Gyeongbokgung Palace Tickets & Changing of the Guard Hours (2024)

Last updated 21 September 2022

Located just north of Gwanghwamun Square, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Seoul’s can’t-miss attractions. Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbok Palace, is the largest of the Five Palaces built in Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, the expansive grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace is home to the National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea. Find out how to get Gyeongbokgung Palace tickets and when you can see the changing of the guard.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace

In addition to the historic buildings and traditional gardens, Gyeongbokgung Palace is famous for the royal changing of the guard ceremony that takes place twice a day. While perhaps not as well known as the Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace, the royal palace guards of Gyeongbokgung are a sight to behold, and this traditional ceremony is a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of Seoul’s past.

Check In to Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun, Step Out to Gyeongbokgung Palace

Know Before You Go to | Gyeongbokgung Palace tickets & tours

Admission and Fees

Adults – 3,000 won
Children (ages 7 – 18) – 1,500 won
Children (six and younger), seniors (65+), and anyone wearing hanbok gets in for free.
Admission is free for everyone on Culture Day – the last Wednesday of every month.
Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
First two hours of parking is 3,000 won for small vehicles or 5,000 won for large vehicles. Each additional 10 minutes is 800 won.

Operating Hours

March – May: 9am – 6pm
June – August: 9am – 6:30pm
September – October: 9am – 6pm
November – February: 9am – 5pm
The last admission is one hour prior to closing.
The palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Operating hours are subject to change.

Free Guided Tours

English: 11am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm
Japanese: 10am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm
Chinese: 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm
Tours begin in front of the information center inside Heungnyemun Gate and last for an hour and a half.
Groups of 10 or more must make an advance registration.
Self-guided audio tours are available to rent.

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Step 1 – Understand the History

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 by the first ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo. Over the next two hundred years, the palace was expanded by King Taejong and King Sejong the Great. After a devastating fire in 1553, King Myeongjong ordered a major restoration. During this time, the palace was home to the royal family and the seat of government with royal duties being carried out in the various halls behind the palace walls.

Gyeongbokgung Palace continued to expand until 1592 when it was completely destroyed during the Japanese invasion of the Imjin War. With Gyeongbokgung reduced to ashes, the royal residence was moved to Changdeokgung Palace, and Gyeongbokgung Palace began almost two centuries of abandonment.

In 1867, the palace was rebuilt and expanded to an incredible 330 buildings and 5,792 rooms. Gyeongbokgung once again became the heart of Seoul and an iconic symbol of Korea and the Korean royal family. Sadly, tragedy struck again in 1895 when Empress Myeongseong was assassinated. Following her death, her husband, Emperor Gojong, left the palace. The Imperial Family would never return to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Beginning in 1910, the Empire of Japan systematically destroyed all but ten of Gyeongbokgung’s buildings during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Just three of the palace’s 19th century buildings survived both Japanese rule and the Korean War – Geunjeongjeon (Imperial Throne Hall), Gyeongho*ru Pavillion, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavillion.

In 1989, the government of South Korea committed to restoring hundreds of important historical buildings that were destroyed during the Japanese occupation. The restoration of Gyeongbokgung Palace was a critical part of this plan, and much of the reconstruction has already been completed. About 40% of the buildings have already been meticulously rebuilt with incredible attention to historical accuracy. As you tour the palace grounds, it won’t take much to imagine that you have stepped back in time.

Step 2 – Get Your Gyeongbokgung Palace Tickets at Gwanghwamun Gate

The palace opens at 9am, but it’s wise to arrive a few minutes early in order to beat the rush. You’ll want to enter through the Gwanghwamun Gate to the south since the majority of tour buses unload near the gate and ticket booth on the eastern side of the palace. Be sure to grab a map – you’re going to need it!

As you pass through Gwanghwamun Gate, make note of the traditional two-story pavilion and the three arched gateways. The reconstruction of this main palace gate was finally completed in 2010 after five years of painstaking work to render it identical to the gate that stood on this same location centuries ago. You’ll be returning to this gate for the changing of the guard ceremony, so for now, move on to explore the grounds and palace buildings.

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Step 3 – Visit the Throne Hall and Floating Pavillion

As other visitors linger to take selfies at the main gate, you can beat the rush by heading immediately to Geunjeongjeon Hall, one of the few remaining buildings that is original to the reconstruction of the late 1800s. Designated as National Treasure No. 223 by the South Korean Government, this is the throne hall where the king would grant formal audiences, make official declarations, and greet honored foreign guests. This hall would also have been the location of all of the most important celebrations held at the palace, including coronations.

Once you’ve admired the throne hall, head out the western doors to see National Treasure No. 224, Gyeongho*ru Pavillion. This two-story pavilion is the second of the three structures that survived Japanese occupation and the Korean War. Constructed alongside a large pond, the pavilion appears to float above the water, creating one of the most striking views you’ll find at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The pavilion was the site of formal dinners and celebrations, and the manmade pond provided recreational opportunities for the royal family. By heading directly here as soon as the palace opens, you stand a good chance of enjoying a few quiet moments and capturing some serene photos before the largest influx of tourists.

Step 4 – Explore the Royal Living Quarters and Library

After you’ve enjoyed a few minutes of serenity at the pond, it’s time to retrace your steps and head north of the throne hall to explore the royal residences. This collection of buildings and verandas is an elaborate compound with separate quarters for the king, the queen, concubines, children, and in-laws. These palace buildings provide exquisite examples of traditional architecture and design with stunning inlaid ceiling tiles and intricate stone carvings. Keep an eye out for the colorful bricks that are decorated with illustrations of peonies, bamboo, lotus flowers, and butterflies.

Once you’ve checked out the palace’s living area, make your way to Jibokjae, one of Gyeongbokgung Palace’s greatest hidden treasures. Jibokjae was once the private library and meeting room of King Gojong who reigned from 1863 to 1907. In 2016, it was reopened as a public library with more than 1,000 books on the history of the Joseon Dynasty. If you’ve worked up an appetite by now, you can stop for a bite and a cup of tea at Palwoojeong, a beautiful structure, which once served as King Gojong’s rest space and is now a charming café.

Step 5 – Watch the Changing of the Guard

Your trip to Gyeongbokgung Palace is not complete until you’ve witnessed the twice-daily changing of the guard ceremony. The royal guards of the Joseon Dynasty wore vibrantly-colored uniforms, and the men who reenact the changing of the guard today wear beautiful replica costumes in the traditional primary colors. Unlike at Buckingham Palace where the guards are actually working, this guard change reenactment is just for show. Twice daily, it provides a glimpse into the past when the Sumunjang or royal guard stood watch over the entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The changing of the guard takes place at 10am and 2pm every day except Tuesdays, and you Gyeongbokgung Palace tickets cover a viewing. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the changing of the guard ceremony in order to ensure a good viewing spot. The performance begins when the gong sounds and continues for about 20 minutes. You will certainly want to have your camera in hand to capture the guards’ formal march. In addition to the traditional costumes, the guards carry replica weapons that are true to those they would have used during the Joseon Dynasty. After the guards change, you may have the chance to try on some traditional Korean clothing and pose for photos in front of the palace before heading back inside the palace walls.

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Step 6 – Visit the Museums

Once the changing of the guard ceremony is complete, walk back onto the palace grounds to continue your education and exploration at the two onsite museums. The National Folk Museum of Korea has three main halls and nearly 100,000 artifacts, which date from prehistoric times to the end of the Joseon Dynasty. Make sure to visit the outdoor exhibit that features many artifacts related to everyday life in the Korea of the past.

The other museum on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung is the National Palace Museum of Korea. Opened in 1992, this museum is dedicated to relics from the Joseon Dynasty, including many from Gyeongbokgung Palace itself. The permanent collection features a scroll of poems written by King Jeongjo and a bronze dragon that was discovered at the bottom of the pond near Gyeongho*rru Pavilion. You’ll want to be sure to visit the hall that houses artifacts related to palace life where you’ll be able to view the breathtaking costumes and jewelry worn by the royal family.

If you love Gyeongbokgung, check out more grand palaces in Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace
Gyeonghuigung Palace
Deoksugung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace