South Korea, read my travel guide to South Korea.

Here’s a comprehensive Gyeongbokgung Palace guide, including its history, entrance fee, opening hours, what to do, nearby attractions, travel tours and how to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

It’s a must for a short trip or one day in Seoul itinerary.

And once you’ve visited, I recommend going to the other royal palaces of Seoul too.

Quick History of Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest palace in Seoul at over 4 million square feet.

It was built in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty, but was destroyed by a fire during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and then rebuilt in 1868.

It served as the central palace and residence of the Joseon kings, their households, and the government officials.

The palace’s name itself means “Palace of Shining Happiness.”

Where is Gyeongbokgung Palace Located?

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is located in the Jongno-gu district, in the northern part of central Seoul, near the base of Mount Bugaksan and to the west of the city’s main business district.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Admission Price

The entrance fee for Gyeongbokgung Palace is 3,000 won ($2.30 USD) for adults and 1,500 won ($1.15 USD) for children.

You can purchase tickets at the ticket booth located near the main entrance. They accept cash and credit card.

Free guided tours of the palace are available in multiple languages. Inquire at the information center.

NOTE: All palaces in Seoul are free on the last Wednesdays of the month!

If you enter wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), you get free admission.

Many visitors wear hanboks and take photos inside the palace and around the palace grounds.

If you want to rent a hanbok in advance, you can get a hanbok rental from Viator online for $7 USD.

You can also rent a hanbok from Oneday Hanbok, a hanbok rental shop near the palace and the cost ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 won depending on the outfit.

Opening Hours for Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except Tuesday.

The best time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

BUT, if you want to make the Change of Guards Ceremony, it’s best to go right before 10am or 2pm.

The Palace Change of Guards ceremony inside Gyeongbokgung Palace takes place twice a day, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

The ceremony is free to attend, and it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot.

When I first visited, it was nearing 2:00 PM, and I was on the other side of the palace so I hurried to make the ceremony.

The palace is massive, so make sure to plan accordingly. If you happen to be outside the palace, you’ll see the guards changing at Gwanghwamun Gate too.

Popular Gyeongbokgung Palace Tours

If you want to get a guide of Gyeongbokgung Palace and other popular Seoul attractions, you can easily book them online.

Plus, you’ll get a better insight into the palace’s history.

Here are two popular Gyeongbokgung Palace tours:

What to Do in Gyeongbokgung Palace

The palace features numerous pavilions, halls, courtyards, and gardens that showcase traditional Korean architectural styles.

You’ll see lots of wooden structures, tiled roofs, and stone pillars.

Here are some of the main sites that you won’t want to miss.

1. Gyeonghoeru Pavilion

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion sits on a small island in a pond. This is where the kings of the Joseon dynasty held banquets and entertained foreign guests.

2. Jagyeongjeon Hall

Jagyeongjeon Hall is a two-story building that was originally built as the queen’s quarters. The hall also features an impressive throne used by the queen during important ceremonies.

3. Hyangwonjeong Pavilion

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion is a small pavilion located on a small island in a pond.

The pavilion was built for the queen’s leisure and has several rooms that were used by the royal family for activities like including banquets, music performances, and poetry readings.

4. Geunjeongjeon Hall

Geunjeongjeon Hall was used for important state affairs and royal events.

The hall has a beautiful painted ceiling and elaborate carvings on the wooden pillars made by Joseon-era craftsmen.

5. Sujeongjeon Hall

Sujeongjeon Hall is another must-see spot in the palace. This hall was used as the king’s study with a beautifully carved wooden desk and shelves filled with ancient books and artifacts.

6. Gyotaejeon Hall

Gyotaejeon Hall is a building that was used as the king’s bedroom. The hall has a unique painted designs on the walls and ceilings and is decorated with ornate furniture and decorations.

7. Sajeongjeon Hall

Sajeongjeon Hall was used as the king’s office and used for meetings with officials, receiving foreign ambassadors, and holding important ceremonies. You can also see a throne that was used by the king.

8. Gwanghwamun Gate

Gwanghwamun Gate is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the first landmark you’ll see when you enter the palace grounds.

Gwanghwamun Gate is also the starting point for the guard change ceremony and a great spot to watch it from outside the palace.

9. Gyeongbokgung Palace Throne Hall

The Gyeongbokgung Palace served as the main venue for ceremonies and events. The throne, which was used by the king, is still on display.

10. Jibokjae Hall

Jibokjae Hall was used as a library and study for King Gojong, the last king of the Joseon Dynasty. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public and can only be viewed from the outside.

How to Go to Gyeongbokgung Palace

Getting to Gyeongbokgung Palace is relatively easy, as it’s located in the city center and can be accessed by subway, bus, and taxi.

By Train:

The nearest subway station to Gyeongbokgung Palace is Gyeongbokgung Station, which is located on Line 3. From Exit 5, it’s a short walk getting to the palace.

By Bus:

To get to Gyeongbokgung Palace by bus, take one of the many city buses that stop near the palace.

The buses that stop at the palace include bus numbers 1020, 1711, 109, 171, 172, and 601. Get off at the Gyeongbokgung Palace bus stop.

By Taxi:

You can also hail a taxi. Uber works in Seoul if you don’t have the Kakao Taxi app, or don’t want to hail a taxi.

It’s also walkable from Gwanghwamun Square.

How Long Do You Need at Gyeongbokgung Palace?

I recommend saving 2 to 3 hours for your trip to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The palace is large at over 4 million square feet. To make the most of your visit, bring a map of the palace grounds.

You can find a map at the ticket booth or download one online before your visit.

Things to Do Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

If you have time, there’s several other attractions and things to do near Gyeongbokgung Palace that are worth a visit.

Some of the nearby attractions that are walkable to the palace (or a short bus or train ride away) include:

Changgyeonggung Palace

This palace was built in the 1400’s and has the most greenery of all the palaces in Seoul. Admission to this palace costs just 77 cents (1,000 won).

🌌 See Changgyeonggung Palace at night with a walking tour

Insadong

Insadong Street is located in the northern-central Jong district and is a long street of local shops and restaurants, including the famous Ssamzigil Mall.

You can find a lot of traditional Korean souvenirs here. Inside Insadong Street are the popular Annyeong Insadong and Ssamzigil Malls.

Bukchon Hanok Village

This village consists of traditional Korean houses designed with nature and weather in mind. It’s a beautiful neighborhood and many tourists come dressed in hanboks to take photos.

Is Gyeongbokgung Palace Worth Visiting?

Gyeongbokgung Palace is easily one of the top must-visit places to visit in Seoul (another one would be Seoul Tower/Namsan Park!).

You get to see some of the most beautiful structures in Korea and see the rich culture and history of the country. It was my favorite time-hop in South Korea.

Plus there’s lots of things to do near the palace as well.

Hope this Gyeongbokgung Palace guide was helpful! Enjoy your visit!

Ready to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace? Book at tour:

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