The Ultimate Guide to Touring Gyeongbokgung Palace: Tips for Your Seoul Adventure
Experience the Majesty of Korea’s Historic Palace with Insider Tips and Seasonal Highlights
Hello, 365travel here. Today, let’s embark on a journey to Gyeongbokgung Palace together! Gyeongbokgung, the epitome of Joseon Dynasty’s history and culture, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Seoul. It’s not just a Korean architectural marvel but also a globally renowned landmark. So, let me share with you the must-visit spots and some handy tips for touring Gyeongbokgung Palace!
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Gyeongbokgung Palace Visitor Information
According to Naver Maps:
🕖 Operating Hours:
• November ~ February: 9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM
• March ~ May, September ~ October: 9:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM
• June ~ August: 9:00 AM ~ 6:30 PM
• Entry allowed until one hour before closing
🎫 Ticket Prices:
• Adults (ages 25–64): 3,000 KRW
• Youths (under 24): Free
• Seniors (65+): Free
• Disabled persons, veterans: Free
• Visitors in traditional Korean hanbok: Free
• Foreigners (ages 19–64): 3,000 KRW
🅿️ Parking Available
📞 Contact: 02–3700–3900
📍 Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Major Attractions in Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gwanghwamun Gate
The main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, showcasing its grand and elongated architecture. The gate is also famous for the Guard Changing Ceremony.
Geunjeongjeon Hall
Located at the center of Gyeongbokgung, this is where the Joseon kings conducted state affairs. It features ornate dancheong (decorative coloring on wooden buildings) and beautiful gardens.
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
A pavilion built on a pond, used for important banquets and hosting foreign envoys during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s known for its picturesque scenery and is one of the most beautiful spots in Gyeongbokgung.
Recommended Visiting Times
• Morning (9:00 AM ~ 11:00 AM)
• Fewer visitors, allowing for a leisurely tour
• Watch the Guard Changing Ceremony at 10:00 AM
• Afternoon (3:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM)
• Best time for photography
• Late Afternoon
• Experience Gyeongbokgung’s night opening, offering a different perspective of the palace
If you’re in Seoul during Gyeongbokgung’s night opening, don’t miss it!
Gyeongbokgung Through the Seasons
Gyeongbokgung’s charm changes with the seasons:
• Spring: Cherry blossoms surrounding the palace
• Summer: Lush green landscapes
• Fall: Stunning autumn foliage
• Winter: A snowy wonderland
Gyeongbokgung Visiting Tips
• Free Entry in Hanbok: Wear a hanbok and enter for free!
• Guard Changing Ceremony:
• Held daily at Gwanghwamun at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• Each session lasts for 20 minutes
• Best Photo Spot: For a panoramic view of Gyeongbokgung, visit the sky garden on the 6th floor of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, right in front of the palace.
As you walk past Dongjijak and the long stretch of fortress walls, you’ll reach the entrance of Gwanghwamun Gate. The entrance is guarded by Haetae statues, mythical creatures symbolizing justice and fairness. These statues reflect the Joseon Dynasty’s commitment to integrity in governance.
On the ceiling of Gwanghwamun’s entrance, you’ll see a mural of Cheonma, a creature with the head of a dragon and the body of a horse. Cheonma symbolizes divinity, supernatural power, royal legitimacy, peace, prosperity, and protection.
The Guard Changing Ceremony takes place in Gwanghwamun’s courtyard. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths to the right of the courtyard or quickly through kiosks. Guides are available to assist in English, making the process easy.
Visitors often dress in hanbok for memorable photos. It’s a great way to create lasting memories, and remember, wearing hanbok grants free entry!
After passing through Hongryemun Gate and checking your ticket QR code, you’ll enter Gyeongbokgung. The palace is vast. Crossing the Geumcheongyo Bridge, you’ll reach the entrance of Geunjeongjeon Hall, known as Geunjeongmun Gate. The vibrant colors and intricate designs are stunning.
Geunjeongjeon Hall is where the Joseon king handled state affairs. It’s the centerpiece of Gyeongbokgung, surrounded by numerous Haetae statues, emphasizing fairness and integrity. The hall’s grandeur and the intricate architecture are truly captivating.
Imagine the Joseon king stepping out of Geunjeongjeon Hall, greeted by this breathtaking scenery. While modern buildings now fill the skyline, back then, the king would have seen an unspoiled, clear sky. Geunjeongjeon is undoubtedly the heart of Gyeongbokgung.
Next, we’ll visit Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, used for hosting foreign dignitaries and grand banquets. This two-story pavilion on a pond remains elegantly timeless.
To the right of Gyeonghoeru, you’ll find Gangnyeongjeon Hall (the king’s sleeping quarters) and Gyotaejeon Hall (the queen’s sleeping quarters).
Look for the ornamental roof figures on Gyeongbokgung’s eaves, designed to ward off evil spirits. While once functional, they are now appreciated as art, showcasing East Asian aesthetics.
Gangnyeongjeon Hall, the king’s quarters, interestingly lacks a dragon’s head. As the king himself was considered a dragon, another dragon wasn’t necessary.
Inside Gangnyeongjeon, the rooms aren’t as expansive as one might imagine from films. There are also additional spaces beneath the hall.
Directly behind Gangnyeongjeon is Gyotaejeon Hall, the queen’s quarters. In Korean dramas, this is often referred to as the Junggungjeon. The name Gyotaejeon comes from the importance placed on the queen bearing royal heirs. The space includes a charming backyard garden.
While there are many fascinating places within Gyeongbokgung, these are the highlights I found most intriguing.
After touring, I took one last photo of Geunjeongjeon, the heart of Gyeongbokgung. The architecture, with each building reflecting Korea’s rich history and culture, left a lasting impression on me. Did you enjoy exploring the history and culture of the Joseon Dynasty at Gyeongbokgung? I regret missing the Guard Changing Ceremony this time, but I plan to visit again, dressed in hanbok, to witness it.
This concludes our Gyeongbokgung Palace tour with 365travel. Make sure to include Gyeongbokgung in your Seoul travel itinerary!
