A Quick Guide To The Five Palaces Of Seoul
Did you know there are five main palaces in Seoul, Korea? Oh, and bonus, there’s a royal residence, too. When you begin to plan your trip to this vibrant city and realize there are five palaces of Seoul to see, that can be overwhelming for even the best of travel planners. Which of the Seoul palaces should you visit? Which of the palaces in Seoul is the grandest? Is there even a difference?
I’ve done full guides of all of the palaces, but with this Seoul palace quick guide, I’m going to break it down so you know which one is right for you. Honestly, if you have the time, see them all. But if not, here’s everything you need to know about the palaces of Seoul to plan your Seoul itinerary. If you need more help, definitely check out this Epic Travel Guide to Seoul for the First Timer.
The five palaces of Seoul, a royal residence, and what to know:
- General Tips for Visiting the Palaces of Seoul
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
- Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁)
- Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)
- Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁)
- Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁)
- Unhyeongung Royal Residence (운현궁)
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General Tips for Visiting the Palaces of Seoul
- Entry Fees: Most palaces have a small entry fee. Gyeonghuigung Palace is already free.
- Combination Ticket: If you plan to see the main palaces, look into getting the combination ticket which costs W10,000 and includes entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine. This pass is good for up to 3 months so is also beneficial to people that are living in Korea and plan to do a lot of touring in the next few months.
- Free Entrance:
- On Culture Day: There is free entrance to all of the palaces on the last Wednesday of the month which is Culture Day in Korea.
- By Wearing Hanbok: There is free entrance to the palaces of Seoul if you are wearing a Hanbok. A Hanbok is a traditional Korean dress and not only tourists, but Koreans rent Hanboks too. They make for gorgeous photos.
- On Major Holidays: There is often free entrance to the main palaces of Seoul on major holidays like Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving, and Seollal, the Lunar New Year.
- Dress Code: There’s no strict dress code, but respectful attire is appreciated.
- Cultural Etiquette: Be mindful of palace rules, such as not touching ancient structures and keeping noise levels down. Follow the signs posted and don’t step inside any of the buildings with signs telling you to keep out. If you are allowed to enter a room, there may be a sign to remove your shoes. Be mindful.
- Night Hours: At special times throughout the year, usually in the spring and autumn, you can visit Gyeongbokgung Palace at night as well as Changdeokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace.
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
Ideal for: First time visitors and those with only time to see one palace in Seoul. History enthusiasts and those interested in Joseon Dynasty architecture will love this.
- Key Info: Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is the largest and most famous of the five palaces. You could spend many hours here really, but at a minimum two to three is enough. It boasts the National Folk Museum and the National Palace Museum of Korea within its premises.
- Recommended Tour: To get the most out of your visit, take a guide, someone knowledgeable that can tell you all about the history and culture and what you’re looking at. Book this Gyeongbokgung Tour on Klook
- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161)
- Hours: January – February, November – December: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm; March – May, September – October: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; June – August: 9:00am ~ 6:30pm
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Admission: Adults (19-24): W3,000
- Free Guided Tours: In English: Every open day except Tuesday: 11:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm
- Tours last 1 hour and limited to 30 people.
- Tour starts in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace Information Center inside the Heungnyemun Gate.
- Visit Duration: 3+ hours (If you plan to see the museums on the grounds as well, you could spend most of the day here.)
Pros:
- The most popular and must-see of the palaces.
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony
- Substantial grounds and number of buildings. If you can only see one palace, this is THE one to see.
- Free guided tours available.
- Easily accessible from the subway.
Cons:
- There can be major crowds in high season.
- Expansive grounds so you’ll be walking a lot. Wear good shoes.
- Not a quick visit. Plan to spend at least 3 hours there if you want to see everything.
- Changing Of The Guard Ceremony: 10:00am and 2:00pm (Duration: 20 minutes)
- Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. When you head in, after seeing the main hall, go left to see the most popular views of the palace before walking back in the center to head back.
- Recommended Route: Gyeongbokgung Palace -> National Folk Museum of Korea -> National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (You can get an amazing view of Gyeongbokgung Palace from above from the rooftop observatory. Even if you don’t want to check out this museum, you can still go to the observatory for free.) -> Gwanghwamun Square -> Cheonggyecheon Stream -> HiKR Ground -> Gwangjang Market
For more information:
Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁)
Ideal for: Nature lovers and photographers. This palace is said to be so beautiful in each season that you should visit it at least 4 times.
- Key Info: Changdeokgung, originally built in 1405 as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung served as the primary residence from the 1600s – 1800s. It is renowned for its beautiful secret garden, Huwon, which requires a separate guided tour to enter. This palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its harmonious integration into the natural landscape.
- Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99)
- Hours: February – May, September – October: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm; June – August: 9:00am ~ 6:30pm; November – January: 9:00am ~ 5:30pm
- Closed: Mondays
- Admission: Adults (19-24): W3,000; Youth (7-18): W1,500
- Free Guided Tours:
- Palace Building Area: In English, every open day except Mondays: 10:15am and 1:15am.
- Secret Garden: In English, March – November: 10:30am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm; December – February: 10:30am, 11:30am, 2:30pm
- Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
Pros:
- The most well-preserved palace in Seoul.
- The secret garden is a major feature and with limited ticket sales each day, not overrun.
- Free guided tours available.
Cons:
- Tickets can sell out quickly during high season.
- Smaller palace grounds to visit if you take the garden tour. More focus on the garden than buildings.
- Tips: The secret garden tour is a must; book in advance during high season as slots fill up quickly. There are only a certain amount of tickets sold which keeps this palace much more peaceful even during high season.
- Recommended Route: Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden -> Bukchon Hanok Village
For more information:
Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)
Ideal for: Art and culture aficionados. Smaller but no less beautiful changing of the guard ceremony and look at traditional Korean palace buildings as well as contemporary architectural buildings.
- Key Info: Deoksugung is unique for its blend of traditional Korean and Western architectural styles. It also houses the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung branch. This was the home of the last king and second to last emperor of Korea, Gojong. Often hosting artistic exhibitions for a fun experience that combines art and culture.
- Recommended Tour: Join a night tour to Deoksugung on Klook.
- Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 세종대로 99)
- Hours: 9:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Closed: Mondays
- Admission: Adults (19-64): W1,000
- Visit Duration: 2 hours
Pros:
- Interesting architecture that includes both traditional and historic as well as more contemporary.
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony
- Often hosts artistic exhibitions.
- Easily accessible from the subway.
Cons:
- Smaller palace grounds to explore.
- Not a completely traditional complex so if that’s what you expect, another palace is a better choice.
- Changing Of The Guard Ceremony: 11:00am, 2:00pm, 3:30pm
- Tips: Don’t miss the stone-wall road outside the palace, which offers one of Seoul’s most picturesque walks, especially beautiful in autumn. This is also where you can find the Jeongdong Observatory to get a view of Deoksugung Palace from above.
- Recommended Route: Deoksugung Palace -> City Hall Building -> Myeongdong -> Ani Town -> N Seoul Tower
For more information:
Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁)
Ideal for: Families and those looking for a peaceful escape. My personal favorite as it’s almost always quiet and yet has all of the traditional buildings and facades you’ll want to see.
- Key Info: Originally built as a summer palace, Changgyeonggung offers a more relaxed atmosphere. It has a large park and greenhouse as it was converted to a garden and zoo during the Japanese occupation. While it’s very peaceful now, this palace is most well-known for the death of Crown Prince Sado who was locked in a chest and starved to death over 8 days.
- Recommended Tour: Join this evening tour of Changgyeonggung Palace on Klook.
- Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 185)
- Hours: 9:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Closed: Mondays
- Admission: Adults (19-64): W1,000; Children (7-18): W500
- Free Guided Tours: In English, Every open day: 11:00am and 4:00pm
- Visit Duration: 2 hours.
Pros:
- Much smaller crowds even in high season.
- Beautiful greenhouse on the grounds.
- Beautiful fall foliage and spring flower spot.
- Free guided tours available.
Cons:
- Entrance is out of the way so not easily accessible from a subway station.
- 13 buildings to explore, but not as many as the main palace.
- Tips: Combine your visit with Changdeokgung as they are adjacent to each other and actually have a back entrance that connects the two palace grounds.
- Recommended Route: Changgyeonggung Palace -> Gwangjang Market -> Sewoon Sangga
For more information:
Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁)
Ideal for: Those looking to explore off the beaten path or see as many free things in the city.
- Key Info: Gyeonghuigung is the smallest of the five palaces and was once linked to Deoksugung Palace. Originally built in the 1600s, it was originally much larger than what you can see today. Only about a third of the palace has been rebuilt from what it was in its heyday. It’s less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience.
- Address: 45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 새문안로 45)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Closed: Mondays
- Admission: Free
- Visit Duration: 1 hour
Pros:
- Free admission.
- Rarely if ever crowded.
Cons:
- Not a substantial number of buildings left of the complex.
- Tips: Perfect for a quick, peaceful stroll amidst historical surroundings.
- Recommended Route: Gyeonghuigung Palace -> Seoul Museum of History -> Gwanghwamun Square
For more information:
Unhyeongung Royal Residence (운현궁)
Ideal for: Those wanting to see a different side of royal life. It often hosts cultural events and exhibitions during major Korean holidays.
- Key Info: What’s most striking is that the buildings in this complex are not painted the many colors of the other palaces. It’s a well-known location for Korean families to take photos with their children to celebrate their first 100 days, or dol, and other major events.
- Address: 464 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 삼일대로 464)
- Hours: April – October: 9:00am ~ 7:00pm; November – March: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Closed: Mondays
- Admission: Free
- Visit Duration: 1 hour
Pros:
- Unique, though smaller buildings.
- Hosts a lot of cultural events for traditional Korean holidays.
Cons:
- There can be major crowds in high season.
- Expansive grounds so you’ll be walking a lot. Wear good shoes.
- Tips: At Unhyeongung Palace they have a very budget-friendly Hanbok rental spot just inside the entrance. If you don’t want to rent Hanboks for many hours, you can rent them for just a half hour while you’re here to take beautiful photos and then leave them before you go.
- Recommended Route: Unhyeongung Palace -> Ikseon-dong -> Tapgol Park -> Insadong -> Seoul Museum of Craft Art
For more information:
At least one palace in Seoul needs to be on your Seoul itinerary, but choosing which one is up to you. From the grandest Seoul palace so the smallest, there are a lot of great options and the more time you have, the more you can see.
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