5 Famous and Must-Visit Palaces in Seoul

Have a trip to Seoul? Visit the 5 best palaces in Seoul, my chingudeul. It’s one of the best experiences you’ll ever forget when you get to Seoul. 

Seoul (Hanyang) is the home of the five palaces from the Joseon dynasty.  The palaces consist of different buildings like the throne hall and royal council throne, sleeping quarters of the king, pavilions, and gardens. 

The 5 Best Palaces in Seoul

Gyeongbukgung Palace

The Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main palace of the city capital during the Joseon era built in 1395. It’s the most beautiful and widest among all the palaces. Located in the north of Gwanghwamun Square and a few meters away from the other palaces. The palace offers a guided tour and also holds a royal guard changing ceremony from 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for 20 minutes.

3,000 won is the entrance fee and free entry for those who are wearing a hanbok. Closed every Tuesday. For more guides, please check the website here.

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeok Palace or Changdeokgung was the second royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. It is located in the east of Gyeongbukgung. Among the palaces, this palace still preserves its original features. This was the principal palace for many kings and the government of Joseon. The palace began its popularity at the time of Sejongjong, the 9th King of Joseon. In 1592, angry citizens burned the palace when the royal family fled the residence during the Japanese invasion.

Also, the Secret Garden is one of the hidden gems of the Changdeokgung. To enter you need to join the guided tour and pay 5,000 won for a separate entrance fee.

The palace closed on Mondays and serves different hours depending on the season. 3,000 won is the general entrance fee, 1,500 for children, and free entry for those who are wearing hanbok. For more information please visit the Changdeokgung website here. 

Changgyeonggung Palace

King Sejong, the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty built the Suganggung (renamed Changgyeonggung during the reign of King Seongjong) for his father, King Taejong. During the Japanese time, the palace became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden until 1983.

The palace opens from 09:00 am to 9:00 pm (the last admission is 8:00 pm) and is usually closed on Mondays. The fee is 1,000 won for adults, ages 18 and below 500 won, for 6 years old and below are free same for seniors 65 years and above.

Entering the palace while wearing a hanbok is free of charge. Group admission  (a group of 10+) is available to cost 800 won each. For more information, check the palace’s main website here.

Gyeonghuigung Palace

Located on the west side of Seoul, Gyeonghui Palace or Gyeonghuigung was the secondary palace for the king. This palace was known as “Seogwol” which means “Palace of the West” where the King moves in times of emergency.  From the Joseon Dynasty, about 10 kings (In-Jo to Cheol-Jong) stayed in this palace.

In the past, this palace had an arched bridge connecting to Deoksugung but currently, you need to cross Jeondong Street and walk to Desoksugung. Seoul History Museum, the streets of Jongno, and Jeongdong Street are the main landmarks of Gyeonghuing Palace.

The palace closes on Mondays and January 1, which opens from 9:00 a.m. up to 6:00 p.m. with free admission. You can check the website here (Korean Only).

Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung, meaning “the palace of virtuous longevity”,  is the only palace that has Western-style buildings inside aside from being famous for its elegant stone walls. In 1575-164, when Gwanghaegun ascended to the throne, Deoksugung became a proper palace.  Over the following decades, the palace became an official palace and a temporary residence. 

The palace visiting hours are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and closed on Mondays. 1,000 won is the admission fee or free of charge when wearing a hanbok upon entrance.  Free entrance for children under 6 years old, seniors (65 years and above), and Culture Day is usually held every last Wednesday of the month. For more details, check the Deoksugung website here.

Tips

• Get a combination ticket worth 10,000 won for adults and 5,000 won for youth. The admission includes the 4 palaces and even the Secret Garden (Changdeokgung)  and the last is the Jongmyo Shrine.
• If you don’t prefer a guide you can rent an AUDIO GUIDE in your preferred language.

Etiquettes

• Do not run or speak loudly with the premises of the Palace.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Food and mats are not allowed.
• Games and sports equipment are not allowed.
• Smoking is prohibited anywhere in the Palace including parking lots.
• Drone flying is strictly prohibited.
• If anyone flies drones in Seoul without written approval by law authorities, the fine is up to 2 million won by civil aeronautics law.

For the Hanbok rental shop, you can check One Day Hanbok or Doryeong Assi Hanbok.

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Xoxo, Hyejin 

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