Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
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Gwanghwamun, the main gate
Know Before You Go
Free guided tours in English are available at 11:00, 13:00, and 15:30.
Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at the top of every hour from 11:00 to 15:00.
This palace is included with the Integrated Ticket of Palaces.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Construction on Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) was completed around 1395 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty during the reign of King Taejo. Gyeongbokgung, which means "palace greatly blessed by Heaven," was built in the heart of Seoul surrounded by Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan.
Expanded over time, Gyeongbokgung was the center of power during the Joseon Dynasty until the Japanese invasion of 1592-1598. During this time, all the royal residences in Seoul were destroyed by fire and left in ashes. It was decided that Changdeokgung would be rebuilt and serve as the new main royal residence. The ruins of Gyeongbokgung were left alone for the next 270 years.
In 1867, Gyeongbokgung was rebuilt and restored as an icon of Korea with help from Heungseon Daewongun, also known as Prince Regent. The royal residence was built differently as is it stood 270 years earlier. Over 500 buildings were constructed in the area, influenced by Chinese architecture. The new construction was the size of a small city.
Changing Of The Guard Ceremony
During the Japanese occupation of World War II, Gyeongbokgung was was mostly dismantled and destroyed, including Gwanghwamun Gate and nearly all other buildings that were rebuilt in 1867. In 1916, the Japanese built their large General Government building north of Gwanghwamun Gate. This building, a sign of Japanese imperialism, stood until 1995.
With the war long over, the government of Korea has been trying to restore it to its former glory. Such steps have been taken such as restoring Gwanghwamun Gate and Heungnyemun Gate to their original state. The restoration project by the South Korean government is scheduled to take at least another 20 years to complete.
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion
What To See
Gangnyeongjeon Hall - Living quarters and resting area for the king
Geoncheonggung Residence - Private residence of King Gojong at the palace
Geunjeongjeon Hall - Main throne hall
Gwanghwamun Gate - Landmark main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion - Pavilion used for banquets and entertainment
Gyotaejeon Hall And Amisan Garden - Living quarters and resting area for the queen
Hamhwadang Hall And Jipgyeondang Hall - Living quarters for concubines
Heumgyeonggak Pavilion And Hamwonjeon Hall - Used for Buddhist events
Heungnyemun Gate - Reconstructed inner second gate
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion - Two story pavilion on an artificial island
National Folk Museum Of Korea - Museum exhibiting how Koreans lived both past and present 
National Palace Museum Of Korea - Relics and artifacts from Joseon Dynasty palaces
Sinmumun Gate - Northern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace
Sujeongjeon Hall - Location where Hangul was developed by King Sejong
Yeongjegyo Bridge - Bridge that crosses Geumcheon StreamDirections And Getting There
Option 1
Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5).
Option 2
Take Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2).
Operating Hours
March - October : 9:00 - 18:00
November - February : 9:00 - 17:00
Ticket office closes 1 hour before closing time.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Admission Fees
Adult : 3,000 won
Teenager : 1,500 won
Free guided tours in English are available at 11:00, 13:00, and 15:30. Meet at the information center next to the main entrance. Tours are also available in Japanese (10:00, 12:30, 14:30) and Chinese (10:30, 13:00, 15:00).
The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 between Gwanghwamun Gate and Heungnyemun Gate. Cost is free.
This palace is included with the Integrated Ticket Of Palaces.
Map
GPS Coordinates (Longitude and Latitude) : 37.57824, 126.97706.
