When is Gyeongbokgung Palace closed?

Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday. If a public holiday and a closed day overlap, the doors will be opened. As a result, the first non-holiday following the open holiday will be the closed day. (As of 2024)

Can I visit Gyeongbokgung Palace for free if I wear a hanbok?

Yes, you can. You can enter Gyeongbokgung Palace for free if you wear a complete hanbok. Please refer to the guidelines regarding detailed hanbok regulations. (As of 2024) Go to the hanbok guidelines.

How can I participate in the Gyeongbokgung Palace guided tour?

Groups of less than ten individuals can participate in the guided tour without reservation. Groups of less than ten individuals can participate in the guided tour without reservation. Groups of 10 or more people need to make a reservation, and up to 30 people can participate in the tour. You can participate in the regular guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace without any reservations. During the tour, you'll hear the storyteller's narration as you explore the main pavilions of the palace. English tours are available daily at 11:00, 13:30, and 15:30 (except on Tuesdays.) (As of 2024)

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Name: Gyeongbokgung
Rating: 4.5

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Gyeongbokgung Palace

Published Date : Jan 22, 2018 / Edited Date : Sep 13, 2024

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of the newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces (the others being Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace), Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty.

The Korean government has invested much time and effort into rebuilding, restoring, and maintaining the palace for future generations. These efforts include work to rebuild and restore the buildings that were destroyed during the Japanese occupation. Visitors to Gyeongbokgung can also visit the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea as they are located on the palace grounds.

To increase ease of accessibility from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Seochon and vice versa, the palace's western gate, Yeongchumun, was opened to the public on December 2018. For the past 43 years, there were only 3 entrances to Gyeongbokgung Palace - the southern gate Gwanghwamun, the northern gate Sinmumun, and the eastern entrance of National folk Museum of Korea. However, with the opening of the western gate Yeongchumun, entry to the palace from all directions has been now made possible.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gyeongbokgung Palace

When is Gyeongbokgung Palace closed?: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday. If a public holiday and a closed day overlap, the doors will be opened. As a result, the first non-holiday following the open holiday will be the closed day. (As of 2024)
Can I visit Gyeongbokgung Palace for free if I wear a hanbok?: Yes, you can. You can enter Gyeongbokgung Palace for free if you wear a complete hanbok. Please refer to the guidelines regarding detailed hanbok regulations. (As of 2024)

Go to the hanbok guidelines.
How can I participate in the Gyeongbokgung Palace guided tour?: Groups of less than ten individuals can participate in the guided tour without reservation. Groups of 10 or more people need to make a reservation, and up to 30 people can participate in the tour. You can participate in the regular guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace without any reservations. During the tour, you'll hear the storyteller's narration as you explore the main pavilions of the palace. English tours are available daily at 11:00, 13:30, and 15:30 (except on Tuesdays.) (As of 2024)

Go to Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office Guided Tour

Phone: +82-2-3700-3900

Website: View Website

Website Language: KOR,ENG

Hours of Operation: January & February: 09:00 - 17:00
March - May: 09:00 - 18:00
June - August: 09:00 - 18:30
September & October: 09:00 - 18:00
November & December: 09:00 - 17:00
*Last entry one hour before closing*

Days of Operation: Daily *Closed Tuesdays*

Baby Carriage Rentals: Yes

Facilities for the Disabled: Accessible Parking; Accessible Pathways; Accessible Information Centers & Services(Wheelchair rentals, etc.); Accessible Restrooms

Fee: Adults - KRW 3,000
Children - KRW 1,500

Address: 03045 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Transportation: Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2 (471m on foot, 9-minute walk)
Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5 (216m on foot, 7-minute walk)

See map

Directions Details

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Tripadvisor Reviews

Traveler Rating Rating:4.5 (Based on 10966 Traveler)

Latest 5 reviews of Gyeongbokgung Palace

My favorite place in Asia

It was amazing! I’m traveling around Asia, and this place is one of my favorites. The palace is so beautiful, and the history here is really interesting. I loved watching the changing of the guard.

Helen R 2024-12-21
Do some research before your visit.

The palace covers a lot of ground. If you want to visit, I suggest that you do a little bit of homework to pick out areas/buildings that may interest you, or you spend time looking at things that...

OntarioTraveler9 2024-12-08
Lovely architecture and peaceful area

I had to come here before my trip to Japan. This is a really cool temple/palace to check out. Though there were many people visiting, it was a really clean and well preserved area. I love this style...

Yvonne S 2024-12-05
Good

The tourist attraction was swarming with people, but the free entry made it totally worth it. I went during the off-peak season, so the weather was lovely and cool. There were countless shops...

clng0504 2024-12-04
Nothing very special

The palace looked very ordinary if you have travelled and seen more beautiful palaces. It's all wooden, spread in huge grounds. The architecture is typical, you have seen one part of the palace, the...

Santosh1959 2024-12-01
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