Gyeongbok Palace

• Overview
• Location
• Reviews

Times

10 Jul – 31 Aug: Daily, 9:30 am – 7:30 pm; 1 – 28 Sep: Thursday to Monday, 9:30 am – 6:30 pm

Duration

Around 2 hours 30 minutes

Age

All ages welcome

Accessibility

Please contact the venue for details

Admission

3000 WON

Address

Gyeongbokgung Palace
161 Sajik-ro
Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Telephone

02-3700-3900, -3904, -3905

Traveller Rating:

4.4

Based on 11,044 reviews

Latest 5 reviews of Gyeongbok Palace

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5 ★★★★★

Oct 2024
by Yellow Wakandan

Fantastic palace

The entrance fee is way cheaper than I thought. For 3 USD, you can see one of the most ancient and authentic royal palace. Where else can you find such a good deal? Not in the Forbidden City or the Versailles. The palace is very old. please, be aware.. Don’t touch anything. It will damage it.

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5 ★★★★★

May 2025
by goldenerreiter

A must see

An absolute must. Even if the palace is no longer original because it was damaged during the Japanese occupation, it is absolutely worth seeing because it was faithfully rebuilt.
The buildings and halls were arranged according to their importance. The central buildings are the more significant, to the left and right of them the less important and correspondingly also less richly decorated.
At the top you will find the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, which stands in a pond and is very worth seeing.
Otherwise, however, walking around through the winding plant is highly recommended.

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5 ★★★★★

June 2025
by Sockerskalle

Well-kept palaceA must see

Beautiful palace area with many nice buildings. Everything is very well maintained, and it is fun to see all the visitors dressed up in hanbok.

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5 ★★★★★

Aug 2025
by FMBKK

Exceptional!

Beautiful and very complete, with the piece of water not to be missed to the north. Before entering, on the left, the free visit to the National Palace Museum is a good introduction. And then you can head east to visit the National Folk Museum.

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5 ★★★★★

May 2025
by Scinco

To see

Beautiful royal palace. Gardens can be visited with free and recommended guide. You can visit all 5 buildings with a single card that you buy directly at the first building visited. Free boys.

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About

Gyeongbok Palace is the most spectacular of five royal palaces located in Seoul. It was built in 1395 and was the main palace of the Kings of the Joseon dynasty. It is home to the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum.

Interesting Facts

• The “Palace of Shining Happiness”
  Gyeongbokgung, built in 1395, was the first and largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Its name means “Greatly Blessed by Heaven”, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the nation.
• Destroyed and Reborn
  The palace has been destroyed twice in its history—first during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century, and again in the early 20th century. Today, careful restorations continue, making it not just a monument but a living testimony to Korea’s resilience.
• Home of Kings and History
  It once housed kings, queens, and generations of royal family members, along with government officials. The palace was the political, cultural, and spiritual heart of Korea for centuries.
• Changing of the Guard Ceremony
  One of the highlights for visitors is the royal guard changing ceremony, held daily at the main gate (Gwanghwamun). Dressed in vibrant traditional uniforms, guards recreate the centuries-old ritual with colorful precision.
• Secret Garden within the Palace
  Beyond the grand courtyards lies a beautiful rear garden where royalty once relaxed. It remains a peaceful oasis, with ancient trees, lotus ponds, and pavilions—perfect for escaping the bustle of Seoul.
• National Symbols Inside
  Within the palace grounds, you’ll also find the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum, which showcase priceless artifacts, art, and insights into Korean culture.

Visiting Gyeongbok Palace feels like stepping into a story where history, tradition, and beauty come together in the heart of Seoul.

Contact us for information on all transport and ticketing options, as well as details about visiting Gyeongbok Palace.