Gyeongbokgung is the largest palace out of the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul, which sits right in the heart of the capital city. Standing the test of time since it was first constructed at the end of the 14th century, Gyeongbokgung has been through the ups and downs of the country despite the constant destruction by wars and fire.
How To Get To Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Gyeongbokgung sits smack dab in the core of the capital city, neighboring major commercial districts of Myeongdong and Hongdae. You can reach the Gyeongbokgung Palace by metro on line 3 to the Gyeongbokgung Palace Station and head out of exit 5. The palace is about five minutes walk away.
Alternatively, you can also hail line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station from exit 2 on a ten-minute walk.
Other than the metro, the buses that take you to the Gyeongbokgung Station are the green buses #1020 and #7025 as well as the blue buses #109, #171, #172, #601, and #606.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour And Ticket
The entrance gate price at the Gyeongbokgung Palace is KRW 3000 for adults and KRW1500 for children up to 19 years old. Visitors wearing a traditional hanbok can enter for free. The last call for entry is an hour before closing time.
Opening hours:
- 09:00 – 18:00 from March to May and from September to October.
- 09:00 – 18:30 from June to August.
- 09:00 – 17:00 in February.
The palace is closed on Tuesday.
A Glimpse Into Gyeongbokgung Palace History
Gyeongbokgung was brought to life shortly after the Joseon Dynasty was established in 1394. The palace was formally expanded twice under the rule of the later kings yet also faced a tragic fate following the Japanese invasions once in the 16th century and twice more in the early 20th century.
One thing after another, the palace was drowned in flame in 1553 before it was reconstructed and burnt to the ground only a few decades later.
With a serious attempt to bring the initial palace back to life for exhibition as you see today, the state invested a good amount of money to recover 90% of the lost buildings.
Things To See And Do At Gyeongbokgung Palace
Geunjeongjeon Hall
Serving national affairs and events such as ceremonies and state meetings, the Geunjeongjeon Hall is one of the most beautiful and largest buildings in the complex with sophisticated ornaments, colorful reliefs, and a thoughtful layout starring the throne in the middle and a minister’s table.
Back in the day when it was built, the Geunjeongjeon Hall was dubbed as the largest wooden structure building in ancient Korea. When you step outside, that’s where a large outdoor courtyard is located scattered with 18 stone plagues parallel to one another from Geunjeongjeon to Geunjeongmun Gate. The plagues represent the nine officials lining up in the ranks.
Gwanghwamun Gate
Gwanghwamun is the main gate of the palace where the guard-changing ceremony takes place. Contemplating at the gate brings a marvelous feeling with the massive white wall hugging the extensive square at the front.
I recommend wearing comfortable shoes as there’s so much to see and explore. If you don’t like the crowds, stick to the left wing of the gate where fewer people gather. You will also find plenty of street food vendors, washrooms, and hanbok rental units.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
- Ceremony time: 10:00 and 14:00.
- Duration: 20 minutes.
- Frequency: Weekdays except for Tuesday.
Gwanghwamun Gate Guard Changing Ceremony
- Ceremony time: 11:00 and 13:00.
- Duration: 10 minutes.
- Photos with the guards after the changing ceremony is allowed.
Royal Walk At The Gyeongbokgung Palace
Taking place every day from April to November, the royal walk at Gyeongbokgung adds a unique touch to the visit. You’ll have a chance to marvel at the morning ritual where the King and Queen meandered through different parts of the palace followed by their ladies and men.
The Gyeongbokgung Palace is the number one must-see place in Seoul. If you’ve been here before, try to return at another time of the year as there are multiple ceremonies hosted at the site throughout different seasons.
Other than the palace itself, you can stop by a museum there with a coffee shop as well as lots of dining opportunities outside of the palace’s walls. A good amount of time to make the most of Gyeongbokgung should be two hours.
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