Seoul Palace Opening Hours & Holidays Guide 2026

Updated: June 2026 · Korea Heritage Service official data

Planning your palace visits requires knowing the opening hours, which vary by palace, season, and day of the week. This guide covers everything you need to schedule your Seoul palace tour efficiently.

Opening Hours by Palace

Gyeongbokgung
Mar–Oct: 09:00–18:00 Nov–Feb: 09:00–17:00 Closed: Tuesday Last entry 1 hour before closing
Changdeokgung
Mar–Oct: 09:00–18:00 Nov–Feb: 09:00–17:00 Closed: Tuesday Secret Garden requires separate reservation
Changgyeonggung
Mar–Oct: 09:00–18:00 Nov–Feb: 09:00–17:00 Closed: Tuesday Night tours (달빛기행) in spring/autumn
Deoksugung
Mar–Oct: 09:00–21:00 Nov–Feb: 09:00–20:00 Closed: Monday Open until 9 PM — unique evening hours
Jongmyo
Mar–Oct: 09:00–18:00 Nov–Feb: 09:00–17:00 Closed: Tuesday Jeongjeon guided tour included

Key Differences to Remember

  • Deoksugung is closed on Monday — all other palaces close on Tuesday
  • Deoksugung stays open until 9 PM in summer (21:00) — perfect for evening visits
  • Last admission is always 1 hour before closing at every palace
  • Secret Garden (Changdeokgung) requires separate advance reservation

Seasonal Hours Summary

Spring/Summer (March–October): Most palaces 09:00–18:00. Deoksugung 09:00–21:00.

Autumn/Winter (November–February): Most palaces 09:00–17:00. Deoksugung 09:00–20:00.

Holiday hours: Palaces are open on public holidays. Extended hours may apply during Seollal and Chuseok.

Night Tour Schedules

Several palaces host special night tours (야간개장) during spring and autumn. These require advance reservation through heritage.go.kr:

Recommended Itinerary by Day

Monday: Gyeongbokgung → Changdeokgung → Changgyeonggung (all open)

Tuesday: Deoksugung only (others closed) — visit in the evening until 9 PM

Wednesday–Sunday: All palaces open — follow the geographic route: Gyeongbokgung → Anguk → Changdeokgung → Changgyeonggung → Jongmyo → walk to Deoksugung

Best Times to Visit

  • Least crowded: Weekday mornings, 9:00–11:00 AM
  • Most crowded: Weekends, public holidays, cherry blossom season (April), autumn foliage (Oct–Nov)
  • Best light for photography: Late afternoon golden hour (4–6 PM in summer)
  • Rainy day option: Deoksugung has covered walkways and the MMCA museum inside
Plan your palace visit →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which palaces are closed on Tuesdays?
Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Jongmyo Shrine are closed every Tuesday. Deoksugung is closed on Mondays instead. Plan your palace visits accordingly.
What are the general palace opening hours?
Most palaces open at 09:00. Closing times vary by season: 18:00 (Mar–Oct) and 17:00 (Nov–Feb). Last admission is one hour before closing. Deoksugung stays open until 21:00 in summer.
Are palaces open on public holidays?
Yes, palaces are open on public holidays including Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok. Special extended hours may apply during major holidays. Check heritage.go.kr for specific schedules.
What happens during bad weather?
Palaces remain open during rain and snow. Some outdoor areas may be restricted during extreme weather. The Secret Garden tour may be cancelled in severe conditions — check the website before visiting.
When is the best time to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings (9:00–11:00) are the least crowded. Avoid weekends and public holidays. The cherry blossom season (April) and autumn foliage (October–November) draw the largest crowds.