Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most iconic royal palace from Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, located in the heart of Seoul. Built in the 14th century, it served as the primary royal residence and the center of political affairs.
🏯 Highlights:
- Historic Architecture – Discover beautifully restored palace buildings.
- Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony – A must-see cultural experience.
- National Folk Museum – Learn about Korean traditions and daily life.
📍 Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🕰 Opening Hours:
- January through February: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last Admission: 4:00 PM)
- March through May: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last Admission: 5:00 PM)
- June through August: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Last Admission: 5:30 PM)
- September through October: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last Admission: 5:00 PM)
- November through December: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last Admission: 4:00 PM)
🚫 Closed on Tuesdays
- However, when a public holiday or a substitute holiday falls on the regular closing day, the palace will be open. Instead, it will be closed the day after the holiday.
💰 Admission Fee:
- Adults (age 19–64): 3,000 KRW (Group of 10+: 2,400 KRW)
- Free Admission: Aged 18 and below, seniors (65+), those wearing a Hanbok, Culture Day (last Wednesday of each month)
🎟️ Royal Palace Pass: Grants access to 4 palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung) and Jongmyo Shrine within three months of purchase.
👘 Free Admission with Hanbok:
- Both traditional Hanbok and modernized Hanbok are eligible for free admission.
Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony
One of the highlights of visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is witnessing the Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony, a colorful reenactment of a traditional guard-changing ritual from the 15th century.
🎖️ Ceremony Schedule:
1️⃣ Changing of the Royal Palace Guards Ceremony: 10:00 AM / 2:00 PM
2️⃣ Guard Duty Performance: 11:00 AM / 1:00 PM
3️⃣ Guard Training Session: 9:35 AM / 1:35 PM
💡 Note: The Guard Patrol Ceremony is canceled from January to March and will resume in April.
⚠️ Weather Advisory: All ceremonial events may be canceled due to inclement weather.
Free Guided Tours
🗣️ Guided Tour Schedule:
| Language | Days | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Wed–Mon | 11:00, 1:30, 3:30 PM | Tours last ~1–1.5 hours |
| Japanese | Daily | 10:00 AM, 2:30 PM | Reservation required for 10+ groups |
| Chinese | Daily | 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM | Limited to 30 participants |
| Spanish | Fri, Sat | 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM |
- Tours start in front of the Gyeongbokgung Information Center inside the Heungnyemun Gate.
- Groups of 10+ must make a reservation in advance.
- Individuals can join tours without prior reservations.
- Contact: 02-3700-3900, -3904, -3905
Exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace
1. Gwanghwamun Gate (Main Entrance)
Welcome to Gwanghwamun Gate, the grand entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Here, you’ll witness the Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony, where guards dressed in traditional uniforms perform a well-choreographed ritual to symbolize the changing of palace security.
2. Heungnyemun Gate and Geunjeongjeon Hall
- Geunjeongjeon Hall – The main throne hall used for royal ceremonies and state affairs.
- Symbolism – The palace architecture reflects Confucian values, with its simple yet elegant design.
3. Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
- Used for royal banquets and receptions for foreign envoys.
- Famous for its beautiful reflection on the surrounding pond.
4. Queen’s Quarters (Gyotaejeon)
- Discover the separate living quarters for the king and queen, following Confucian traditions.
5. National Folk Museum of Korea
- Located within the palace grounds, showcasing traditional Korean life, culture, and artifacts.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed learning about Korea’s rich history, royal traditions, and the beauty of Joseon architecture.
📸 Photo Spots: Gwanghwamun Gate, Geunjeongjeon Hall, and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.
💬 Share Your Experience: Comment below if you’ve visited Gyeongbokgung Palace or have questions about your next trip to Seoul!
#Gyeongbokgung #SeoulTravel #KoreanHistory #ChangingOfTheGuard