Great Temple. There are five important temples in Seoul with this one being the most important one. So if you don’t have that much time, just choose this one. At the time we were there, there was a change of guard ceremony at 1 pm at the main entrance. Apparently can get free entrance if you wear the traditional hanbok clothing.
Very beautiful historic palace with plenty to explore and places to take photos. Be sure to come on time for a good spot (I believe it’s 10am and 2pm) for the guard change performance.
I went in early August so it was extremely hot and which put me off renting the hanbok, so I recommend going during cooler seasons for a more comfortable viewing experience.
The museum nearby is also worth checking out too!
A worth seeing attraction. Admission is free if you’re wearing a hanbok. If not, the admission is still inexpensive. A lot of history here, so you can spend 2-3 hours here if you’re really interested in it. Yes, a lot of tourists here so it does get crowded at times if you’re trying to take pictures. Be warned, old Korean ladies like to walk in front of your pictures.
The night tour of Gyeongbokgung palace is a must-do in Seoul. I believe it only runs in the fall and spring. Tickets go on sale around 7pm, there are only a limited number for foreigners / tourists so make sure to get there early. I arrived to the ticket office at the palace around 6:30 and there was already a big line of people waiting. Many people visit wearing traditional hanbok clothing, I believe you get free entry if you wear it.
The palace is beautiful at night, with all the pagoda buildings and statues lit up dramatically. You can really appreciate the architecture and intricate design of the buildings and interiors. There are reader boards giving the history and use of each area. Much of the palace was destroyed and has been reconstructed in more modern times, but you couldn’t tell. The “floating” pagoda building on the big man made lake is a highlight.
the entrance is so cheap. 3000₩ each for adults. children is free. I’m not sure if it because it is their school holiday and kids are free. big place. we went on a rainy day (very heavy) hence the English tour was cut short. It was quite difficult to hear the guide, especially rain hard!
you can mainly see the building but not the inside for most. as the Palace was attacked so many times. they have only restored 31% and it will take years before they 40% etc.
Beautiful Palace, thoroughly enjoyed walking through the large site. Recommend renting the audio guide as you fist enter.
The palace is in excellent condition. You go in free if you go dress in the traditional clothes( hanbok).
The palace it’s beautiful and full of color. Take an umbrella because the sun is brutal. Next time I’ll do Golden hour. The palace also have a few shows available through out the day.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the oldest historic place, build in 1395. At the heart of the Seoul, the South Korea. The Palace surrounding by beautiful buildings, gardens, pond, statues, hand arts. Short time is not enough to visit. As Guard changing ceremony is very special. Historic culture and costumes – hanbok is main attractions. Palace grounds are unique extensive. Great experience and fantastic scenery. It’s really refreshing visit.
Beautiful place. We spent a few hours walking around the palace grounds, had a great time! A very big complex so it didn’t feel crowded even though there were many tourists.
Very worthwhile to visit while on your trip to South Korea – it is massive, so give yourself enough time to view it all (2 hours at least). Highly recommended!
This location is periodically famous in the capital Seoul. If you come to Seoul, you should definitely go to Gyeongbukgung once. There are many bus routes running through here, but you will have to walk about 5 minutes to get to the main gate. Note that you should arrive 1 hour – 1 and a half hours before closing time (in July and August you should arrive before 5:30 pm, in the remaining months before 5:00 pm). At the time of arrival Gyeongbukgung was undergoing repairs ahead. This place was built more than 600 years ago. When you go inside, look on the right side and you’ll see the ticket booth. Ticket price is about 3,000 won for adults, cheaper when buying with many people. Inside there are many places to take photos and beautiful scenery. However, the most beautiful thing is the main hall. In short, this is Korea’s leading cultural and historical site.
The one to see. If you are over 65 you enter for free (thank you Korea). The grounds are interesting to walk through. You can easily imagine what is was like centuries ago…where the soldiers slept, etc. We caught a period parade just before entering in traditional costume. Have fun and rent one yourself.
This palace is centrally located in Seoul and is almost impossible to miss. This is a good thing as the palace, and its surrounding buildings, gardens, and statues are worth every second that is spent here. It feels like stepping back in time. The architecture and art is breathtaking. Pictures do not do this place justice. If you can fit it into your trip I highly recommend it.
The palace grounds are far more extensive than you’d initially think and very beautiful.
I highly recommend taking the free tour (check the timetable for your most suitable language). Our lovely guide Sun pointed out many wonderful details I would have easily missed on my own!
$2 tickets with free guided tour, you can spend about 1-2 hours here. We did the tour for about 0.5 hours but then the group got too big so we split up and walked in our own. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly while the palace is well preserved. I like how they don’t overcharge you, also if you wear traditional hanbok, or are over 65 you don’t need to pay!
One of the most iconic spot in Seoul Korea to visit. Get ready for a long trek and bring lots of water. Revisit this place when it was hot and everything was outdoors.
Majestic and old, this place brings back era of the Korean Dynasty. Deep in rich history, you will learn at least something before you go.
There is an indoor museum further back which is free to enter west wing side for the kids to see. More of a children’s museum.
A wonderful historical and cultural experience. Numerous places for photo opportunities. You can rent period costumes and dress like royalty! You can spend as much time as you like at each part of the palace complex.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a former royal palace built during the Joseon Dynasty.
Some people come dressed in traditional outfits, which adds folklore to this majestic place.
I recommend that you devote a good part of your afternoon to it if you want to visit the entire palace, courtyards and garden.
This was my second visit to the palace, and I feel like I had a totally different experience than the first time. It’s a very big place and there is a lot to see and having a good tour guide makes all the difference.
You don’t need to wear a hanbok to get the free entry, you can also get the free entry by visiting the palace on every last Wednesday of the Month. The walk with the guide device took me about 2 hours. It was very cultural and beautiful inside, though lots of areas were blocked from entering to preserve the heritage. It’s worth a go if you visit Seoul. My recommendation was to enter once the palace is open (9am), so you can take more clean shot as there were lesser crowd. While I was exiting the palace at about 11, it was full of human traffic.
