Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and is the largest of the five grand palaces in Seoul. Its gates, throne hall and lotus-pond pavilion are among the most recognisable sights in Korea, and it is easy to reach by subway. This guide explains how to get there, how entry works, when to catch the gate guard ceremony and what to see inside.
A short history of Gyeongbokgung Palace
The palace was built in 1395, a few years after King Taejo founded the Joseon dynasty and made Seoul (then Hanyang) the capital. It was burned during the Japanese invasions of the 1590s and left in ruins for more than 250 years until it was rebuilt in the 1860s under the regent Heungseon Daewongun. During the Japanese colonial period most of its buildings were demolished, and a large government building was placed in front of the throne hall. That building was removed in the 1990s, and restoration work has continued since, bringing back many halls and gates.
Getting to Gyeongbokgung by subway
Take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station. Exit 5 leads directly toward the palace grounds, coming up near the National Palace Museum of Korea, from where you walk a few minutes to the ticket office. Signs in English point the way inside the station.
Many visitors prefer to start at the main gate. For that, use Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5 and walk north through Gwanghwamun Square, past the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, to Gwanghwamun Gate. This route gives you the classic view of the palace with the mountain Bugaksan behind it.
Find more places near both stations on our Seoul subway guide.
Gyeongbokgung Palace tickets and opening days
Tickets are sold at the palace entrance and are inexpensive. Visitors wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, have been admitted free, which is why you will see so many people in rented hanbok around the palace. Rental shops cluster near the station and on the streets around the palace.
The palace is usually closed one day a week, and opening hours shift between seasons. A combined pass covering several of Seoul's palaces and the royal shrine Jongmyo has also been available. Check the official Gyeongbokgung Palace website, run by the Korea Heritage Service, for current prices, closing days and hours before you go.
Seasonal night openings are held on selected dates and are very popular. They usually require advance booking and tickets go quickly, so watch the official site if you want to see the palace lit up.
The royal guard changing ceremony
A recreation of the Joseon-era gate guard ceremony takes place in front of Gwanghwamun Gate several times a day on most days. Guards in bright traditional uniforms march with flags and drums, and visitors can take photos with them afterwards. The ceremony is free to watch from outside the gate, so you can see it before or after your visit. Times are posted on the official site and may be cancelled in extreme heat or bad weather.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
Arrive soon after opening for fewer people and softer light on the buildings. Weekends and Korean public holidays are busy. Spring brings blossoms and autumn brings colourful leaves around the ponds, and both are popular seasons. Summer can be hot with little shade in the large courtyards.
Allow at least two hours to walk the main axis and the gardens. If you add the National Folk Museum inside the grounds and the National Palace Museum next door, plan for half a day.
What to see inside Gyeongbokgung
Along the main axis
- Gwanghwamun, the main south gate, followed by Heungnyemun Gate.
- Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall where major state ceremonies were held. Look for the rank stones lining the courtyard that showed officials where to stand.
- Sajeongjeon, where the king handled daily affairs.
- The living quarters of the king and queen, Gangnyeongjeon and Gyotaejeon, and the queen's garden Amisan behind them.
Ponds and pavilions
- Gyeonghoeru, a large pavilion on stone pillars in a pond, used for royal banquets. It is one of the most photographed views in Seoul.
- Hyangwonjeong, a small hexagonal pavilion on an island in the northern part of the grounds, reached by a wooden bridge.
Museums on site
The National Folk Museum of Korea sits within the palace grounds and covers everyday life in Korea through history. The National Palace Museum of Korea, beside Exit 5 of the station, displays royal artefacts from the Joseon court.
Nearby on the same subway stop
- Seochon, the neighbourhood west of the palace, with small restaurants, cafés and Tongin Market, known for its coin lunchbox.
- Bukchon Hanok Village to the east, a residential area of traditional houses. Keep noise down, as people live there and visiting hours apply in parts of the area.
- Gwanghwamun Square and the start of the Cheonggyecheon stream walk to the south.
For food, cafés and sights within walking distance, open the Gyeongbokgung Palace page on Around the Metro.