Introduction
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in Seoul, located in the Jongno district.
Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, it served as the main royal palace and played a central role in Korean history for over 500 years.
Today, it remains one of the most visited cultural attractions in Korea and offers visitors a chance to experience traditional architecture, seasonal landscapes, and Korean heritage in the heart of Seoul.
It is also located within walking distance of various restaurants, cafes, and dessert spots — making it ideal for planning a full-day walking route in central Seoul.
Quick Travel Facts
- Built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty
- Largest and most iconic of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces
- Free entry when wearing traditional Korean Hanbok
- Popular for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage
- Night opening available on selected seasonal dates
- Home to the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
Location
Gyeongbokgung Palace is located in the heart of Jongno District in central Seoul, South Korea.
• Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Nearest Subway Station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3)
• Exit: Exit 5
• Walking Distance: About 3 minutes on foot
• Nearby Landmark: National Palace Museum of Korea
The palace is easily accessible by public transportation and is located within walking distance of major attractions such as Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong Cultural Street.
Google Maps Location:
👉 View Gyeongbokgung Palace Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps
Before You Visit – Practical Tips
It is recommended to have a light meal before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, as the palace grounds are large and require extensive walking.
Many visitors choose to stop by Mom’s Touch in Jongno, located about a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, for a quick Korean-style chicken burger before starting their palace tour.
Many visitors choose to stop by Mom’s Touch in Jongno for a quick Korean-style chicken burger before starting their palace tour, especially when planning a full-day walking itinerary.
Having an Americano in the morning is also a common travel routine in Korea, and travelers often visit Compose Coffee in Jongno before beginning their sightseeing route around the palace.
Public restrooms are widely available in nearby subway stations and commercial areas around the palace.
Having an Americano in the morning is also a common travel routine in Korea, and travelers often visit Compose Coffee in Jongno before beginning their sightseeing route around the palace.
Public restrooms are also available inside the palace grounds, including near the main entrance and major pavilions such as Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong.
In Korea, public restrooms are commonly located in subway stations, commercial buildings, and historical sites, and are generally clean and well-maintained.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is partially accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, with paved walking paths available in many areas of the palace grounds.
Families visiting with young children may find it convenient to use strollers, although some traditional structures and elevated areas may have steps.
Stroller rental services are not available inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, so families are advised to bring their own strollers when visiting with young children.
Seasonal Travel Advantages
Spring (March – May)
Cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the palace grounds
Comfortable weather for walking
Ideal conditions for hanbok photography
Recommended cherry blossom viewing spots inside Gyeongbokgung Palace include:
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion
Palace Wall Walking Path
The typical cherry blossom season in Seoul lasts from late March to early April.
Autumn (September – November)
Colorful foliage enhances traditional palace architecture
Ideal lighting conditions for photography
Popular season for cultural sightseeing
Autumn is also considered one of the best times to wear hanbok for photography.
Winter (December – February)
Snow-covered palace roofs offer a calm atmosphere
Fewer crowds compared to peak seasons
Unique seasonal scenery
Summer (June – August)
Lush green landscapes
Morning visits recommended due to heat
Hanbok Experience & Photography
In recent years, renting and wearing traditional Korean hanbok while visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace has become a popular cultural activity.
Visitors wearing hanbok may receive free admission to the palace.
Hanbok rental shops are located nearby in Bukchon and around the palace entrance, where visitors may rent traditional hanbok with average prices ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 KRW depending on the rental duration.
You may consider renting a hanbok from a nearby shop before entering the palace for a more immersive cultural experience.
Wearing hanbok provides:
Free palace admission
Cultural photography opportunities
Traditional walking experience inside the palace grounds
Please note that eating or drinking while wearing hanbok inside the palace grounds is not permitted.
Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage seasons are especially recommended for capturing memorable travel photographs.
Recommended Photo Spots Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion – A scenic pavilion surrounded by water, ideal for wide-angle hanbok photography.
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion – A small traditional pavilion with a wooden bridge, perfect for portrait-style travel photos.
Night Opening Information
Gyeongbokgung Palace occasionally offers night-time admission during selected periods in spring and autumn.
Night viewing includes:
Illuminated palace buildings
Traditional landscape lighting
Cooler evening temperatures during summer
Night admission is typically available from 19:00 to 21:30, with the last entry at 20:30.
During special night opening periods, admission is generally available from Wednesday to Sunday, while Mondays and Tuesdays are closed.
Advance reservation may be required depending on the season.
Operating Hours
Mar – May / Sep – Oct: 09:00 – 18:00
Jun – Aug: 09:00 – 18:30
Nov – Feb: 09:00 – 17:00
Last admission is 1 hour before closing
Closed on Tuesdays
Walking Route After Visiting Gyeongbokgung
Plan Your Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace
👉 Plan your visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore nearby Korean restaurants and cafes in Jongno for a complete Seoul travel experience.
Practical Information
Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
10:00 / 14:00 (Approx. 20 min)
- Royal Guard Training
09:35 / 13:35 - Gate Guard Duty Ceremony
11:00 / 13:00 - Closed on Tuesdays
※ All ceremonies are not held on this day
Google Maps Location:
👉 View Gyeongbokgung Palace Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps
Nearby Attractions in Jongno
After exploring Seochon, you may also consider visiting several nearby attractions within walking distance.
• Seochon Hanok Village – A quiet traditional neighborhood known for its local cafes, art shops, and Tongin Market, often visited by Korean locals looking for hidden food spots.
Must-Visit Seochon Hanok Village Travel Guide Near Gyeongbokgung – Hidden Local Area in Jongno Seoul
• Visit Tongin Market in Jongno to enjoy Korea’s unique lunchbox café experience using traditional coins.
Tongin Traditional Market Coin Lunchbox in Jongno Seoul – Korean Dosirak Near Gyeongbokgung
• Bukchon Hanok Village – A scenic area filled with historic Korean houses, offering one of the best walking routes to experience traditional architecture in Seoul.
More Places to Eat in Jongno
If you are planning to explore more local food options after visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, here are some popular places to eat in Jongno that are within walking distance of the palace.
Best Cheap Korean Waffle in Jongno – Under $3 Fresh Dessert in Seoul
• Visit a Traditional Korean Hanjeongsik Restaurant in Jongno for a Full Course Korean Dining Experience
Must-Try Korean Traditional Set Meal Near Gyeongbokgung – Local Full Course Restaurant in Jongno
• Visit a Hidden Ginseng Chicken Soup Restaurant in Seochon for a Healthy Korean Comfort Meal
Best Restaurants Near Gyeongbokgung – Healthy Korean Chicken Soup with Ginseng in Seochon Jongno
• Visit a Local Korean Tteokbokki Restaurant in Jongno for an Easy Street Food Experience Near Gyeongbokgung
Must-Try Korean Tteokbokki Set Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Local Street Food Within Walking Distance in Jongno Seoul
• Visit a Local Korean Bulgogi Restaurant in Jongno for an Authentic Beef Meal Near Gyeongbokgung
Best Korean BBQ Lunch Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – 30-Year Local Bulgogi Restaurant in Jongno