Gyeongbokgung Palace
District

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul's grandest royal palace with changing guard ceremonies

Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace stands as the city's most impressive royal complex, where 600-year-old traditions play out daily against a backdrop of towering gates and ornate pavilions. Built in 1395 during the early Joseon Dynasty, this sprawling palace served as the main royal residence for centuries. Today, the colorful changing of the guard ceremony draws crowds three times daily, while the palace's 330 buildings offer a glimpse into Korea's imperial past. The contrast is striking — ancient wooden structures framed by Seoul's modern skyline, creating one of the city's most photographed scenes.

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King Taejo built Gyeongbokgung in 1395 as the primary palace of the newly established Joseon Dynasty. The name translates to 'Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,' and for nearly 500 years, it served as the seat of royal power. But history wasn't kind to this place. Japanese forces destroyed much of the complex during their 1592 invasion, leaving it in ruins for over 270 years. The palace only saw reconstruction in the 1860s under Prince Regent Daewongun, who rebuilt over 500 buildings. Then came another blow — Japanese colonial rule brought demolition of many structures to make way for their Government-General building. Since the 1990s, South Korea has been steadily restoring the palace to its former glory, with ongoing archaeological work still uncovering new sections.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Buy the Palace Pass for 10,000 won if visiting multiple palaces — it covers Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Jongmyo Shrine
  • 2.Free entry if you're wearing traditional hanbok — rent one nearby in Bukchon for 15,000-25,000 won per day
  • 3.Audio guides cost 3,000 won but provide essential historical context that makes the visit much more meaningful
  • 4.Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on weekday mornings — same sights, half the people
  • 5.Pack snacks and water — food inside the palace grounds is limited and overpriced

Travel Tips

  • •Arrive 30 minutes before guard ceremonies (10am, 1pm, 3pm) to get a front-row spot
  • •Download the Gyeongbokgung Palace app for self-guided tours and historical information
  • •Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-November) for comfortable weather and beautiful colors
  • •Wear layers — the palace grounds are exposed with little shade, but indoor buildings can be cool
  • •Bring a portable phone charger — you'll be taking lots of photos and the palace offers limited charging spots
  • •Check the weather forecast — the changing of guard ceremony gets cancelled during heavy rain
  • •Allow 2-3 hours minimum to see the main sights without rushing

Frequently Asked Questions

The ceremony happens three times daily at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm, except on Tuesdays when the palace is closed. Each ceremony lasts about 20 minutes.

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