Gyeongbokgung Palace Travel Guide: Explore Seoul’s Grandest Royal Palace

🏯 Gyeongbokgung Palace: A Local Tour Guide’s Journey Through Korea’s Royal Legacy

Welcome to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul’s most majestic and historically significant royal complex. As your personal tour guide, I invite you to take a step back in time to the grand Joseon Dynasty, where kings ruled, scholars studied, and tradition shaped the future of Korea.
 

More than just a tourist spot, Gyeongbokgung is a living museum of Korean architecture, culture, and resilience. Whether you’re here to admire the changing of the guard, rent a hanbok, or walk in the footsteps of royalty, this guide will help you uncover all the magic that lies behind its towering gates.

📍 Where is Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Location: Jongno-gu, Central Seoul

Subway Access:

Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5) – leads directly to the main gate

Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2) – scenic walk through Gwanghwamun Square

Gyeongbokgung sits between Bugaksan Mountain and the iconic Blue House, perfectly positioned as the “Northern Palace” according to geomantic principles (pungsu-jiri).

🕰️ A Glimpse into History: The Rise, Fall, and Restoration

Constructed in 1395, Gyeongbokgung—meaning “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven”—was the principal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the 16th century and later restored in the 19th century under King Gojong.

Despite further destruction during Japanese colonial rule in the early 20th century, ongoing restoration efforts have revitalized over 40% of the palace grounds, making it one of Korea’s most treasured historic sites today.

🏯 What to See Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace

The palace grounds are vast—over 40 hectares—so here are the top must-see highlights.

1. Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

The grand main gate of the palace, guarded by traditionally dressed soldiers. This is where the Changing of the Guard Ceremony takes place daily (10:00 AM & 2:00 PM, closed Tuesdays).

A perfect photo spot with Bugaksan Mountain in the background

Check the drum beating and sword-handling rituals

2. Geunjeongjeon (근정전) – The Throne Hall

This is the most significant building in the palace, where state ceremonies and royal audiences were held.

Built on a raised stone platform with a sweeping tiled roof

Features intricate dancheong (multicolored paint patterns) and twin stone staircases

Look for the “Haetae” statues, mythical beasts that ward off evil

3. Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (경회루)

Set on an artificial pond and supported by 48 granite columns, this stunning two-story pavilion was used for royal banquets.

Surrounded by lotus flowers in summer, and reflecting snowy stillness in winter

One of Korea’s most photographed architectural icons

A UNESCO-registered treasure

4. Hyangwonjeong Pavilion & Pond (향원정)

A quiet oasis within the palace, this hexagonal pavilion is connected by a graceful wooden bridge (Chwihyanggyo).

A romantic hidden gem for peaceful moments

Especially beautiful in autumn when maple leaves flame red and gold

5. National Palace Museum & National Folk Museum of Korea

Located on the palace grounds (free with admission), these museums provide essential context:

Royal artifacts, ceremonial robes, palace music instruments

Interactive exhibits for kids and adults alike

Excellent English signage and multimedia displays

📷 Best Photo Spots in Gyeongbokgung

Capture timeless memories at these key locations:

Under Gwanghwamun Gate with palace guards

By the reflecting pond of Gyeonghoeru

Walking across the bridge to Hyangwonjeong Pavilion

Against the stone corridors in a hanbok

Framed shots through traditional palace doorways

🎎 Wear a Hanbok and Enter for Free!

Wearing a hanbok, Korea’s traditional dress, grants free admission to Gyeongbokgung!

Numerous rental shops near the palace (₩15,000–₩30,000)

Choose classic or modern styles with accessories

Staff are very helpful, and many shops offer hairstyling and storage lockers

Pro Tip: Plan your hanbok photos during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light.

🎟️ Admission Info and Opening Hours

Hours:

March–October: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

November–February: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed: Every Tuesday

Admission:

Adults: ₩3,000

Ages 7–18: ₩1,500

Children under 6: Free

Hanbok wearers: Free

Combo Pass Tip: Get the Royal Palace Pass for entry to four palaces + Jongmyo Shrine for ₩10,000.

💡 Insider Tips from Your Tour Guide

Start early to avoid crowds and heat

Join a free English tour (offered 3x daily) or rent an audio guide

Combine your visit with Bukchon Hanok Village or Insadong nearby

Visit during royal guard ceremonies for bonus photos and performance

Don’t miss the night opening events in spring and autumn (requires reservation)

🌸 Seasonal Highlights at Gyeongbokgung

Every season transforms the palace experience:

Spring: Cherry blossoms bloom along stone pathways (April)

Summer: Lotus ponds and bright dancheong shimmer in sunlight

Autumn: Fiery red maples and golden ginkgo leaves frame the gates

Winter: Snow-covered rooftops create a serene, storybook scene

🧭 Attractions Near Gyeongbokgung

Explore more of Seoul’s royal and cultural treasures within walking distance:

Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses and artisan shops

Insadong: Tea houses, antiques, and art

Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae): The former presidential residence

Gwanghwamun Square: Statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong

Jogyesa Temple: A colorful Buddhist temple in central Seoul

🍴 Where to Eat Near Gyeongbokgung

After touring the palace, recharge at one of these local favorites:

Tosokchon Samgyetang – Famous for ginseng chicken soup

Hanokjip – Korean BBQ in a restored hanok house

Insadong Sujebi – Handmade noodle soup in nearby Insadong

Cafe Onion Anguk – Trendy café with rooftop palace views

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby

Budget

Hostel Haru – Clean, central, and good for solo travelers

G Guesthouse Insadong – Artsy, backpacker-friendly

Mid-Range

Orakai Insadong Suites – Spacious rooms near major sites

Sunbee Hotel – Walkable location with cozy amenities

Luxury

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul – Lavish comfort minutes from Gyeongbokgung

Lotte Hotel Seoul – Classic Korean luxury with city views

🎐 Why Gyeongbokgung Belongs on Your Seoul Bucket List

Gyeongbokgung Palace is not just a monument—it’s a time machine. Each gate, pavilion, and tiled rooftop tells a story of kings and queens, resilience and rebirth. It stands as a symbol of Korea’s deep respect for tradition and its powerful journey through history.

Whether you're wearing a hanbok for the first time, witnessing the guard ceremony, or marveling at the sun setting behind Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeongbokgung offers something timeless and transcendent for every traveler.