Gyeongbokgung Palace Complete Guide 2026

Updated: June 2026 · Korea Heritage Service official data

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) is the primary royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, built in 1395. Located in the heart of Seoul, it serves as the symbol of Korean royal architecture and governance.

Ticket Prices & Admission

Adults: ₩3,000 (~$2.30). Youth (7-18): ₩1,500. Children under 7 and seniors 65+: Free. Open 09:00–18:00 (Feb–Oct), 09:00–17:00 (Nov–Jan). Closed every Tuesday.

The integrated palace ticket (₩10,000) covers all five major palaces and Jongmyo Shrine for one full year — excellent value if visiting multiple sites.

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Feb–Oct: 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00)
Nov–Jan: 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Closed: Every Tuesday
Peak seasons: Cherry blossom (April), Autumn foliage (Oct–Nov)

Arrive at 9:00 AM for the fewest crowds. Weekend afternoons are most crowded. Weekday mornings are the most peaceful. Autumn foliage season (mid-Oct to late Nov) offers stunning photo opportunities.

How to Get There

Subway: Seoul Metro Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5) — 5 min walk. Anguk Station (Exit 3) is also convenient, especially if combining with Bukchon Hanok Village.

Bus: Bus routes 102, 171, 271, 606 stop near the palace.

Taxi: Tell the driver "Gyeongbokgung". The main entrance (Gwanghwamun Gate) faces Gwanghwamun Square.

Must-See Buildings & Highlights

Gyeongbokgung houses over 30 buildings. The most iconic is Geunjeongjeon (throne hall), Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (royal banquets on a lake), and Hyangwonjeong (hexagonal pavilion on a lotus pond — one of Seoul's most photographed spots).

Gwanghwamun Gate

이곳은 경복궁의 남문, 광화문입니다. 요즘은 광화문 앞 세종로 양쪽으로 정부청사 건물들이 죽 늘어서 있지요?...

Geonchunmun Gate

이곳 건춘문은 경복궁의 동문입니다. ‘봄이 시작되는 문’이라는 뜻이지요. 이곳은 세자를 비롯한 왕실가족과 종...

Yeongchumun Gate

이곳 영추문은 경복궁의 서쪽 대문입니다. 경복궁 안에 있는 관청에서 근무하는 문무백관들은 주로 이 영추문으로...

Sinmumun Gate

이곳은 신무문입니다. 경복궁의 북문이지요. 북쪽은 겨울과 죽음, 그리고 강한 음기를 상징합니다. 그래서 경...

Dongsipjagak Pavilion

동십자각은 외로운 건물입니다. 이 건물은 높은 망루처럼 생겼는데 이상한 점은 이 건물로 들어갈 문이 없습니다...

Heungnyemun Gate

자, 지금 도착하신 곳은 흥례문입니다. 흥례문 앞에서는 궁을 지키는 수문장들이 임무를 교대하는 의식을 했지요...

Explore all buildings at Gyeongbokgung →

Night Tour

Gyeongbokgung hosts special night tours in spring and autumn. The palace illuminated at night creates a magical atmosphere.

Important: Night tour tickets must be reserved through heritage.go.kr. They sell out within hours — set alerts and book immediately.

Visitor Tips & Hanbok Rental

Visit at 9:00 AM for the fewest crowds. Wear comfortable shoes. Rent a hanbok nearby for free admission!

Additional tips:

Audio guides available at the entrance (₩3,000)
National Palace Museum and Folk Museum are free to enter
Photography allowed throughout the grounds
Food and drinks not allowed inside palace buildings
Gift shop near Gyeonghoeru sells traditional souvenirs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gyeongbokgung opening hours?

Feb–Oct: 09:00–18:00. Nov–Jan: 09:00–17:00. Closed every Tuesday. Last admission 1 hour before closing.

How much is the ticket?

Adults ₩3,000, Youth (7-18) ₩1,500. Free for children under 7 and seniors 65+. Integrated ticket (₩10,000) covers all 5 palaces + Jongmyo.

Hanbok rental near Gyeongbokgung?

Many rental shops near Gwanghwamun and the west gate. Wearing hanbok grants free admission.

Parking at Gyeongbokgung?

No official parking. Use nearby public lots or Metro Line 3 Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5).