No. 01 · THE MAIN PALACE
Gyeongbokgung Palace
경복궁
The first and largest palace of the Joseon dynasty, built in 1395, with Geunjeongjeon throne hall and the Gyeonghoeru pavilion on its lotus pond.
Closed on Tuesdays
Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395, three years after the Joseon dynasty was founded, and served as its main palace. Hunminjeongeum, the Korean alphabet, was created and proclaimed here.
Walk in through Gwanghwamun and Heungnyemun to Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall where kings were crowned, then on to Gyeonghoeru, the banquet pavilion that seems to float on its pond. The National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum stand inside the grounds.
Don't miss
- Geunjeongjeon throne hall
- Gyeonghoeru pavilion on its pond
- Hyangwonjeong pavilion
- The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at the gate
Opening hours
| Nov–Feb | 09:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Mar–May, Sep–Oct | 09:00–18:00 |
| Jun–Aug | 09:00–18:30 |
Tours
Free English tours leave from the information centre at Heungnyemun at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30.
Guard ceremonies
- 10:00 and 14:00 · Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, In front of Gwanghwamun and Heungnyemun (about 20 minutes)
- 11:00 and 13:00 · Gwanghwamun Gate Guard on Duty Ceremony, In front of Gwanghwamun (about 10 minutes)
Sources
- Korea Tourism Organization — Gyeongbokgung PalaceChecked 2026-11-10
- Royal Palaces and Tombs Center — Gyeongbokgung Palace and its historyChecked 2026-11-10
- Visit Seoul — Changing of the Royal Guard at Gyeongbokgung PalaceChecked 2026-11-10
- Korea Tourism Organization — Experience Royal Palace Life: guard ceremonies and guided toursChecked 2026-11-10
When the weekly closing day falls on a public holiday, the palace opens that day and closes on the next working day instead.