Gyeongbokgung Palace

Why go

Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and is the largest of Seoul’s palaces. It gives you the clearest picture of how a Korean royal court was laid out, from the ceremonial gates to the throne hall to the pleasure pavilions at the back. Add the free guard-changing ceremony at the front gate, and it is the easiest place to start a first trip to Seoul.

What to see

Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony

Guards in bright Joseon-era uniforms change shifts with drums and flags at 10:00 and 14:00. Each ceremony lasts about 20 minutes and is free, with no booking. It takes place around Gwanghwamun, the main gate, and the Heungnyemun courtyard just inside. There is no ceremony on Tuesdays, when the palace is closed. It can also be cancelled in bad weather or extreme heat.

If you miss it, a shorter sentry-guarding ceremony (about 10 minutes) runs at Gwanghwamun at 11:00 and 13:00. You can also watch the guards’ public training at 09:35 and 13:35.

Geunjeongjeon (throne hall)

This two-story hall is where kings held state ceremonies. Its stone-paved courtyard is lined with rank markers that showed officials where to stand. For a photo of the courtyard without crowds, walk straight here when the gates open at 09:00, before the tour groups arrive.

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion

This large pavilion stands on stone pillars in a square pond and was used for royal banquets. You can’t go inside, but the view from the pond’s edge is one of the most photographed in Seoul. On a still day you’ll see the whole pavilion reflected in the water.

National Folk Museum of Korea

The National Folk Museum of Korea is inside the palace grounds. It covers everyday Korean life through the centuries and has a separate children’s wing. It makes a good indoor break on a hot or rainy day.

Tips by traveler

Weekend trippers

• Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) rental shops cluster near the Gyeongbokgung and Anguk station exits. If you wear hanbok, you get in free, and you’ll get better palace photos too.
• For an empty courtyard at Geunjeongjeon, be at the gate at 09:00 and go there first.

First-timers & explorers

• English guided tours and audio guides are available. Check the official site for current tour times.
• Bukchon and Insadong are close by on foot via Anguk Station, so you can plan a whole half-day in this area.

Families of 4+

• Allow at least 2 hours. The grounds are large and mostly unshaded, so bring water and hats in summer.
• Plan around the 10:00 or 14:00 guard ceremony. Kids like the drums and costumes, and it gives the visit a clear starting point.
• Admission is free for foreign visitors 18 and under, so a family of four with two teens pays ₩6,000.

Shoppers & foodies

• The 10:00 and 14:00 ceremonies are free and look good on camera. Stand near Gwanghwamun a few minutes early to get a front spot.
• Some hanbok rental shops nearby take Alipay or WeChat Pay. Ask at the counter before you choose your outfit, because not every shop does.

Good for families

Strollers: The main entrance and the big courtyard up to Geunjeongjeon have no steps, but the ground slopes. Around the throne hall there are raised stone thresholds that are hard to roll over, and some inner areas have gravel or dirt paths. Free stroller and wheelchair rental is available near the ticket office, so ask staff when you enter. With very young children, a baby carrier is often easier.

What kids like: The guard ceremony, the open courtyards where they can walk around, and the children’s wing of the National Folk Museum of Korea.

Restrooms and nursing: There are several public restrooms on site. There is also a nursing room with a diaper-changing table in the Hongbokjeon area, where you’ll find an accessible restroom too (the stalls are narrow).

Rest and food: There is no food service inside the palace. Eat before you go in, or plan to regroup afterward at Gwanghwamun Square or the cafés along Sajik-ro. Most of the site is outdoors with little shade, and the folk museum is the easiest place to cool down.

Getting there

Take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station. Exit 5 is a 2-minute walk to the palace. You can also walk 6 minutes from Anguk Station (Line 3) Exit 1 or from Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) Exit 2. Opening hours change with the season, and last entry is 1 hour before closing.

Half-day route: Start at the palace at 09:00 and watch the 10:00 guard ceremony. Then leave by the east side and walk toward Anguk Station for Bukchon Hanok Village in the late morning. Bukchon’s most visited alley is open to tourists only from 10:00 to 17:00, so this order fits well. Finish with lunch and tea in Insadong.

Eat nearby

• Samgyetang: ginseng chicken soup, a mild and filling meal just west of the palace.
• Kalguksu & mandu: hand-cut noodle soup and dumplings, easy on young eaters, in the Bukchon area.
• Cafés & desserts: hanok cafés in Bukchon and Samcheong-dong for a sit-down after the palace.