Step back in time to the heart of the magnificent Joseon Dynasty. Explore the grand halls, serene pavilions, and rich history of Seoul's most iconic royal palace with our curated selection of tours and tickets.
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Hand-picked experiences loved by thousands of travelers
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Step back in time at the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Bukchon Hanok Village on this guided walking tour in Seoul.
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Discover Korea's dark history and ghosts. Explore the dark alleys, listen to stories from folklorists and historians.
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Wear a Korean Hanbok and explore Gyeongbokgung Palace with this experience. Choose your preferred Hanbok and match your hairstyle.
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See the beautiful northern sides of Seoul as you visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok village, enjoy a panorama view, and try snacks.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Discover the soul of Seoul at Gyeongbokgung, the largest and most magnificent of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. A visit here is more than just sightseeing; it's an immersive journey through 500 years of Korean royal history. Wander through vast courtyards where kings once held court, marvel at the intricate details of the throne hall, and find moments of peace by the serene Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. By booking a tour, you gain deeper insights from expert guides who bring the stories of kings, queens, and court life to life. Witness the spectacular Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, a vivid reenactment of ancient traditions, and enhance your experience by donning a beautiful Hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, which also grants you free entry. Our platform helps you find the perfect way to experience this historical marvel, from simple skip-the-line tickets to comprehensive guided tours.
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Spring (April to May) offers pleasant weather and beautiful cherry blossoms.|Autumn (September to November) is another ideal season, with clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and stunning fall foliage colors.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as the palace grounds are vast and require a lot of walking|Dress in layers, as the weather in Seoul can change throughout the day|In summer, wear light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunglasses|In winter, a warm coat, gloves, and a hat are necessary as it can be very cold
Built in 1395 by King Taejo, Gyeongbokgung was the first and main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, the last dynasty of Korea. It served as the heart of the capital city and the seat of power for centuries. The palace layout was meticulously planned according to ancient principles of architecture and its relationship with the surrounding mountains and city, making it a masterpiece of Korean palace architecture.
Cancellation policies vary by the tour operator. Most options booked through our platform offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Please check the specific details on the booking page for the tour you select.
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Real experiences from real travelers
Booking a guided tour was the best decision we made. Our guide, Chloe, was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Joseon Dynasty to life. Skipping the massive ticket line was a huge bonus. Walking around in a Hanbok made it feel even more magical. Highly recommend!
The palace grounds are vast and stunningly beautiful, especially with the mountains in the background. The architecture is incredible. It was quite crowded, even on a weekday, so booking tickets online beforehand is a smart move. The guard changing ceremony is impressive and worth timing your visit for.
Une visite essentielle à Séoul. Le palais est immense et magnifique. Nous avons loué des hanboks juste à côté, ce qui nous a permis d'entrer gratuitement et de faire des photos incroyables. La visite guidée a ajouté une profondeur historique que nous n'aurions pas eue seuls. Réservez à l'avance pour éviter la foule au guichet.
The booking process was smooth and we received our e-tickets instantly. Gyeongbokgung itself is a historical marvel. It was fascinating to learn about the different buildings and their purposes. Don't miss the National Folk Museum on the grounds. It provides so much context.
Wow, this palace is huge! You could easily spend a whole day here. We booked a 2-hour tour which was great for the highlights, but I wish we had more time to explore all the smaller courtyards. Wear comfortable shoes! The gardens are peaceful and beautiful.
We visited in Autumn and the colors were spectacular. The Royal Guard ceremony was a highlight - so much pageantry. Booking a tour that included Hanbok rental was super convenient. It felt like we stepped onto the set of a historical drama. A truly unforgettable day.
We visited in winter with a light dusting of snow, and it was absolutely magical. The palace was much quieter than I imagine it is in peak season. The tour was informative, and our guide did a great job even in the cold. Just be sure to bundle up!;5
Everything you need to know for your journey
While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance. This allows you to skip the often very long ticket queues, especially during peak season and on weekends, saving you valuable time.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is very accessible via public transport. The easiest way is to take the Seoul Metro to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), which has a direct exit into the palace grounds. Anguk Station (Line 3) is also a short walk away.
Absolutely! Not only does wearing a traditional Hanbok grant you free admission to the palace, but it also makes for an incredibly immersive cultural experience and stunning photographs. There are many rental shops just outside the palace.
The Sumunjang (Royal Guard) Changing Ceremony takes place at the Gwanghwamun and Heungnyemun Gates. The main ceremony happens at 10 AM and 2 PM daily (except Tuesdays) and lasts about 20 minutes. It's a colorful and impressive spectacle worth seeing.
To see the main highlights and watch the guard ceremony, you should plan for at least 2 to 3 hours. If you want to explore the grounds thoroughly, including the on-site National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum, you could easily spend half a day or more.
The main pathways and courtyards are generally flat and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, some of the traditional buildings have raised floors and steps, making interior access difficult. Accessible restrooms are available on the grounds.
Yes, numerous excellent English-guided tours are available. Booking one through our platform connects you with licensed guides who provide fascinating historical context and stories that you would otherwise miss. Other languages like Chinese and Japanese are also commonly available.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed to the public every Tuesday. It's crucial to check this when planning your itinerary to avoid disappointment.
Yes, photography and videography for personal use are generally permitted throughout the palace grounds. However, the use of flash photography inside buildings, tripods, and drones is prohibited to protect the historic structures and ensure the comfort of all visitors.
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