The Dead Palace & The Funny Parodies Seoul's famous Gyeongbokgung Palace is probably the city's most popular tourist attraction. Why, I don’t quite understand!

The many old buildings are indeed beautiful, but as they sit there spread out over a large, flat, gravelly area with no other function than to be looked at, the buildings feel strangely dead and insignificant.

The most fun part of the visit is actually watching the hundreds of other visitors, many of whom have rented elaborate costumes so they can take photos of themselves as (parodies of) historical figures in the grand surroundings.

After the visit, we were glad we had started the day with a hike on the city wall. It was an infinitely more exciting experience.

Amazing Experience at Gyeongbokgung Palace Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace was a delightful experience which I highly recommend to anyone traveling to Seoul.

The palace, which represents the architectural beauty of the Joseon Dynasty, offers visitors a glimpse into Korea's royal history.

The changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs every hour, adds an authentic touch to the experience. Furthermore, the serene surroundings of the palace garden provide a
peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

What I particularly appreciated was the flexibility of exploring the palace at my own pace, which allowed me to fully take in the beauty of each site without being rushed.

Gyeongbokgung Palace: Stunning Traditions, But Manage Your Expectations Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace offers a unique glimpse into Korea’s rich royal history, with the Changing of the Guard ceremony being a particularly fascinating highlight. The traditional uniforms and rituals make it a memorable cultural experience. Visitors are welcome to take photos with the guards, and if you're wearing a hanbok, you can enjoy free entry—adding a fun, interactive element to your visit.

However, once inside, the palace grounds can feel somewhat underwhelming if you're expecting a lot of activities or exhibits. On hot days, the experience can also be physically tiring due to limited shade and large open courtyards.

Overall, it's worth visiting for the history and photo opportunities, especially during the guard ceremony, but temper your expectations once you're inside.

the One and Only Gyeonbokgung Palace , Must visit in Seoul Gyeongbok gung is a must visit palace in Seoul. if it is your first time , I would recommend wearing 'Hanbok' traditional Korea attire, there are a lot of shops nearby where you can rent out these clothing. By wearing them you can enter for free. The whole palace is nice, stress free, beautiful to walk as there are ponds and landscape is stunning as behind the palace you can see the mountains. I really enjoyed this place a lot as it gives you a great contrast Past vs. modern

The true beauty of Korea I was in absolute awe when I saw the palace for the first time. The beauty of it is magnificent. We spent the morning wondering around the grounds, having a drink in one of the cafes,my daughter dressed in Hanbok and got free entry and we used our Discover Seoul passes to get in. Definitely a must visit when in Seoul. Such beautiful history.

Nice Korean palace The royal guard change ceremony is interesting. There are a lot of Hanbok rentals around where tourists rent and wear Hanboks for visiting the place.

Back in time in Korean palace One of my favorite places to visit no matter how many times I will come in no matter how many times my friends and my family visit me in Korea. It is gorgeous. It is right at the center of the city and it’s the main main Attraction. Around the palace, there are many traditional, Korean clothing stores where you can rent hanboks For a really affordable price and you can enter the palace for free because you’re wearing it~ This place is perfect to take pictures and get to know the culture of Korea and beautiful evening in the area.💗💗💗

Good The tourist attraction was swarming with people, but the free entry made it totally worth it. I went during the off-peak season, so the weather was lovely and cool. There were countless shops offering traditional outfits to rent. It felt like I was stepping back in time. Highly recommended!

Very nice. Very interesting and beautiful palace. I admired the architecture and history. The grounds were expansive with a lot of space. Although there were crowds it didn’t feel too crowded to walk around. Enjoyed the changing of the guard ceremony which was narrated in multiple languages so you could follow along with what was happening. Recommend visiting when in Seoul. It gets very hot in the summer months so stay hydrated.

Peaceful Gyeongbokgung is a must-visit when in Seoul. This historic palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Korea's royal past, with its beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and rich history. The changing of the guard ceremony adds a unique cultural experience, and the palace grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's a place where history and beauty converge, making it a highlight of any trip to Seoul.

Must see palace if in Seoul. The largest of the palaces in Seoul and it does not disappoint. Go early - ticket office opens at 9 (same time as the gates open). If you are early then you miss the crowds which quickly build up. The early bird sees the main palace thorn room easily and then head off to the lake and top of the site. You will then have photo memories without lots of people in the background. The palace guards change 3 times a day. A colourful event and worth watching - only lasts about 15 minutes.

Rebuilt Palace Palace destroyed by the Japanese centuries ago and rebuilt

Interesting buildings, including king and queen rooms that can be seen from a gate

Change of Royal Guard by actors was not so interesting

Palace visit Marvelous visit. Happen to see their local 30 minute performance. Putting on their local costumes will enter the palace free. If not, you pay for the tickets.

Best Attraction I think it is the best Attraction in Seoul. It's very similar to the Palace Museum (forbidden city) in Beijing. Entrance fee 3.000 WON but for non adults is free. Also free if you are wearing a traditional Hanbok. If you wanna go to Bukchon Village afterwards take the exit close to the Folk museum.

Ruined by wannabe models It’s ok. Bit of an Instagram photo shoot place. Not actually good if you want to learn anything history about it. Nice walk around though

Charismatic kings of the Korean dynasty and their legacy captured in one place! Immersive experience of Korean royalty and tradition. It is a vast palace that shows the rich history of the single-dynasty Korean royalty who ruled for more than 800 years. Those who dress up in traditional attire can enter for free, for the rest a nominal fee is required. The grounds have many sections with different emphasis and will take at least 3 hours to cover- minimally. Within the grounds is also a museum that gives very good information on Korean rule. There are artifacts, anecdotes and even animated clips depicting elements of Korean history. On the grounds there its a cafe that serves some traditional Korean snacks and there is another in the museum as well. Good photo opportunities and I’m sure it will look especially amazing in autumn!

Palace in the city An amazing place in the city of Seoul. Lots of history and beautiful settings in a lake. Easy to get to on line 3. Free entry if dressed in Hanbok and lots of visitors were. Lots of selfie opportunities. Remarkably calm and not over touristed at all.

Seoul’s Cultural Epicenter Well Worth a Walkthrough For the first-time (or in my case, second) visitor to Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the must-stop to get one broad stroke of Korean history in one expansive space having been originally built in 1395. As the country’s former administrative and residential center, it’s comparable to The Forbidden City in Beijing, Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, or The Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Because we first walked past the Blue House, my husband and I entered through the back entrance and paid the KRW 3,000 admission fee. This turned out to be ideal as we were able to walk though the residence structures and bucolic gardens before making our way to the main Geunjeongjeon building and the ornate gates in front. There were lots of women in flowing traditional costumes and a military procession in full historical dress. Even though it gets quite crowded, the palace is well worth a walkthrough.

Must visit! Stopping by a variety of areas and learning a bit about the Korean history, culture, and lifestyle while enjoying around in great infrastucture and atmosphere of Gyeonghoeru and Geunjongjeon, feeling in bliss♡

Spectacular Gyeongbokgung Palace Spectacular piece of Korean history that is accessible to the public. Well worth making the time to visit, especially when it's changing of the guard time.

Huge Palace right in the middle of the city Happened to couple this with a visit to the Bukchon Hanok Village so I actually entered the Pqlqce from the back entrance which gave me a chance to walk through the sprawling gardens. There are a couple of free tours starting at the main entrance.

The re-enactment of the changing of guards is very cool - be sure to get a place at the front as it gets quite crowded. If you’re inside, security will stamp your ticket to watch the ceremony and come back in. There is an entrance fee to the Palace, but the ceremony is outside and is free plus you can visit the Royal museum as well for free

Dress up like royalty I enjoyed visiting the temple. Nearby, there are some costume shops to rent some royal garbs, and when i went, one can get in for free if you wear a joeson (pre-20th century) costume.

Must see restored palace complex The Gyeongbokgung Palace complex is huge, with 14 numbered buildings or groups of buildings shown on the free plan. It was established in 1395 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, but as destroyed by fire in 1592 (by the Japanese invaders) and lay in ruins until 1867-1887, when it was restored. However that iteration did not last long, as much of it was again destroyed by the Japanese in 1915. The most recent restoration only started in earnest in 1990 – indeed one building had only reopened last year.
So to some extent it’s a pastiche – a late twentieth century ideal of what a palace should look like. Having said that, it is very attractive, and reminded me of the similarly large (and restored) Forbidden City in Beijing.
The initial sequence of courtyards leads to the Geunjeongjeon Hall, an official National Treasure, and one of the few buildings to have survived since 1887. Most of the halls are largely empty – there are no gilded Buddhas or fanstastical beasts inside.
To the immediate West there’s the Gyeoinghoeru Pavilion, set in a small lake, and another National Treasure. One of the most attractive parts was the Hyangwonjeon Pavilion – also set in a small lake. Right at the back of the complex there is the Jibokjae Hall, which functions as a small reference library, and to its East the recently restored Geoncheonggung Palace, which was built by the King to serve as his private residence in 1873.
Try and get there for one of the Changing of the Guard cermonies - the 1000am is good. But don't bother with a (free) guided tour - better to enjoy it at your own pace.
If you are over 65 you can get in free (ideally show your passport, although my photo driving licence was accepted). You can also get in free if you wear the Hanbok national costume, which can be rented from numerous shops nearby - but even the full rate admission is really inexpensive.

Get Lost in the History of Gyeongbokgung Palace If you're looking to truly feel the heartbeat of Korea's past, Gyeongbokgung Palace is absolutely essential. For me, this grand 14th-century royal residence isn't just a place to see; it's a sprawling canvas of history that invites you to simply exist within its beauty. I love spending hours just wandering its extensive grounds to fully appreciate the stunning details of the buildings and their historical significance.

One moment that consistently pulls me in is the changing of the guard ceremony. Standing at the main gate, watching those vibrant traditional costumes move to the ceremonial music, it's a breathing piece of history unfolding right before your eyes, and arriving a bit early to snag a good viewing spot makes all the difference!

I always enjoy exploring the various halls and the National Palace Museum of Korea. They've done such a wonderful job of bringing the Joseon Dynasty to life, with artifacts and stories that truly deepen your appreciation for royal life and the culture of that era.

Good for Hanbok Photosation Nothing much to do here. Good for roaming wearing hanbok and taking pics only. Not much to explore except repetative-pattern buildings.

Gyeongbokgung Palace It's nice to look at, especially if you're into Korean history, but there's not much to walk around within the palace itself. I recommend spending more time in the palace museum.

Timeless Beauty at Gyeongbokgung Palace Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace was a captivating experience. The grandeur of the architecture and the serene gardens transported me back in time. A must-see in Seoul for anyone interested in history and culture.

Seoul Gyeung Bok Gung The place has nice open grounds for visitors to wall around. A little touristy but always a pleasure to visit and take a walk especially during the falls when the weather is cool and the leaves are changing colour.

The Changing of the Guards was my favorite part... My husband and I had a 12 hour lay-over and so took the train from the airport in Incheon (which took about an hour and was very easy to use) downtown to the main station. After this, we used very reasonably-priced, easy to find taxis to get around. We went to the Gyeongbokgung Palace on what was perhaps the hottest day of my life. I lived in Phoenix for ten years, but I wasn't ready for that high heat/high humidity day. My phone kept buzzing that there was a heat alert and to take cover. I know that most of the Palace is a recreation, but the Palace and grounds are still amazing. I love that so many people rent the old-fashioned costumes and walk around. It adds to the experience. The entry price was very reasonable. We didn't take a tour (it was just too hot) but stayed for the changing of the guards at 2:00, which we loved. The guards put on a good show. The palace is closed on Tuesdays. Just know going in that there are a lot of people here who apparently have come for a complete "photo shoot," so it make take a second to wait in line to take a selfie in all the places you want to. I think taking pictures is a serious contact sport in Korea.

Lovely architecture and peaceful area I had to come here before my trip to Japan. This is a really cool temple/palace to check out. Though there were many people visiting, it was a really clean and well preserved area. I love this style of architecture.

Palaces within a palace This is not just a palace but a collection of palaces within a palace. The entrance fee of 3000 Won is quite reasonable for a 1-2 hour stroll on the palace grounds. Alternatively, if you fancy wearing/renting a hanbok while strolling, it's free admission. My suggestion is to pace yourself to take in the architectural beauty. My approach was to stick to the right and make my way around. Whenever there was a structure that I was interested in, I'd take a slight detour. The outer courtyard is expansive. Be sure to check out the Empress' and concubines' quarters. There's a cute working library at the back. You can definitely browse (after taking off your shoes and slipping on the sandals they provide). You'll see a very tall pagoda to the side. Leave that to the end because that is the National Folk Museum of Korea (free admission). I spent about an hour and a half just exploring Gyeongbokbgung. Restrooms are available.

Foreigner Dress-Up Gyeongbokgung Palace was our attempt at feeling cultural and accomplishing something other than eating on our short trip to Seoul. Our visit ended up being somewhat disappointing, due, in part, to some intense outdoor temperatures.

In short, the palace is a great place to visit if you, like me, get a kick out of seeing foreigners dressed up in hanbok, or other traditional Korean clothing. Absolutely precious. Beyond that, I wasn’t too impressed.

Admission is inexpensive and the palace is a short walk from the nearby metro station.

Lindo passeio Antes de chegar no local você aluga na loja na rua ao lado as roupas tipicas para entrar no local
Não é obrigatório, mas se você aluga a roupa você não paga o ingresso e ainda tem um armário protegido e seguro para deixar sua mochila
Não fique apenas no caminho principal explore as laterais senão vai perder um lindo passeio

Unforgettable experience Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace was an unforgettable experience. The grand architecture and detailed interiors gave a real sense of Korea's royal history. Strolling through the beautifully manicured gardens, I could easily imagine what life was like centuries ago. The Changing of the Guard ceremony was a highlight—watching it felt like stepping back in time. Despite the crowds, the peaceful atmosphere of the palace made it a perfect escape from the busy city.

Very beautiful, very grand If you only visit one palace, maybe this can be the one as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Quite large and lots of scenic spots / garden inside also.

Don't miss the Pavillion (sign up to the tour in advance if you want to enter it). If you have time join a tour to understand what you're looking at.

Hyangwonjeong Pavillion is also quite scenic towards the rear of the palace.

The Palace I didn't buy a ticket to go inside, but just walked around the big property and took some pictures. You don't need a ticket to get inside the first gate, but you do for the second. I just wanted to see the big old buildings and wasn't interested in spending a great deal of time time.

Must-See tourist attraction Changing of the Guards was really cool and definitely worth it. The tickets to the palace were easy to purchase. However, it can’t be purchased in advance online and have to be bought on that date. I recommend getting there in time for the changing of the guards and then buying the ticket (ticket stand is next to changing of the guards area). If you are already inside the palace, you are allowed to exit and re-enter for the changing of the guards ceremony only. Otherwise, it’s no re-entry. You can also purchase audio guides available in multiple languages at the ticket stand.

Amazing Sanggwabang experience I had an amazing trip and got to have tea and desserts in the Sanggwabang program. It was so special and it was amazing to enjoy the special treats in the historic landmark. If you come to Seoul, definitely try to enjoy the special program!

Lovley Visit The palace ground are huge, well worth the visit Admission is free for seniors, but you need to show your passports to get in. Don't get into the line for tickets, just walk up to the attendants at the gate. There are changing of the guards during the day, and you will be well advised to get there before.

Nice place Nice place. You can definitely spend a hole day walking around there. They make free tours in very specific hours. I recommend checking when there’s one. Tours will be in Chinese, English, Spanish and Korean I think. We took a bus to go there, make sure to use NAVER as your app

Really cool to see! Definitely worth a visit. It was a lot bigger than we expected. We went early and it was lovely and quiet, at about 10am it was packed and we were glad to be finishing up

Experience the spirit of Korea Undoubtedly, it’s a must see place, especially for the field visitors. However I wouldn’t recommend going there in hanbok, cause you will see hundreds of identical people and it won’t be as special as you think it is. The best time to visit, in my opinion, is early in the morning or in the evening. But if you want to observe the change of the guards, afternoon is your time.
A small tip, there’s a free of charge entrance on public holidays. Still better check for this information in advance

History in making It is so beautiful. We absolutely loved to be part of modern history, wearing hanboks and imagining ourselves how life was at that time. Plus, it was cherry blossom time and that made the whole experience even more magical. So, if you can, I totally recommend visiting it in spring. It is a place where one would want to return many times.

A Must-Visit Attraction Gyeongbokgung Palace exceeded my expectations. The changing of the guard ceremony was mesmerizing. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to explore every corner of this stunning palace. Don't miss the English guided tour!" 5/5

Great to have a guide. We loved the tour we received done by two young 15 year olds. They shared lots of history about the palace, King and Queen. We arrived at the time of the changing of the guard so that was interesting to watch them in traditional costume.

Very interesting and beautiful. Busy and hot in middle of the day. We went to the palace for 10:00 to see the changing of the guard which was interesting and good fun with English voiceover to explain.

We then joined the English speaking tour at 11:00. Whilst the lady had a megaphone and did explain everything very well, the group was very large and coupled with the heat in the middle of the day (it was a very hot day), it was a bit hard to hear and concentrate on what was being said.

Going earlier in the day is definitely recommended if you can make it.

My favorite place in Asia It was amazing! I’m traveling around Asia, and this place is one of my favorites. The palace is so beautiful, and the history here is really interesting. I loved watching the changing of the guard.

Great visit, certainly on the top ten list This is one of the must-see experiences in Seoul, if only because of its national significance. There can be major queuing to get in, so be prepared. A really nice feature is that if you hire traditional costumes to wear during your visit then you skip the entrance fee and at least some of the queue. Its a great idea, just imagine it applied somewhere like Versailles! maybe not for Auschwitz though. Seeing Korean people around in these wonderful costumes really adds to the experience of the site as it was back in history, and makes for great photographs. Everyone is an extra on the film set! There's live action in the form of a changing of the guard in period costumes too. Try to visit in good weather, you will spend most of your time outside rather than inside. My own visit, as part of a tour group, was shorter than I wanted it to be, I could have spent a whole afternoon here.

Get Lost in the History of Gyeongbokgung Palace The Gyeongbokgung Palace, dating back to the 14th century, is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the rich cultural heritage of Korea. I recommend taking a stroll through the grounds to fully appreciate the stunning details of the buildings and their historical significance.

One of the highlights of my visit was witnessing the changing of the guard ceremony. It’s a colorful and fascinating spectacle that takes place at the main gate, complete with traditional music and vibrant costumes. Arriving a bit early to secure a good viewing spot is definitely worth it!

Large place compound Large palace compound located just northeast of the center of Seoul. It is mostly reconstructed but is architecturally interesting

cool historical place the inside of the palace was so cool i took so many photos. it was also easy to gwt a ticket to get inside. the indoor architecture was the coolest part. it also has some historical information about the palace during the war

tourist experience Visiting the palace is one of the must-see as part of the Seoul experience admission is just $3,000 KRW ($2.19 USD) but if you pay a lot more to rent and wear the pretty hanbok, then admission is free, lol. Definitely makes for pretty pictures. They also have free tours - I attended the English-speaking tour which was ok our tour guide was a little difficult to understand so it was hard for me to pay attention. I actually bailed in the middle of the tour, haha. Still worth a visit.

Impressive palace We loved to see this impressive palace in the Center of Seoul. Make sure to wear a Hanbok when visiting. It adds to the fun and will make the entrance free!

Lots of history, beautiful buildings and open spaces. Fun to wear the Hanbok too. The metro stop is right near the main entrance, so easy to get to on public transport. There are many Hanbok rental places very close by, just follow the crowd for a fun experience to wear the clothes. Check out a couple of places. The palace itself is a must to visit, lots of photo opportunities and lots of history, buildings, statues, lake views etc. A must do on your Seoul trip.

Worth a visit I didnt know what to expect or if it would be worth it. It was worth going for sure, I like trying to get pics with few people unfortunately it was super packed. This is a place I would recommend going though if you come to S Korea

Step back in time at Gyeongbokgung Palace! Gyeongbokgung Palace was an amazing site to see. Part of what made our experience fun was to go to a shop near by and rent Hanbok traditional period clothing to wear during the palace visit.

If you are dressed in Hanbok your entrance fee is free.

The palace is a large enclosed area that is fairly empty. It is a good place to wander around and take pictures. I wish there had been a bit more of a museum like experience but what I saw was beautiful.

The best part of our visit was seeing the changing of the guards. Make sure you see that show.

History surrounding you! Exceptionally preserved and restored history of the Joseon Dynasty, five centuries of glory, a must for every one who has the privilege of visiting this beautiful city. Rent your Hanbok, blend into the culture and the entrance is free.

My favourite palace of the Seoul trip We were lucky to visit while it was culture day so admission to the palace was free.
We also got to see the changing of the guards and this was very colorful and excellent to see. The palace grounds were large and comprised of lots of things to see.
The kings office, queens residence, National folk museum and National palace of Korea along with the Geunjeongmun and Heungnyemun gates along with plenty of gardens and a large grounds to walk around. It was my favourite palace to visit and we had a great time there.

Seoul trip September 2024 We enjoyed our visit to the Palace, we even dressed in traditional clothing which is easy to hire. Very interesting to see some Korean history and culture, Great fun.

A Walk Through History at Gyeongbokgung Palace Stepping into Gyeongbokgung Palace felt like traveling back in time. The stunning architecture, rich history, and serene atmosphere made the visit unforgettable.

Palace in 30 minutes and worth the visit! Stunning, cultural heritage and a must stop for a first time visitors in Seoul. It is located right next to Bukchon Hanok Village, which is some thing also worth seeing if visiting this part of Seoul

Seoul Favorite site It is one of the important spot to visit when you go to Seoul, South Korea. It is very Instagram able as it is.historical site.

Must see in Seoul! The entry and exit to the Palace is very well managed. Taking a tour in hanbok costume makes it even more special. Our English speaking guide was very nice too and she explained the history very well

A Glimpse into Korean History Gyeongbukgung Palace is one of the very first places that everyone should visit at the first time they visit Seoul! It is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces. Though there are a lot of tourists, the palace is quite large so you will not feel it is too packed. They have the royal changing of the guards ceremony at the main gate. There are a few other attractions around this area that you can also visit after. Easily accessible through public transportation.⁣

The ceremony is a fascinating glimpse into Korea's rich history and culture. It is also a great way to learn about the role of the royal guard in protecting the king and his court during the Joseon Dynasty.

If you are planning a trip to Seoul, I highly recommend visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace and witnessing the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. It is an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

A must You can't go to Seoul without visiting a palace!
This is the most popular so expect crowds.
Try to go early during the week.
Also seniors get in free you need ID.
Lovely grounds you can spend hours strolling around.
The changing of the guard is very nice to see.
I would recommend and return.

Gyeongbokkung palace self guided tour +6000WON for two adults.
+Free if you wear Hanbok.
+Massive compound.
We started our walk at around 11.30 am and ended it at about 130pm and we had to skip a few spots due to how busy it is and how big it is plus we didn't plan well for this one.
We went in thinking it will be like Jeonju's palace. Lol how wrong we were.
+There are lesson/learning slots to read and write Hangul at the study/palace where Hangul was invented, perhaps give this a go. Go to this building and there is a reception table upfront to find more info about the available lessons.
+Place is kept clean, toilets are clean and rubbish bins are provided.

-It would have been great if there were less people. As its very accessible. Perhaps for foreigners like myself should be paying more to reduce potentially admitting embarassing foreigners.
-There is not enough security and staff within the vicinity to keep watch of litterers and rowdy tourists.

Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace and nearby tourist attractions I visited Gyeongbokgung Palace and managed to watch the change of guards. If you're visiting Seoul, make sure to spend time to visit this place. The location is very prime since there is a short cut to the nearest exit after my visit to Cheongwadae or Korea's Blue House. Wearing hanbok while strolling the palace is also a must thing to do so visitors can feel more connection to traditional side of Seoul. There are hanbok rental shops surrounding the area and also souvenir shop as well. After visiting this palace, I just walk on the nearest tourist spots as well such as Gwanghwamum Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream and HiKR Ground. Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the top place to visit if you finally visit Seoul.

Seoul's Crown Jewel - A Must-Visit Historical Wonder Gyeongbokgung Palace absolutely deserves its reputation as Seoul's premier historical attraction and should be at the top of every first-time visitor's itinerary. As the grandest and most stunning of Seoul's five royal palaces, this architectural masterpiece offers an incredible journey through Korean heritage. The sheer scale of the palace grounds means you can explore comfortably without feeling overwhelmed by crowds, despite its popularity. The highlight is undoubtedly the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at the main entrance. It’s a captivating display that brings the Joseon Dynasty era to life. Watching the elaborately dressed guards perform this traditional ritual provides genuine insight into Korea's royal history and the important role these protectors played in safeguarding the monarchy.

The combination of stunning architecture, rich cultural education, and the mesmerizing ceremony makes Gyeongbokgung Palace an essential Seoul experience. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful spaces, this palace delivers an unforgettable glimpse into Korea's royal past.

Highly recommended for: History buffs, photographers, families, and anyone seeking to understand Korean culture more deeply.

Go dressed in hanbok for free admission Typical tourist stop but cool to see. If you are dressed in traditional Korean clothes the admission is free. Very popular tourist destination but it never felt crowded because the space is so big.

Starry Night Under Gyeongbokgung Palace The view is breathtaking!
I can't take my eyes of the huge majestic palace!
Also I found some similarities between the architecture of South Korea and India. If you are in Seoul than don't miss the opportunity to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Pro Travel advice: visit in evening slot after 9pm it's all decorated with these amazing lights and it will be one of your lasting memories!
I had a flight to catch that day, I couldn't stay for longer time period but it's equally worth watching in night as much as in day time.

And if you are a book lover then Don't forget to check out the Open Library in front of the palace!
Its awesome. A must try.

And if you are Lucky like me you will get to attend a free concert as well!
Go now! Seoul is waiting for you💜🇰🇷

Amazing Such incredible history and one that gets better and better as they rebuild their dynasty.

The Palace is shrouded in amazing storytelling and history and a glimpse into their past

Beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace A beautiful palace with an interesting and tragic past. We hired a guide to give us an in depth tour of the palace and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

A great historical place We had a great trip in South Korea with a group from my country. It was a wonderful choice this trip.
The Gyeongbokung Palace was the first objectif which we visited in Seoul. This great monument iof culture so famous for the entire world it is a unique experience.
You can read a lot about it on the net, but seeing in real that is something very different, real so wonderful. We visited more than 1 hour and we were dressed in their famous costumes. If you want to enjoy such unique place come and visit. Worth it!!!!

Try the traditional clothing at the Palace Saw the guards doing a show and then tried the traditional clothing.
It was very warm (heat wave) and I was not really up to the effort to try the clothes. The rest of the family tried it and it was worth the effort. We took some great pictures with the palace in the background.

Korean Grand Palace This is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty and was the home of the royal family and the seat of government where the ministers managed the kingdom with the emperor. The present structure is a reconstruction and has suffered major destruction twice. Both times by the Japanese in the Imjin War and during the Colonial period.

The architecture is very much Joseon. There are many grand buildings, although the grandest is of course the Throne Hall where the Korean Emperor held court. It appears to be two storeys in height, but is a single room with an exceptionally high ceiling. If you time your visit correctly, there are two changing of the guards a day. The ceremony is unlike anything I’ve seen before. It’s a grandiose event that involves over a hundred people. The palace complex also has an attached museum, which is open even on the day the palace is closed. I highly recommend visiting the museum as it has many items on display that used to be held in the palace itself. English language guides are offered free and I highly recommend them.

Rich history and culture. Catch the changing of the guard ceremony. If you enjoy history and culture, this is an excellent place to visit. It is well-maintained and has information in multiple languages. Wear a hanbok for the full experience.

Beautiful Beautiful palace with big gardens and many pagodas. You can rent the traditional clothes if you want
The ticket was extremely cheap

Not to be missed You can get into the first courtyard for free and watch the changing of the guard which happens regularly during the day. Don't stand too close to the large drum as it is loud and blocks the view. On the opposite side to te drum might be the best place.
It is definitely worth paying to go into the main palace. Try to time you visit with the time of the English (if English is your language, tour are in a couple of different languages). Check on the website.
The scenery is beautiful and the grounds are huge. We spent over three hours wandering around. We then hired hanbok and went back just for an hour to take photos - by then, we knew the best spots. You can get into the palace for free if you wear hanbok.
Probably one of the iconic sites of Seoul and not to be missed.

Ottima attrazione È una visita d’obbligo a Seoul. Il palazzo è molto bello e circondato da giardini gradevoli per una bella passeggiata.
Subito fuori ci sono molti negozi per affittare gli abiti tradizionali (circa 20 euro se si vuole anche l’acconciatura) ed entrando vestiti così non si paga il biglietto d’ingresso.

Powerful start to understanding the country This is the heart of old Seoul, walking through its massive gates feels like traveling back in time, you cant miss this! If you don't go, its like you never went to Seoul.