EasyTicket Gyeongbokgung Palace
📍 세종로, Seoul
This palace was built in 1395 as Joseon's first main royal palace. With Bugaksan Mountain behind it and a government office street stretching out in front of its main gate, Gwanghwamun, it served as the center of Hanyang, and Hunminjeongeum was created here during King Sejong's reign.
After burning down during the Imjin War, it remained an empty site for a long time before being rebuilt in 1867 during King Gojong's reign. Since the 1990s, halls demolished during the Japanese colonial period have been restored, bringing the palace to its present form. Restoration work is still continuing section by section.
The basic route follows the axis from Gwanghwamun to Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. In front of Gwanghwamun, the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony takes place twice a day, so many visitors time their visit around it.
Visitor information
| Address | 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로) |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | March~May and September~October 09:00~18:00 / June~August 09:00~18:30 / November~February 09:00~17:00 (last admission one hour before the palace closes) |
| Closed days | Every Tuesday |
| Admission | Adults 3,000 won; free when wearing hanbok |
You can drag the map to pan, and zoom in or out.
Directions on KakaoMap ↗Opening hours and prices can change.
Useful tips
- The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony takes place in front of Gwanghwamun at 10 AM and 2 PM.
- Admission is waived if you wear hanbok, so using one of the nearby rental shops is a good option.
- To see the whole palace, allow at least 1.5 hours so you can look around comfortably.
- The palace is closed on Tuesdays, so switch your plan that day to Changdeokgung Palace or Deoksugung Palace.
- Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3 is closest to the ticket office and Heungnyemun Gate.
Frequently asked questions
Is it really free if I rent and wear hanbok?
If you're properly dressed in hanbok, you don't pay admission. Rental shops cluster around the palace, so many visitors rent by the two- or three-hour block and go straight in wearing it.
Can I visit with a child in a stroller?
The main routes are wide dirt paths and paved paths, so strollers can get around. However, there are many stairs and thresholds leading up to the halls, so near the buildings you'll need to carry the stroller at times.
Is there a parking fee?
[Compact cars] First 1 hour 3,000 won / 800 won for every additional 10 minutes / [Mid-size and large cars] First 1 hour 5,000 won / 800 won for every additional 10 minutes
