Gyeongbokgung Palace
The primary and grandest royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, birthplace of the Hangul script, and the beating historical heart of Seoul.
Hours & Closures
Tickets & Admission
ℹ️ Tickets are easily purchased on-site at automated kiosks or ticket booths; no advance booking needed for standard daytime admission.
Contact & Website
Transit Access
🚗 Public underground parking available on the east side (3,000 KRW for first 2 hours; subway strongly recommended).
History & Heritage
Constructed in 1395, three years after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty by King Taejo, Gyeongbokgung ("Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven") served as the main royal palace. It exemplifies Confucian architectural harmony nestled before Mount Bugaksan.
Founded in 1395 under King Taejo and master strategist Jeong Do-jeon, Gyeongbokgung served as the central axis of Joseon governance. Its golden age occurred under King Sejong the Great (reigned 1418–1450), who established the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon) here, where Hangul was devised in 1443.
During the Japanese invasions of 1592 (Imjin War), the palace was razed by fire and remained in ruins for 273 years while royals resided at Changdeokgung. In 1867, Regent Daewongun spearheaded a massive reconstruction during King Gojong’s reign, erecting 330 buildings across 7,200 bays.
Under Japanese colonization (1910–1945), over 90% of the structures were demolished and the colossal Government-General Building was erected directly before Geunjeongjeon to sever royal feng shui. Beginning in 1990, South Korea launched a multi-decade restoration masterplan, demolishing the colonial building in 1995 and meticulously reconstructing Gwanghwamun gate on its true historical axis.
⏳ Historical Milestones
What to See & Highlights
Gwanghwamun Gate & Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
광화문 & 수문장 교대의식The grand southern gateway featuring the daily Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at 10:00 and 14:00 (except Tuesdays) with Joseon-era military regalia and traditional drumming.
Geunjeongjeon Throne Hall
근정전 (국보)National Treasure No. 223, the largest wooden hall where coronations and foreign embassies were held, fronted by official ranking stones in the granite stone courtyard.
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
경회루 (국보)National Treasure No. 224, an iconic two-story banquet pavilion raised on 48 stone pillars floating over a reflective lotus pond.
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion & Chwihyanggyo Bridge
향원정A picturesque hexagonal pavilion on an artificial islet connected by the delicate Chwihyanggyo wooden bridge, built as King Gojong’s private retreat.
Photo & Heritage Gallery
Visit Planning & Advice
2 to 3 hours
Morning at 09:30 to watch the 10:00 Guard Changing Ceremony and capture photos in morning light.
- Admission is 100% FREE for all visitors wearing full traditional Korean Hanbok (available for rent at nearby shops).
- Free English guided tours depart daily at 11:00, 13:30, and 15:30 from the information desk inside Heungnyemun Gate.
- Drones, pets, smoking, and commercial filming without prior permit are strictly prohibited.
