Gyeongbokgung Palace Tours

Gyeongbok Palace featuring heritage architecture and a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
This royal palace has been destroyed on more than one occasion, but today it stands as one of Seoul’s finest examples of classic Korean architecture.

Seoul is a relativelymodern city, but Gyeongbok Palace is one of the exceptions. The palace wasoriginally built in 1395 and, as home to the Joseon Dynasty, was one of themost important places in the country. Today, almost half of it has beenrestored to its former glory and serves as an example of traditional Koreanculture.

The complex has beenthrough hard times. It was first destroyed during Japanese invasion in the late16th century, and demolished by the Empire of Japan again in the 20th century.Work is still ongoing to restore the 300 or so buildings that made up theoriginal palace.

Gwanghwamun is thecomplex’s main gate to the south, and where most visitors enter from. It’s alsowhere you can catch the changing of the guard, which happens hourly throughoutthe day. Other highlights of the palace complex include Gangnyeongjeon Hall (wherethe kings once lived), the Royal Banquet Hall, and the picturesqueHyangwonjeong, one of the only surviving 19th-century structures. 

You’ll need at least anhour to stroll the palace grounds. Learn about Gyeongbok in depth on one of thefree guided tours, which depart from the information office inside HeungnyemunGate a few times a day. Learn more about Korean history at the National PalaceMuseum to the south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum, which isin Hyangwonjeong itself. Both museums contain extensive collections of Koreanartifacts and cater to English speakers.

A short stroll to thenorth of Gyeongbok Palace brings you to South Korea’s current seat of power,the Blue House. This is where the head of state resides. Though you’ll need tobook well in advance for a tour, the exterior alone is worth seeing. Thetraditional-style blue-tiled pavilions and mountainous backdrop make for asuperb photo opportunity.

GyeongbokPalace is best reached from the Gyeongbokgung or Gwanghwamun subway stations.The palace complex is open every day, except Tuesdays. Consider buying anintegrated ticket, which includes access to three other Grand Palace complexesand the Jongmyo Shrine.

Plan a trip to see Gyeongbokgung Palace

Hotel Atrium
Urban Place Gangnam
Gangnam Artnouveau City
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Gyeongbokgung Palace

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
465
" "5 - Excellent 61.42668428005284%
4 - Good
244
" "4 - Good 32.23249669749009%
3 - Okay
46
" "3 - Okay 6.07661822985469%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.13210039630118892%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.13210039630118892%

5/5 - Excellent

AC
Jan 4, 2020

Buy T-Money card either at the airport or at 7-Eleven, if using the subway. Easy to navigate, use free Subway App. 2 Time Schedules for changing of guards ceremony. Check before you go. Not open everyday.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 19, 2019

Amazingly beautiful and easy access to the Korean Folk Museum.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Aug 2, 2019

Take lots of water! Changing of the Guards at 10:00 was fun to watch! Many beautiful young girls dressed in period costume!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 25, 2019

Rent and wear a Hanbok for cute photos and free entry!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 10, 2019

If you wear a hanbok youll get in free.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 25, 2018

Join a free tour in English, Chinese or Korean.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong
Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong
4 out of 5
49, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Nine Tree Premier Hotel Insadong
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Lotte Hotel Seoul
5 out of 5
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Lotte Hotel Seoul
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong
3.5 out of 5
27 Myeong-dong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong
Koreana Hotel
Koreana Hotel
4 out of 5
135, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Koreana Hotel
Hotel President
Hotel President
4 out of 5
16 Eulgi-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Hotel President
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
5 out of 5
97, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun
Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun
4 out of 5
71, Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.