How to get there
As soon as you go to Exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3, you can enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of Gyeongbokgung Station.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and grandest of the 5 palaces built during the Joseon dynasty in 1395 by King Taejo, the first King of Joseon.ย It is located in the northern part of Seoul because it is often called the Northern Palace. Since 1395, the capital of Korea was moved to Seoul. Thus, we can say that the history of Seoul begins with the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Today, the palace is a complex of buildings and a beautiful park garden.
It seems to me that this palace is always the very first in the list of tourists. Because having arrived in Korea itโs simply impossible not to see this palace. This is the place where the emperor once lived. It is full of history. I am sure that every tourist was happy when he saw all this beauty with his own eyes. The unusual architecture of the buildings is simply mesmerizing.
There are many places around the palace where you can rent traditional Hanbok clothes. I advise you to try on Hanbok, because you will receive not only beautiful photos, but you will not pay entrance fees. Because all people in national dress are allowed into the palace for free. And I believe that the most interesting and memorable for you will be a walk in a beautiful and traditional dress.
Read more: Hanbok Experience at Gyeongbukkung Palace
You can choose a dress that you like, pick up a handbag/accessories, and make a hairstyle (for an additional fee). Renting hanbok costs around 18.000-25.000 won for 2 hours.
I can say with confidence that wearing this dress, every girl will feel like a princess, and a guy is a prince ๐ And it is worth noting that everyone in this dress looks beautiful, regardless of age. Therefore, you can see the elderly and young children.
Some guys put on a female hanbok, and girls on the contrary are male. In this video, both girls are dressed in a manโs hanbok and filmed a video where they danced to the song of the world-famous k-pop group – BTS.
This palace was considered the main royal residence in the era of the dynasty.
The territory of the palace is very large and it will take time to get around it. Along the way, you can go to a coffee shop and enjoy a cold drink. It is very hot in the summer because there is no shadow. Therefore, it is advisable to come with an umbrella or in the evening.
One of the most beautiful places in the palace, preserved since the time of the Joseon Dynasty, is the Gyeongwara construction and the lotus pond, which vividly reflect the extraordinary beauty of ancient Korea. During the lotus bloom, the entire surface of this lake is covered with magnificent flowers.
You can also see the changing of the guard if you arrive at the palace at 11:00 and at 14:00. It is really interesting and worth a look. To do this, it is not necessary to buy an entrance ticket, because everything happens at the entrance to the palace and all passers-by can watch this.
At the end of the 16th century, the palace was severely damaged by fires and Japanese raids – these were the years of the Japanese invasion. The buildings were restored much later – at the turn of the 19-20 centuries. And, unfortunately, almost immediately after a long and painstaking restoration, in 1911, the Japanese again destroyed the palace. Of all the palace constructions, which, after restoration, there were about 330, only 10 main buildings survived – in them the invaders arranged the residence of the Governor-General. A little earlier, in 1895, when Empress Menson was killed by enemy agents, her husband, Emperor Kojon, left the Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Korean government did not return here.
Today, Gyeongbokgung Palace is an open-air museum, accessible for viewing.
The most interesting room is the throne room.
Seoul residents are very proud of this historical monument, so visiting it is a must.
Outside Gyeongbokgung
I walked around and saw many trees, flowers, and places to sit. I advise everyone to visit this place who would like to feel like in some kind of historical film about Korea.
You can admire the magnificent palace and beyond. It is especially beautiful in clear weather, against a blue sky. After you go around the entire palace, you can take a walk in the area. It is very clean, lots of greenery and a wonderful atmosphere reigns.
There are also various museums, beautiful handmade items are sold, there are unusual and atmospheric cafes in different styles and restaurants with delicious food. In a word, a lot of cool places. You definitely will not regret it if you come for a walk on a summer evening when it is no longer hot.
Going on an excursion to Gyeongbokgung Palace is best with a group and an experienced guide who will tell you a lot of interesting things.
Hours and Admissions
Operating Hours:
- November-February 09:00-17:00 (last admission 16:00)
- March-May 09:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
- June-August 09:00-18:30 (last admission 17:30)
- September-October 09:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00)
Admission Fees:
- Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Groups: 2,400 won
- Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Groups: 1,200 won
- Groups: 10 people or more
- Free admission: Preschoolers (ages 6 and younger), senior citizens (ages 65 and older), people wearing hanbok, the last Wednesday of every month (Culture day)
My Tip
* Keep in mind that in winter the area is very windy. I advise you to dress warmer.
Official website: www.royalpalace.go.kr
Address: 161. Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03045, Republic of Korea.
Tel.ย 82-2-3700-3900
Fax. 82-2-3700-3909
Keep in mind that in winter the area is very windy. I advise you to dress warmer.
