Gyeongbokgung Palace, Amazing Experience
Exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Amazing Experience. If you only have time to visit one palace, we highly recommend Gyeongbokgung Palace. It offers an amazing experience and is well worth a visit when in Seoul. Stepping back more than 600 years in time gives you a vivid sense of life during the emperor’s era
The palace compound is exceptionally beautiful and vast, featuring numerous halls, rooms, quarters and pavilions that encompass all aspects of Korean history and culture
A Historical Jewel in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace situated north of Gwanghwamun Square, stands as one of Korea’s most iconic landmarks, steeped in a rich and ancient history. Construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace was completed in 1395 marking the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty under King Taejo’s reign
Gyeongbokgung meaning “palace greatly blessed by Heaven,” was strategically built in central Seoul, nestled amidst Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan
Capturing the Beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace
We seized every chance to photograph the palace’s beauty. While it’s impeccably preserved and clean, the front area is often crowded with tourists, posing challenges for photography
Geunjeongjeon Hall
Geunjeongjeon Hall built in 1395 is the largest hall in the palace. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea in 1592. However, it was reconstructed in 1867
Here, you can see the hall where the king held meetings, official functions, grand celebrations and met with foreign representatives
Exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace in Winter
This place was amazing. It was enormous and impeccably maintained. Visiting during winter meant fewer crowds, allowing us to explore comfortably. The winter chill added to the atmosphere
English Tours
Free English tours are available at specific times but we opted for a self-guided tour. Additionally, you can pick up a complimentary map of Gyeongbokgung Palace from the tourist information center
Capturing History at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Walking through the palace halls felt like stepping back in time, creating a surreal experience for us. It’s a perfect spot for capturing Instagram-worthy photos and gaining insights into the palace’s rich history
Royal Guard Ceremony
Don’t miss the daily Royal Guard ceremony at 10 am and 2 pm, held at the public square in front of the palace entrance. After the ceremony, you can also take pictures with the guards in front of the gate
Conclusion
We found this to be the most enjoyable experience of our trip to Seoul. For a complete Korean experience, consider renting a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and strolling around the palace while witnessing the changing of the guard. It’s a fun and highly recommended activity
A must-visit destination in Seoul that you won’t regret visiting
Information
Youtube
Royal Guard Changing Ceremony Gwanghwamun Gate
Gyeongbokgung Palace Map
Admission Fees
- Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won
- Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Groups (10 people or more): 1,200 won* Free admission: Preschoolers (age 6 and younger), seniors (ages 65 and older), people wearing Hanbok, the last Wednesday of every month (Culture day)
Interpretation Services Offered
- Tours depart from in front of the information center at Heungnyemun Gate (흥례문).
- Duration: About 1 hr-1 hr 30 min
Tour Schedule
- English: 11:00, 13:30, 15:30
- Japanese: 10:00, 12:30, 14:30
- Chinese: 10:30, 13:00, 15:00
Operating Hours
- January – February 09:00-17:00 (last admission 16:00)
- March-May 09:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
- June – August 09:00-18:30 (last admission 17:30)
- September – October 09:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
- November – December 09:00-17:00 (last admission 14:00)
Closed
Tuesdays
Operating hours are subject to change depending on conditions or circumstances
Address
161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)
Getting There
1. Subway
- Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) and Exit 5.
- Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) and Exit 1.
2. Bus
- Take Bus No. 1020, 7025,109, 171, 172, 601, or 606 and get off at Gyeongbokgung Palace Bus Stop.
