Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is located in the Jongno district in central Seoul and is the largest of the city’s historic royal palaces. The palace complex covers a huge area and includes multiple gates, halls, gardens, and two museums within the grounds. It is open to visitors throughout the year, usually starting from 9:00 in the morning, while closing hours vary depending on the season. The palace is closed on Tuesdays, so visitors should plan their trip accordingly when organizing their itinerary in Seoul.The entrance fee is affordable, making it accessible for most travelers. Adult visitors pay a small admission fee, while children, seniors, and visitors wearing traditional Korean clothing known as hanbok can often enter for free. Many tourists choose to rent hanbok from nearby rental shops before visiting the palace because it allows them to experience Korean culture while also taking beautiful photos in front of historic buildings. Inside the palace grounds, visitors can also access the National Folk Museum of Korea, which provides deeper insight into Korean traditions and everyday life during the Joseon period.

Before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, travelers should be prepared for a fair amount of walking since the palace complex is very large. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended as most of the grounds consist of wide stone courtyards and pathways. Many visitors spend between one and three hours exploring the palace depending on how deeply they wish to discover the various halls, pavilions, and museum exhibits located inside the complex.One of the highlights of visiting the palace is the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at the main gate. This colorful event recreates historical military traditions from the Joseon Dynasty and includes guards dressed in traditional uniforms performing ceremonial movements accompanied by traditional music. The ceremony usually takes place twice a day and attracts many visitors, so arriving early is recommended if you want a good viewing spot. Photography is allowed throughout most areas of the palace, making it a great place for memorable travel photos.

Getting to Gyeongbokgung Palace is very easy thanks to Seoul’s excellent public transportation system. The most convenient option is using the subway. Visitors can take Line 3 of the Seoul Metro and get off at Gyeongbokgung Station, which is located only a few minutes’ walk from the main palace entrance. From the station exit, clear signs guide visitors directly toward the palace gates.Another convenient option is taking Line 5 and getting off at Gwanghwamun Station, which is also within walking distance of the palace. Public buses stop frequently in the surrounding area, and taxis are widely available throughout Seoul if you prefer a more direct journey. Because the palace is located in the historical center of the city, it is also close to many other cultural attractions, making it easy to combine several sightseeing stops during the same day.