Why do foreign travelers rank Gyeongbokgung so high in Seoul?
In a survey of foreign tourists’ favorite places to visit in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace ranked second, right after Myeongdong. It outranked Hongdae, Seongsu-dong, and Gangnam.
The palace is the largest of Seoul’s five royal palaces. Free entry for hanbok wearers, the guard-changing ceremony, and free foreign-language tours make it easy to build into a full day of sightseeing. Here’s what to know before you go.
Gyeongbokgung basics: hours, subway access, and admission
- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Subway: Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5 (short walk). Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station also works, via Gwanghwamun Square.
- From Myeongdong: Line 4 to Chungmuro, transfer to Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung
- From Hongdae: Line 2 to Euljiro 3-ga, transfer to Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung
- Closed: Tuesdays (the palace stays open as usual if a Tuesday falls on a public holiday)
- Suggested visit length: 1.5–2 hours
- Admission: 3,000 KRW for adults
- Free admission: Anyone wearing hanbok (regardless of nationality), and Korean nationals aged 24 or under / 65 or over (ID required)
- Opening hours: Vary by season — check the official site (royalpalace.go.kr) before your visit
- Free guided tours: Offered in English and other languages from the visitor center just inside Heungnyemun Gate. Same-day sign-up, about 30 minutes before the tour starts — check the official schedule in advance
Why rent a hanbok for your visit?
For most foreign visitors, renting a hanbok isn’t just a way to get in for free — it’s part of the experience itself. The typical flow is: rent a hanbok, enter the palace, take photos against the palace backdrop, then stroll through a nearby hanok neighborhood still dressed up.
On top of the experience, there’s a practical perk: anyone wearing hanbok gets free admission to the palace.
Where to rent a hanbok, and for how long?
Hanbok rental shops cluster around Gyeongbokgung Station and Gwanghwamun. A few well-known ones near Exit 2 of Gyeongbokgung Station include Gungganeun Yeowoo, Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung branch, and Samsamoro Gyeongbokgung branch. Klook also lists a range of hanbok rental options.
- Prices vary a lot depending on rental length (usually 2–4 hour blocks) and hanbok type (everyday hanbok, premium, or themed) — check each shop’s rate card before booking
- Some shops throw in lockers, hair accessories, or selfie sticks for free — worth confirming when you book
- Some require ID or a deposit — check shop-specific conditions
- If photos are the priority, renting early in the morning means fewer crowds in your shots
What to see inside Gyeongbokgung
Gwanghwamun
The main gate of the palace, standing since it was first built in 1395. Of its three arched entrances, the center one was reserved for the king. It’s also where the guard-changing ceremony takes place.
Geunjeongjeon
The throne hall, used for coronations and official state events. This is the palace’s central building, known for its grand scale and detailed woodwork — most visitors spend the longest stretch of their visit here.
Gyeonghoeru
A pavilion resting on 48 stone pillars, once used to host foreign envoys and royal banquets. Its reflection in the surrounding pond makes it one of the most photographed spots in the palace.
Hyangwonjeong
A small pavilion set in the middle of Hyangwonji Pond, with a different mood each season. It’s an especially popular photo spot in spring and autumn.
Gyotaejeon & Amisan
Gyotaejeon was the queen’s residence. Behind it, Amisan is a terraced garden where chimneys double as decorative structures. It tends to be quieter than the rest of the palace, making it a good spot for a slower walk.
When to catch the guard-changing ceremony
- Guard-changing ceremony: 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, at the square in front of Gwanghwamun Gate
- Royal Guard-On-Duty ceremony: 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, outside Gwanghwamun Gate
- Timing can shift depending on the season or weather, so it’s worth checking on-site announcements the day of your visit
Where to go after Gyeongbokgung
Seochon
A quiet alley neighborhood west of the palace, mixing traditional hanok with cozy cafes. Fewer tourists here means more of a local feel.
Bukchon Hanok Village
A residential area packed with traditional hanok houses and photogenic alleyways, within walking distance of the palace.
Insadong
A street known for traditional crafts, souvenirs, and Korean restaurants — a go-to for foreign visitors looking for gifts to bring home.
Gwanghwamun Square
Home to statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, with several indoor museums nearby (the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, the Seoul Museum of History), making it a good backup plan on rainy days.
Half-day itinerary: hanbok, palace, and the neighborhoods around it
Most shops rent hanbok in blocks as short as 1–2 hours, so a simple approach is to wear it just inside the palace, return it, then explore the surrounding neighborhoods in your regular clothes. If you’re taking your own photos rather than booking a professional shoot, you’re free to roam anywhere during your rental window — but since most shops are near the palace, returning it right after your palace visit tends to be the easiest option.
If you want to catch the 10 AM ceremony
9:00 AM — Rent hanbok → 9:30 AM — Enter Gyeongbokgung, visit Geunjeongjeon, Gyeonghoeru, and Hyangwonjeong → 10:00 AM — Watch the guard-changing ceremony (still in hanbok) → 11:00 AM — Return hanbok → 11:30 AM — Change into regular clothes, head to Insadong or Seochon for lunch
If you want to catch the 2 PM ceremony
9:30 AM — Explore Bukchon, Samcheong-dong, or Seochon first → 12:00 PM — Head toward the palace for lunch → 12:30 PM — Rent hanbok → 1:00 PM — Enter Gyeongbokgung, visit Geunjeongjeon, Gyeonghoeru, and Hyangwonjeong → 2:00 PM — Watch the guard-changing ceremony (still in hanbok) → 2:30 PM — Return hanbok → 3:00 PM — Head to Insadong
Who should prioritize this visit
- First-time visitors to Seoul: if you’re only picking one place, this is the safest bet
- Travelers who care about photos: pairing a hanbok rental with the palace backdrop is hard to beat
- Travelers looking for cultural experiences: the guard-changing ceremony and free English-language tours add real depth
- Travelers who want an efficient half-day plan: Insadong, Bukchon, and Seochon are all within walking distance, so the route plans itself