One of the things that will really fascinate you when you visit Korea is the existence of its palaces in the middle of the city and how they are preserved up to this day. When you go to Seoul, make sure to visit the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty โ the Gyeongbokgung Palace (๊ฒฝ๋ณต๊ถ).
About the Gyeongbokgung Palace
As the main royal palace in the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built in 1395. However, during the Japanese invasion from 1592, this palace left ruined for the next 273 years. In 1867, it was finally reconstructed with some 500 buildings built on a site of over 40 hectares and constituted a small city. Now, the Korean government is investing its resources to rebuild, restore and maintain the main royal palace in all its remaining glory for the future generations.
Over the years, it has become one of the must-visit places in Korea which showcases the cultural heritage of the country. This palace remains beautiful during all four seasons in Korea.
Entrance to the Joseon Dynastyโs main royal palace is FREE if you wearing a hanbok or the traditional clothing of Koreans.
Attractions and Facilities
These are some of the main attractions and facilities that you can see at the palace:
- Geunjeongjeon Hall
- Sujeongjeon Hall
- Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
- Sajeongjeon Hall
- Gangnyeongjeon Hall
- Gyotaejeon Hallยท Chimneys in Amisan Garden
- Donggung
- Sojubang Kitchen
- Jagyeongjeon Hall ยท Chimney with Ten Symbols of Longevity in Relief at Jagyeongjeon
- Hyangwonjeong Pavilion ยท Geoncheonggung Palace
- Jibokjae Hall
- Taewonjeon Hall
Free Guided Tour
Gyeongbokgung Palace offers free guided tours in four different languages. Tourists have the option to choose between English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean guided tours from 10:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon. The duration of the tour is 1.5 hours from Changing of the Palace Guard Ceremony โ (Square inside of Gwanghwamun Gate). Meeting point is at the standing sign boards in front of Gyeongbokgung Information Office at Heungnyemun Gate.
Kdramas Filmed at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Many Korean dramas were filmed at this main palace. One of the famous one is the Kdrama โGoblineโ starring Gong Yoo, Lee Dong Wook, Ji Eun-tak and Yoo In-na. This is where Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) and Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun) arrive when they came back to Seoul from Quรฉbec in episode 2 of Goblin (๋๊นจ๋น).
Here are the other Kdramas filmed at Gyeongbokgung Palace
- When My Love Blooms (2020)
- Mother of Mine (2019)
- Kingdom (2019)
- Temperature of Love (2017)
- My Sassy Girl (2017)
- Chicago Typewriter (2017)
- Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-17)
- Goblin (2016-17)
- The Royal Gambler (2016)
- Queen In-Hyunโs Man (2012)
- My Princess (2011)
- Deep Rooted Tree (2011)
- The Princessโ Man (2011)
- The Fifth Republic (2005)
- Jang hee-bin (2002-03)
- Ladies of the Palace (2001-2002)
- Empress Myeongseong (2001-02)
- Tears of the Dragon (1996-98)
This palace is also close to Bukchon Hanok Village where many Kdramas were also fimed.
Operating Hours
- March-May, September-October 09:00 AM โ 6:00 PM (Last Admission 5:00 PM)
- June-August 09:00 AM -6:30 PM (Last Admission 5:30 PM)
- November-February 09:00 AM โ 5:00 PM (Last Admission 4:00 PM)
- Closed on Tuesdays
Admission Fees
Koreans
- Adults (Aged 25-64): KRW 3,000; Groups of 10 or more: KRW 2,400
- Seniors (Over 65): Free
- Juniors (Under 24): Free
Non-Korean Visitors
- Adults (Aged 25-64): KRW 3,000; Groups of 10 or more: KRW 2,400
- Seniors (Over 65): Free
- Juniors (7-18): KRW 1,500; Groups of 10 or more: KRW 1,200
- Children (Under 6): Free
Notes
- Visitors eligible for free admission are required to have a free-admission ticket issued by the ticket office.
- Total Admission Pass (Four Palaces plus Jongmyo Shrine): KRW 10,000 (Valid for three months after purchase)
- Where to get the pass: Ticket booths of the four royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine
How to get there
Address
161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / ์์ธํน๋ณ์ ์ข ๋ก๊ตฌ ์ฌ์ง๋ก 161 (์ธ์ข ๋ก)
Directions
- By Subway: Get off at Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5. Or get off at Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1.
- By Bus: Take Bus No. 1020, 7025,109, 171, 172, 601 or 606 and get off at Gyeongbokgung Palace Bus Stop. Or take Jongno Bus No. 11 and get off at National Folk Musuem of Korea Bus Stop.
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