Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of South Korea’s most iconic landmarks, representing the nation’s rich history and cultural heritage. Built in 1395 during the reign of King Taejo, it served as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Despite suffering destruction during historical conflicts, extensive restoration efforts since the 1990s have helped preserve its grandeur.
Located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea, the palace is easily accessible via Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5).
General Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Seoul, South Korea |
| Opening Hours | January–February: 09:00–17:00 / March–May: 09:00–18:00 / June–August: 09:00–18:30 / September–October: 09:00–18:00 / November–December: 09:00–17:00 |
| Closed Days | Every Tuesday |
| Contact | +82-2-3700-3900 |
| Address | 1-1 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| How to Get There | Subway Line 3: Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5 (5-minute walk) / Subway Line 5: Gwanghwamun Station Exit 2 (10-minute walk) |
Admission Fees
Korean Nationals
- Individual (Ages 25–64): 3,000 KRW
- Group (10+ people): 2,400 KRW (20% discount)
- Jongno-gu Residents: 50% discount (proof required)
Foreign Visitors
- Adult (Ages 19+): 3,000 KRW
- Youth (Ages 7–18): 1,500 KRW
- Group (10+ people): Adult 2,400 KRW / Youth 1,200 KRW (20% discount)
🆓 Free Admission
- Children under 6 years old (including foreign visitors)
- Korean nationals aged 7–24
- Korean nationals aged 65+
- Foreign residents aged 65+ with F-5 permanent residency
- Teachers accompanying students for educational purposes
- Visitors wearing traditional Korean hanbok (must remain in hanbok throughout the visit)
- Disabled persons & national merit recipients
- Disability Level 1–3: Free admission for visitor + one companion
- Disability Level 4–6: Free admission for visitor only
- Recipients of basic welfare benefits
Free admission tickets must be collected at the ticket booth before entry.
2025 Night Tour in Gyeongbokgung, Korea
- Dates: May 8 – June 15, 2025
- Hours: 19:00 – 21:30 (Last entry 20:30)
- Closed Days: Every Monday & Tuesday (Regular visits are only closed on Tuesdays)
- Free Admission: Children under 6, seniors 65+, national merit recipients, disabled persons (+1 companion)
- Hanbok Wearers: Free entry (must follow official hanbok guidelines)
- Reservation Required: No on-site ticket sales (Limited to 3,000 tickets per day)
- Booking Site: National Palace Museum Online Reservation (NOL)
Information for Foreign Visitors in Korea
Gyeongbokgung Palace offers various services to enhance the experience for international tourists visiting South Korea.
- Multilingual Audio Guide
- Available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, French, and more
- Covers major palace structures and historical background
- Can be rented at the palace entrance or accessed via the official website
- Guided Tours for Foreign Visitors
- Professional guides offer English, Chinese, and Japanese tours
- Covers key historical sites and palace architecture
- No reservation needed for groups under 10 people
- Reservations required for groups of 10+ (maximum 30 participants per tour)
- Hanbok Experience in Korea
- Rent traditional Korean hanbok near the palace
- Free entry for visitors wearing hanbok
- Popular for photo sessions inside the palace
📸 Photography & Social Media Tips in Korea
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most photogenic locations in Seoul, South Korea. Here are some tips for capturing the best shots!
Top Photo Spots
- Gwanghwamun Gate – The grand entrance with changing of the guards
- Geunjeongjeon Hall – The throne hall, showcasing royal architecture
- Gyeonghoeru Pavilion – A stunning lakeside pavilion with reflections in the water
- Hyangwonjeong Pavilion – A peaceful hexagonal pavilion surrounded by nature
- Jagyeongjeon Flower Wall – A beautifully decorated wall, perfect for hanbok photos
Best Time for Night Photography
- Sunset (~19:30) – Warm golden hues create a magical atmosphere
- Full Night View (~20:30–21:00) – Palace lights illuminate the structures beautifully
- Gyeonghoeru Reflection Shot – Capture the pavilion’s reflection in the water
Recommended Hashtags for Social Media
- General Travel: #Gyeongbokgung #KoreaTravel #SeoulTrip
- Hanbok Experience: #HanbokExperience #TraditionalKorea #RoyalPalace
- Night Photography: #GyeongbokgungNight #SeoulNightView #KoreaPhotography
Now, the revised version highlights Korea more clearly, ensuring foreign visitors instantly recognize it as a must-visit destination in South Korea.
view korean version
