Gyeongbokgung Palace: A Jewel of Seoul's Cultural Heritage

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Overview

Gyeongbokgung Palace, a majestic relic of history, stands as one of the five notable palaces from the Joseon Dynasty. Originally constructed in 1483 during the reign of King Sejong, this iconic palace has undergone several transformations over the centuries. The site, however, faced destruction during the Japanese invasions in the 16th century and the early 1900s. After Korea regained its independence in 1945, restoration efforts rejuvenated the palace's grandeur. Key architectural features include the magnificent Okcheongyo Bridge, adorned with carvings of goblins, and the main hall, Myeongjeongjeon, where kings once welcomed esteemed guests and envoys. Visitors can also explore various halls, including the Council Hall (Munjeongjeon) and the banquet hall (Sungmundang). The surrounding gardens enhance its serene atmosphere, making Gyeongbokgung Palace a must-visit destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in Korea’s rich history.

Photo of Gyeongbokgung
Photo of Gyeongbokgung
Photo of Gyeongbokgung
Photo of Gyeongbokgung
Opening hours
  • Sunday 09:00 - 18:00
  • Monday 09:00 - 18:00
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00
  • Thursday 09:00 - 18:00
  • Friday 09:00 - 18:00

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • Address161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
  • Phone+82 2-3700-3900

Reviews

Emily Choi
Australia
4
Make sure to arrive early for the Change of the Guard ceremony—it’s a must-see event at the Palace. The grounds are vast and beautiful, though only a few buildings are open for exploration. We were fortunate to visit the Geoncheonggung Residence, which had many great photo spots inside—definitely the highlight of our trip. Expect to wait a bit to get the best views and snap photos around the entire grounds. My advice: wear comfortable shoes, bring an umbrella, a hat, and some drinks. We visited in September, and the weather was quite humid with occasional rain, which slowed us down but allowed time to appreciate the signage and explore the quieter areas. I'd certainly return as there was still so much we didn't see due to time constraints.
Max Liu
China
5
Visited Gyeongbokgung Palace on a rainy day, and it was truly enchanting. The rain set a calm atmosphere, making the stone paths shine as if they were from a film. Strolling through the courtyards with an umbrella amidst soft raindrops felt serene and a bit magical. Unfortunately, I missed the changing of the guard but I’ll definitely return next time!
Sara Lee
South Korea
5
My experience at Gyeongbokgung Palace was stunning. The grand and beautiful settings, combined with numerous people in colorful hanboks, added to the charm of the place. It's hard to find a location anywhere in the world that offers such a unique glimpse into a beautifully presented history.
Liam Garcia
USA
3
I expected more from Gyeongbokgung Palace. The entire complex consists of a series of courtyards, leading to a main building that, frankly, doesn't compare well to Japanese architecture from the same era. However, we were fortunate to catch the change of the guard, which was indeed a lovely experience.
David Kim
South Korea
5
I visited Gyeongbokgung Palace on a Sunday and got to see the guardian shift change around 2 PM. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the staff were welcoming and helpful. I highly recommend this site for anyone interested in history. It's easy to purchase tickets on-site, which adds to the convenience. Don't miss out on exploring this castle if you’re in the area!