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Gyeongbokgung Palace
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Gyeongbokgung Palace

See all things to do
See all things to do
Gyeongbokgung Palace
4.5
#7 of 1,062 things to do in Seoul
Historic SitesHistory Museums
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum are located on the grounds of this palace, built six centuries ago by the founder of the Chosun dynasty.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Jongno-gu
How to get there
  • Gyeongbokgung • 7 min walk
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See what travelers are saying
  • Ahmad T
    Singapore, Singapore378 contributions
    Kingdom
    really beautiful place to visit. Fair warning that the area is really big and can be overwhelming to walk. Wear comfortable shoes. It's lovely and really awesome to walk around. Beautiful historic site. Very easy to get to after getting off the bus and trains.
    Visited January 2022
    Written December 11, 2022
  • kirs10gies
    Chapel Hill, North Carolina31 contributions
    Seoul must do! Do the free tour!
    This is near Insadong and the historical Hanok village. It's a beautiful palace! I highly recommend doing the free tours that run about every hour. We did the English tour and I learned so much and got a lot more out of visiting than if I had just walked around.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 13, 2022
  • Trekker2020
    Sitges, Spain2,015 contributions
    Not to be missed landmark!
    Really amazing and well restored landmark in the middle of Seoul. Check the times for the changing of the guard, a great event to watch as one enters the Royal palace grounds. Entrance fee are very low at 3000 Korean Won. The grounds are extensive so wear comfortable shoes!
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled solo
    Written December 27, 2022
  • Micha Caerts
    Antwerp, Belgium89 contributions
    History that looks brand new
    For a good mix of beautiful historic buildings and a really nice garden this is the place to be. And all this right in the heart of Seoul. It is a true palace and so well maintained that it looks brand new.
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled solo
    Written December 29, 2022
  • Peter M
    Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
    Gyeongbokgung Palace,
    Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1385 was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty in northern Seoul Gyeongbokgung Palace served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty, the Kings' households, as well as the government of Joseon. Gyeongbokgung continued to serve as the main palace of the Joseon dynasty until the premises were destroyed by fire during the Imijn War (1592–1598) In the 1800s all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Prince Regent Heungseon during the reign of King Gojong. It was also destroyed in the early 1900s by Imperial Japan. On January 21, 1963, it was designated as a cultural property. Since the 1990s, the walled palace complex is gradually being restored to its original form. It also houses the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum within the premises of the complex.
    Visited October 2022
    Written January 9, 2023
  • Alex H
    Port St. Mary, United Kingdom1,313 contributions
    An absolute must see
    This palace is conveniently located in Seoul and is set in the backdrop of picturesque mountains - it is really pretty for photos. The first part of the grounds is free, and even this is worth seeing. We paid for entry into the next part of the palace grounds which was cheap (from memory around 6,000 WON), and this was really worthwhile doing. While we were there (2nd January), we saw the guards wearing Joseon outfits performing a ceremony and playing Korean style music which was really cool to see. Would definitely recommend visiting here if in Seoul.
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 9, 2023
  • logan b
    Australia103 contributions
    Nice place to visit
    Of Seoul's 5 Palaces, this is THE Palace to see. Built 1395, destroyed 1590's, rebuilt 1800's, destroyed again in the 1940's, restored once more in the 1990's. This is the biggest of Seoul's palaces and easy to find at the top of the main avenue. It's also very cheap to visit, with the front courtyard, where the slightly cheesy changing of the guard takes place every hour takes place, is free to enter. Make sure you have a guide to explain to you what is going on. Overall was nice
    Visited May 2022
    Written February 9, 2023
  • Madalitso Aline... M
    Mangochi, Malawi36 contributions
    Great cultural experience
    Great cultural experience. Beautiful scenes and amazing structures that makes you appreciate the Korean culture. Wore a Hanbok and it’s free if you wearing it. The feeling of wearing the clothes is exciting. Visit it to have an appreciation of the Korean culture .
    Visited September 2022
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 26, 2023
  • yanti2022
    Singapore, Singapore3 contributions
    Beautiful Palace...very serinity
    Went here in Dec during winter and hence, the scenery is like a 'white palace'. The opening hours during winter was till 5pm, we reached there around 4pm. For the 1hr period , you cant really enjoy much as there's so many good spots to take pictures. Highly recommend to take the pix at the lake coz the scenery is speechless !
    Visited December 2022
    Written March 5, 2023
  • Karina K
    Belfast, United Kingdom126 contributions
    Unmissable
    Be sure to check the opening hours and it's not open every day. Entry price is incredibly reasonable at 3k (free if you're wearing a hanbok), there are audio guides (I imagine at an additional cost - I'd recommend getting one, as we didn't and I felt like I missed out). There are free guided tours on offer as well with a timetable available when purchasing your tickets. Highly recommend ensuring you are there for the change of guard ceremony (10am & 2pm) as it's unique. There are maps available, take one - the place is huge!
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Nawalis
Bangkok, Thailand8 contributions
Regal and magnificent
Nov 2023 • Business
Its intricate design and regal atmosphere make it a truly magnificent experience. From the grand courtyards to the intricate architecture, this palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Korea. Be sure to take in the history and culture that this palace has to offer.
Written November 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon Ho
Kuching, Malaysia280 contributions
Can't surpass the beauty of Beijing ones
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was the first palace we visited in the morning. Just use a Visa/Master to pay at the entrance for ticket at 3K won each. Unfortunately, the beauty does not surpass those in China due to being burnt down twice by the Japanese occupation which is sad. You get to see replica of where the king and it's family stayed in. There is also a souvenir store where you can get mini jigsaw for 8K won of the bukchon hanok village itself.
Written November 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
197gabes
Singapore, Singapore137 contributions
A must see historical palace when in Seoul
Oct 2023 • Family
If there is only time to visit one palace while in Seoul, this would be the one. It’s really nice to see the preservation of such a historic landmark in the middle of an ever changing modern city.
It’s has everything you would expect or want to see; a grand main hall, well kept gardens, beautiful architecture and historical buildings.
An amazing experience not to miss would be to time your visit such that you have the chance to view the changing of the guards. Do come early to secure the best possible spot to watch the entire procession. The colors of the guard’s costumes are so vivid and beautiful against the backdrop of historical and modern buildings around.
Another tip when visiting the place is wear comfortable shoes, bring along some fluid to keep hydrated and slap on some sunscreen as the place is quite big. One will easily need an hour or two to cover the entire place.
Lastly to truly make the trip memorable is to play dress up and blend into the surroundings landscape by renting a traditional hanbok from one of the many hanbok shops just outside the grounds and enter the palace grounds for free.
Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NeoAxion
Detroit, MI541 contributions
Lovely palace
Jul 2023 • Couples
Great historical site to visit. Definitely be sure to get some sunscreen and a hat if you are coming in July. It is very hot and humid! Nevertheless, still enjoyed my time here.
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norm the Nomad
Australia1,001 contributions
Excellent - definitely visit.
Sep 2023 • Couples
Gyeongbokgung Palace was amazing. This is the most important of the 5 palaces and was massive. Also saw the daily changing of the guards process, which was very ceremonial.
Written October 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kumar786
Bengaluru, India651 contributions
A morning in the Gyeongbokgung Palace
Sep 2023 • Friends
The palace visit was excellent. We loved the change of guard ceremony. It was very colourful. The other points in the Palace was very nice and well maintained. We could imagine the life style of the Korean kings. A wonderful palace more than 600 years old.
Written October 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lester Gencianeo
Macau, China118 contributions
Historical Palace
Sep 2023 • Couples
The palace is beautiful and rich in history. Better to visit with a local friend or with a tour guide if you are into history. Some historical halls are open for public viewing. There are lots of Hanbok rental shops outside the palace for visitors who desires the costume experience. Entrance to the palace is free if you rented a Hanbok.
Written October 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NA- Australia
Dandenong, Australia692 contributions
A must visit place
Oct 2023 • Couples
Many buildings faithfully reproduced and some a few hundred years old. Very large area to cover, and made all the more engaging by the hundreds of guests dressed in Hambok.

Changing of guards commentary in English is difficult to understand but very colourful and culturally accurate ( they say).
Worth a visit
Written October 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trophy Travel Experiences
Vancouver, Canada447 contributions
Beautiful Palace But Would Recommend Tour for Context
Oct 2023 • Couples
We went there on a holiday so admission is free. You can also get free admission if you wear a hanbok but you have to pay to rent this. I think admission is 3,000 won so not expensive.

It is a great palace but I would recommend doing one of their free tours to give you context. We missed out on it so although everything is really magnificent, you don't know the historical significance of each building.

We watched the changing of the guard ceremony that I believe is done at 10 am and 2 pm each day. There is some English commentary but hard to understand so there are so many people talking around you. This is also free. All in all, a good experience. I am not sure if you need to go at night or have to go to all 5 of the palaces in Seoul.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveltotelltales
Singapore, Singapore114 contributions
Historically speaking
Sep 2023 • Family
The palace of the Joseon (last dynasty of Korea) is magnificent, grand, beautiful and royal. The change of guards in the morning and afternoon is an added bonus if you manage to catch it. Take your time and explore this great historical site.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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