Gyeongbokgung Palace

Schölla Schwarz · CC BY 3.0

The main palace of the Joseon dynasty, its curved tile roofs mirrored in the glass towers of modern Seoul.

Step through Gwanghwamun gate and the traffic of central Seoul falls away behind you. Gyeongbokgung — the 'palace greatly blessed by heaven' — was raised in 1395, only three years after Joseon was founded. Geunjeongjeon Hall, where kings held court, stands on a double stone terrace flanked by rank stones marking where each official stood. Behind it, Gyeonghoeru pavilion floats on a square pond: lotus in summer, frozen and mirroring Bugaksan in winter. The palace burned in the Imjin War and was later dismantled under colonial rule; what you see today is a restoration that has run for decades and is still going on.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace?

April–May (spring blossom) and October–November (autumn colour)

How much does it cost to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace?

3,000 KRW (free in hanbok)

How long do you need at Gyeongbokgung Palace?

2–3 hours

What are the opening hours of Gyeongbokgung Palace?

09:00–18:00 (to 17:00 Nov–Feb, to 18:30 Jun–Aug), closed Tuesdays

Did you know

Built in 1395, the first and largest of the five Joseon palaces.
The Sumunjang changing of the guard takes place twice a day in front of Gwanghwamun.
Gyeonghoeru pavilion rests on 48 stone pillars and once hosted royal banquets for foreign envoys.
Entry is free for visitors wearing hanbok.
The National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum sit inside the grounds.

Travel tips

Rent hanbok near Anguk station — it waives the ticket and makes for better photos.
Closed on Tuesdays; switch to Changdeokgung if your day falls wrong.
Arrive at 9am to photograph Geunjeongjeon before the crowds.

Source: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=87740

Updated: 2026-08-04