Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung is the largest and grandest of Seoul's five Joseon-dynasty royal palaces, first built in 1395 and painstakingly restored. Wander the vast throne halls and the lovely Gyeonghoeru pavilion, and time your visit for the changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the main gate. It gets very crowded midday, so arrive early or wear a hanbok (which gets you in free) to beat the lines.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Which day is Gyeongbokgung closed?

Tuesdays. Note this differs from Changdeokgung and Deoksugung, which close Mondays. If you land on a Tuesday, pivot to one of those. If a Tuesday is a public holiday, the palace opens and closes the following day instead.

How early should I arrive to beat the crowds?

Be there at 9am opening on a weekday. By late morning tour groups and hanbok crowds fill the main courtyards. Early light on Geunjeongjeon throne hall with fewer people is worth the early start, and you'll finish before the midday heat.

Is renting hanbok worth it here?

For many people, yes. It gets you free palace entry, makes for great photos against the architecture, and rental shops cluster right outside near Gyeongbokgung Station and Anguk. A half-day rental also covers the nearby palaces and Bukchon, so you can wear it all day.

How long do I need at Gyeongbokgung?

About 90 minutes to two hours covers the main halls, the pavilions and Gyeonghoeru pond at a relaxed pace. Add time for the on-site museums or a guided tour. It's large, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water in summer.

When is the changing of the guard ceremony?

The royal guard-changing happens at Gwanghwamun gate several times daily, typically around 10am and 2pm, except Tuesdays. It's free and colorful, with costumes, weapons and music. Arrive a few minutes early to get a clear view along the front of the palace.

Can I see Gyeongbokgung at night?

Only during limited seasonal night openings, usually a few weeks in spring and autumn with timed tickets that sell out fast. If dates line up with your trip, it's magical, but don't count on it. For a reliable evening palace, Deoksugung is open until 9pm.

What else is right next to Gyeongbokgung?

The National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum sit on the grounds, both worth a look and often free. Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheong-dong and Insadong are all a short walk east, so this anchors a full downtown day.

How much does Gyeongbokgung cost and can I get in free?

Adults pay 3,000 won. Visitors under 19 and over 65 are free, and anyone wearing hanbok enters free, which is why you'll see so many rentals. It's also free on Culture Day, the last Wednesday of each month.

Nearby in Ask Seoul

• National Folk Museum of KoreaMuseum0.29 km · 4 min walk
• National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) SeoulMuseum0.31 km · 4 min walk
• Cafe BoraCafé0.44 km · 6 min walk
• Tosokchon SamgyetangRestaurant0.62 km · 8 min walk
• Bukchon Hanok VillageNeighborhood0.63 km · 8 min walk