Gyeongbokgung Palace 경복궁
Seoul · Jongno, Bukchon & Palaces · Sights
Built at the dawn of the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung is the largest of Seoul's five grand palaces and the easiest way to picture the city as a royal capital. Enter through Gwanghwamun Gate and follow the central axis to Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall, then wander west to Gyeonghoeru, a banquet pavilion that seems to float over a lotus pond. Two museums sit inside the walls, the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum, and both make good shelter if the weather turns.
Renting a hanbok nearby brings free entry and plenty of photo opportunities. Prices and hours may change, and the palace closes one weekday.
Gyeongbokgung Station (경복궁역), Line 3 Exit 5, leads straight to the ticket office. Gwanghwamun Station (광화문역), Line 5, is also a short walk from the main gate.
Show this Korean name to your taxi driver or match it to signs: 경복궁
- Best time to visit
- Arrive at opening on a weekday for quiet courtyards, and plan around the guard-changing ceremony if you want to see it. Autumn color and spring blossoms are the prettiest seasons.
- Pair it with
- Bukchon Hanok Village starts a few minutes east, and MMCA Seoul and Samcheong-dong Cafe Street sit on the same walk.
- Great for
- Couples, Families with kids, Parents, Solo travelers
- Local tip
- Entry is free if you wear a hanbok (rental shops line the nearby streets). The guard-changing ceremony is held around 10:00 and 14:00, English tours run on a schedule, and the palace is closed on Tuesdays.