Gyeongbokgung Palace
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Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace

161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Basics

The royal palace grounds stretch for 100 acres (40.5 hectares) and offers a number of sights to see, including the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Hyangwonjeong Pond, and the National Folk Museum of Korea, which features more than 98,000 artifacts that detail Korean history and culture. Other highlights are the Third Inner Gate (Geunjeongmun), the Throne Hall (Geunjeongjeon), the Executive Office (Sajeongjeon), and, of course, the king’s and queen’s quarters.

A stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace is included in most Seoul city tours and on just about every royalty-themed tour of Seoul. Visit on a bus or walking tour that includes entry and you can explore all parts of the complex while also stopping at other cultural sites such as Jogyesa Temple, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Namsangol Hanok Village.

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Seoul Palace and Hanok Village small group walking
Seoul Palace and Hanok Village small group walking
USD88.00 per adult
Traveller Favourite
A day at the palace and Hanok village
We learned a lot about the Joseon era from our tour guide Jack. Going to Bukchon Hanok village was very interesting. Overall a fun walking tour.
Carol_D, Feb. 2023

Recent reviews from experiences in Seoul

star-5
So much fun. The only...
Melly_R, Mar. 2023
Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul
So much fun. The only thing is it needs to cleaning on the rentals because you could see the dirt. But the lady that help us helpful
star-4
The sightseeing was...
Lourdes_T, Feb. 2023
Seoul City Sightseeing Tour Including Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, and Namsangol Hanok Village
The sightseeing was overall beautiful. They picked us up from our hotel and dropped off which is very nice touch! Our tour guide “Spring” was so nice. THE BUS SMELLS SO BAD WITH CIGARETTES. I think the driver was smoking inside the bus. Please clean your bus and spray to smells clean. NO ONE SHOULD BE SMOKING INSUDE THE BUS!
star-5
So much fun!
Sophie_V, Mar. 2023
Full Day Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul Tour
Our tour guide Mr. Young was very enthusiastic, informative and prompt with the tour schedule. It was fun and very educational. He has a great personality and treated the tour with good care, I would highly recommend this tour, it was well worth the time and money.
star-5
Value for money
Maria_Z, Mar. 2023
Full Day Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul Tour
Mr Young was very knowledgeable in Korean history and able to respond to random questions from the group. He made an effort to give break periods when necessary.
star-4
A Walk through the palace on a spring day!
Jane_F, Mar. 2023
Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul
It's absolutely necessary to be in hanbok to immerse with the Korean culture when you visit the palaces. I felt more like a local walking in history! My friend and I had a great time.
star-5
Amazing tour with amazing locations
Ryan_B, Mar. 2023
Korean Palace and Market Tour in Seoul Including Insadong and Gyeongbokgung Palace
Miel was an absolutely amazing tour guide who was extremely enthusiastic and knowledgable about every location we went to. The locations visited were very interesting and stunning locations that took my breath away. I highly recommend thia your if you are spending any time at all in the Seoul area.
star-5
Fantastic tour
Tobias_A, Mar. 2023
Korean Palace and Market Tour in Seoul Including Insadong and Gyeongbokgung Palace
Yujeong was a fantastic tour guide! The tour felt friendly and informative. Yujeong took the time to get to know all of us and led us very well through an 8 hour tour with great enthusiasm and subject knowledge. This tour is one of our highlights of our time in Korea.
star-4
The tour guide was very...
Barbara_T, Mar. 2023
Full Day Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul Tour
The tour guide was very knowledgeable in his historical knowledge . Very informative! Learned a lot of Korean culture
star-5
Great tour
Gail_W, Jan. 2023
Seoul Palace and Hanok Village small group walking
We had a really pleasant and informative time on this tour! I highly recommend it for a good experience learning more about Korea and viewing some of the historical sites. Jay was our guide, and he was very kind, well-informed, and experienced.
star-5
Jenny was a phenomenal...
Brian_F, Mar. 2023
Full Day Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul Tour
Jenny was a phenomenal guide! Great details and stories told! Very friendly and got through a lot of destinations.
star-5
Informative with Personal Touches
Nicole_S, Nov. 2022
Seoul Palace and Hanok Village small group walking
My tour guide for the experience was Catherine, who was so patient, kind and fun. She was very knowledgeable about each tour stop, and also took the time to explain interesting happenings on the street as we walked - as well as make recommendations on where else to visit while in Korea. She added personal stories and anecdotes which were unique and made the experience that much more rich. I would recommend this walking tour to anyone visiting Seoul!
star-5
We thoroughly enjoyed our...
Lisa_Z, Nov. 2022
Royal Palace and North Side of Seoul with Gwangjang Market
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour, Park our guide was amazing and very knowledgeable, we would definitely recommend this tour.
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Things to Know Before You Go

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the complex's vast grounds.

  • Some areas of the palace complex offer limited access for wheelchairs.

  • Last admission is offered one hour before closing. The palace is closed on Tuesdays.

  • Restrooms are available onsite.

  • Pets are not allowed at the palace.

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How to Get There

The closest metro station is the aptly named Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3). Get out at Exit 5 and you'll emerge right at the palace grounds. A parking lot sits to the left of the palace.

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When to Get There

Gyeongbokgung Palace is open from Wednesday to Monday year-round, and on weekdays, it’s often full of touring Korean schoolchildren. Fall is a popular time to visit thanks to the autumn foliage that turns a deep red, while springtime brings cherry blossoms. If you want to see Gyeongbokgung Palace at its quietest, come early in the morning. (The Korean palace complex opens at 9am throughout the year but has varying closing hours.) The site is huge, though, so you should be able to find some peace and quiet no matter the time of day.

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Changing of the Royal Guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace

If you time your visit right, you’ll get to see the royal guard-changing ceremony, an experience that allows you to witness full Joseon-era regalia in all its glory. The ceremony takes place twice daily (except Tuesdays) at Gwanghwamun Gate—the imposing main gate that separates the palace from one of the busiest parts of the city—at 10am and 2pm.

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Gyeongbokgung Palace
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Seoul?
A:
As well as visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: