Gyeongbokgung is the largest of Seoul's five royal palaces and the one most first-time visitors put at the top of their list. This guide covers opening hours, tickets, free entry in hanbok, the guard ceremony, and the easiest way to get there.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Gyeongbokgung at a Glance
Built in 1395 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung sits at the foot of Bugaksan Mountain in central Seoul. Highlights include the throne hall Geunjeongjeon, the pavilion Gyeonghoeru floating on a lotus pond, and the small, photogenic Hyangwonjeong pavilion near the back of the grounds.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
| Closed | Every Tuesday |
| Opening Hours | Generally 09:00 to 17:00–18:30 depending on the season (last entry 1 hour before closing) |
| Admission | About 3,000 KRW for adults; free when wearing hanbok |
| Time Needed | 2 to 3 hours |
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
How to Get There
| Option | How |
|---|---|
| Subway Line 3 | Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5 (leads almost directly to the palace) |
| Subway Line 5 | Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2, then a short walk to Gwanghwamun Gate |
| Map | Open in Google Maps |
Free Entry in Hanbok
Visitors wearing hanbok, Korea's traditional clothing, can enter Gyeongbokgung and the other royal palaces for free. Dozens of rental shops line the streets around the palace and near Anguk Station, and many offer hair styling and accessories as part of the package.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Booking a rental in advance saves time, especially on weekends and during spring and autumn when the palace is busiest.
Find Hanbok Rentals Near Gyeongbokgung →Don't Miss the Royal Guard Ceremony
The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony takes place in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, usually at 10:00 and 14:00, except on Tuesdays. Guards in colorful Joseon-era uniforms march with drums and flags, and the ceremony lasts around 20 minutes. Arrive 10 minutes early for a good viewing spot.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Suggested Route (About 2.5 Hours)
| Order | Stop | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gwanghwamun Gate | Guard ceremony and the classic entrance photo |
| 2 | Geunjeongjeon Hall | The grand throne hall where royal ceremonies were held |
| 3 | Gyeonghoeru Pavilion | The best reflection photos on the pond |
| 4 | Hyangwonjeong Pavilion | A quiet, picture-perfect spot, beautiful in autumn |
| 5 | National Folk Museum of Korea | Free museum on the palace grounds about everyday Korean life |
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings right after opening are the quietest. Spring (April) brings blossoms, and autumn (late October to early November) fills the grounds with red and yellow leaves. In summer, visit early or late in the day to avoid the midday heat.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
The palace also hosts limited night openings in certain seasons. Tickets are released online in advance and sell out quickly, so check the official announcements if you want to see the illuminated pavilions.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Combine Your Visit
Gyeongbokgung pairs well with nearby neighborhoods. Bukchon Hanok Village is a 15-minute walk east, though parts of it now have visiting-hour limits to protect residents. Seochon to the west is full of small cafés and restaurants, and Insadong is a short walk south for traditional crafts and tea houses.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Yes. Gyeongbokgung closes on Tuesdays, not Mondays. Some other Seoul palaces close on Mondays, so check each palace before planning your route.
Yes. Visitors wearing hanbok can enter Seoul's royal palaces for free. Rental shops near the palace make it easy to change before you go in.
Plan for 2 to 3 hours to see the main halls, Gyeonghoeru, Hyangwonjeong, and the National Folk Museum without rushing.
Opening hours, prices, and ceremony times can change. Please check the official Gyeongbokgung Palace website before your visit.