gyeongbokgung night tour 2023

How To See The Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Viewing in 2024

Did you know you can visit gyeongbokgung palace at night it's considered a must-do, even for koreans here's how you can get in.

Every spring and fall, Gyeongbokgung Palace opens up its gates for a limited time to visitors during the night time to enjoy a beautiful view of the lit up palace under the moonlight.

During the nighttime tour, you can wander through various areas within Gyeongbokgung Palace, such as Gwanghwamun Gate, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Geunjeongjeon Hall.

The night viewing is a very special experience and even Koreans have a difficult time getting tickets as they are limited and sell out very quickly! If you're in Korea while the night viewing is available, you definitely don't want to miss it! Keep reading to find out how you can get see the night viewing!

Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Rentals

Night Viewing Information

The 202 4 Spring Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Viewing schedule has been released!

Hours: 19:00-21:30 (Last Entry 20:30)

Price: 3,000 KRW per person (Ages 7-64) *Entry is free if you enter wearing a Hanbok .

Things to Keep in Mind:

In the case that it rains, the palace will still be open for night viewing.
There are no strollers or wheelchairs available for rental.
Please be cautious during the night viewing as it is dark outside.

How To Get Tickets

1. on-site (foreigners only).

Foreigners can buy same-day tickets on-site at the ticket booth. This is probably your best bet for getting tickets! Keep in mind that these are same-day tickets so you must enter the palace on the day that you buy tickets. They will not be valid afterwards.

300 tickets available per day
2 tickets limit per purchaser
Foreign passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC) required for purchase.
Tickets may be used by anyone, including Koreans.

2. Free Entry

Yes, there are ways you can get into the Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Viewing for free without having to get a ticket ahead of time!

For foreigners, the easiest way to guarantee entry into the night viewing would be to rent a Hanbok! Even if the maximum number of visitors is exceeded, you will still be granted entry if you are wearing a Hanbok.

Valid Free Entry:

Those wearing a Hanbok
Children under 6 years old (Must provide proof of age)
Elderly over 65 years old (Must provide proof of age)

Seoul Hanbok Rental Shops

You can rent a Hanbok easily and get a discount on Creatrip! Here are Hanbok rental shops that have extended operating hours for rental near Gyeongbokgung at night:

Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Rental Experience with Hanbok Girls

Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at Gigibebe Hanbok

Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at YES Hanbok Rental

Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at Palace Fox Hanbok Rental

Ari Hanbok | Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Rental

Daehan Hanbok | Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Rental

Studio KJD (Keumjundang) | Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Rental

Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at In Korea Hanbok Rental

Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at Haewadal Hanbok Rental with Makeup Services

Check out all the options for Hanbok rental here !

Gyeongbokgung & Seochon Guide

We hope that you can experience the Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Viewing! It's a must-do experience in Korea! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at [email protected] ! You can follow us on Instagram , TikTok , Twitter , and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!

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All the schedule are based on local time and date. (KST, GMT +9:00)

* English Title: Gyeongbok Palace Starlight Tour

* Purpose: Tourism

* Venue: Sojubang and palace building complexes in the northern part of Gyeongbokgung Palace

* Date: October 8 (Sun), 2023

* Schedule: Part 1 18:40-20:30 / Part 2 19:40-21:30 (110 minutes)

* Main Activities: A nighttime tour including a royal meal at the Sojubang in Gyeongbokgung Palace and visits to building complexes in the northern part of the palace. The tour is designed to deepen visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the history, culture, and landscaped gardens of the palace

* Age: Aged 8 or older

* No. of Visitors: 32 per tour

* Ticket: KRW 60,000 (1 person) / KRW 55,000 (restricted view)

* Booking: Ticket Link ( www.ticketlink.co.kr). Up to two tickets per ID

더미데이터임. 정보 아직 없음.

Chief Executive Officer : Wang Moon Ju | Business Registration Number 144-81-25090
Telecommunication sale business registration number : 2015-GyeonggiSeongnam-0661
Customer Service : [email protected] / 1644-3850 (only english)
Ticket - 60,000 KRW
Ticket_restricted view - 55,000 KRW

Featured Events

2023 Seoul Palace Night Openings – Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung,

1. gyeongbokgung palace : starlight tour.

Period : 15th April – 13th May, 2023
Tour Schedule – 1st group : 18:40 – 20:30 – 2nd group : 19:40 – 21:30
Tour Program : Traditional Royal Cuisine, Performance, Guide Tour, etc.
Ticket : 60,000KRW(less view seats 55,000KRW) CLICK to book

2. Changdeokgung Palace : Moonlight Tour

Period : 13th April – 4th June, 2023
Tour Schedule – 1st group : 19:20, 19:25, 19:30 – 2nd group : 20:00, 20:05, 20:10
Tour Program : Taditional Art Performance, Guide Tour
Ticket : 30,000KRW CLICK to book

3. Deoksugung Palace : SEOKJOJEON

Period : 11th April – 11th May, 2023
Tour Schedule – 1st group : 18:20 – 2nd group : 18:50 – 3rd group : 19:25
Tour Program : Guide Tour, Terrace Tea Time, Musical Performance
Ticket : 26,000KRW CLICK to book

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Reservations for Gyeongbokgung night tours to open April 30

Published : April 22, 2024 - 15:57

Link copied

A nighttime tour of Gyeongbokgung, September 2023 (CHA)

Online reservations for the biannual nighttime tours of Gyeongbokgung will open on April 30 at 10 a.m.

This special opportunity to take a moonlight stroll around Seoul’s main Joseon-era (1392-1910) palace will be available from May 8 to June 2, except for Mondays and Tuesdays.

Tours will take place between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

While the tours will not include guides, the palace’s gates, halls, pavilions and garden will be open to visitors.

One person can buy up to four tickets at tickets.interpark.com.

Walk-in reservations are permitted for foreign nationals, who need to show their passports at the Gwanghwamun entrance to the palace. Up to two tickets can be purchased at the booth from May 8 to June 2.

Free admission is offered to seniors aged 65 and above, to infants and children under 6 years old, and to those donning a hanbok, a traditional Korean garment.

On Saturday, the Cultural Heritage Administration will launch its signature biannual festival at the royal palaces in Seoul.

The 9-day event will feature royal music and dance performances as well as tours with royal cuisine tastings at Seoul’s five Joseon-era palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung.

To raise awareness of Seoul’s historic sites, the agency has prepared foreign national-exclusive programs to mark the festival’s 10th anniversary.

One such program is the Royal Music Concert, scheduled for May 4-5 at Gyeongbokgung. Reservations can be made at creatrip.com.

Foreign nationals can also enjoy the Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour on April 27-28 and May 2-3.

The Seokjo Hall Night Tour is another program that runs from May 1-3 exclusively for foreign nationals. Locals can participate in the program from April 26 to May 25. Seokjo Hall at Deoksugung is the first Western-style stone building in Seoul and was built in 1910.

The musical, “King Sejong 1446,” an ode to the Joseon king who created the Korean writing system, will take place at Gyeongbokgung from April 28-30. All visitors can purchase tickets at ticketlink.co.kr.

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Gyeongbokgung Palace: How To Get Tickets To See It At Night

People young and old, families and couples meandered at their leisure along the cobbled pathways that make up the Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) complex in Seoul, Korea late into the night this past week. What started as a weeklong event many years ago, has now been expanded weeks long spring and autumn events to the enjoyment for tourists and locals coming to Korea.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is now open late into the night from April through May and then again from September through October. The evening experience sees more than 100,000 visitors. Gyeongbokgung Palace at night is just spectacular and is a truly special way to experience the main palace of the capital of Korea. It’s also a perfect thing to do at night in Seoul .

Get ready to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace at night:

How To Get There

How to get tickets for palace night viewing, what to see.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking. Thank you for your support.)

Address: 1-1 Saejong-ro Jongno-gu, Seoul (종로구 세종로 1-1)

Directions: Head to Gyeongbukgung Station, exit 5 which exits directly into the palace complex. For the main gate view before you enter the palace, take Gyeongbukgung Station, exit 6. Make a u-turn and you’ll see the palace main gate across the street.

Opening dates for spring: April ~ May

Opening dates for autumn: September ~ October

Entrance time: 7:00pm ~ 9:30pm (last entrance is permitted at 8:30pm.)

Admission: W3,000*

*Children under 6 are FREE.

There is a limited number of tickets available and they can only be purchased on-site. There are 500 tickets available for foreigners and one person can only purchase up to 4.

Everyone can get in FREE if you’re wearing Hanboks. If you don’t have one, rent one. Walking through a traditional Korean palace in traditional Korean clothing is pretty much the best way to get cultural and traditional in the city.

The hours are extended until 10PM (last admission was at 9PM) and some of the main buildings are lit to the delight of many. One of the most beautiful and serene places in Seoul lit up in the night coupled with cultural performances at 5PM and 8PM in front of Sujeongjeon Hall meant people from all around would be headed to the same place. The palace is beautiful during the day, but is just a bit more magical when it’s lit up at night.

The areas lit for viewing pleasure included Gwanghwamun Gate, Heungnyemun Gate, Geunjeonghmun Gate, Geunjeongjeon Hall, Sujeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.

Gwanghwamun Gate is the main entrance into the palace complex. The central arch was the entrance for the king while the arches on either side were for the crown princes or other officials entering the complex. The original gate had been moved to just north of the east gate of the palace when the Japanese government came in and took over in the 1920s. This gate was later bombed and destroyed during the Korean war. Rebuilt in 1968, it was most recently restored in 2010.

After entering through Gwanghwamun Gate, the path leads to Heungnyemun Gate. In this area tickets can be purchased for the normal rate of W3,000. It being a Friday, the crowds were massive, yet navigable. Everyone moved with ease, in most cases, as we all had the same goal, enjoying the concert and taking pictures. Not only were the pictures of the beautiful architecture, but also of children playing in the lamp light and dancers in Hanbok on stage.

Reaching the illustrious throne hall, or Geunjeongjeon Hall, was deemed a feat not worth fighting the crowds for this time. Standing back a bit though, the light mixed with all of the people strolling the grounds made the immensity of the building quite a sight. One could imagine how many people once filled this space when the king would receive foreign envoys and preside over official ceremonies here.

The only entrance open from the main throne hall led to the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. This seemed to be one of the biggest draws and for good reason. Situated in the middle of a pond, this pavilion is a true beauty seemingly floating on water. The reflection of the building and the lights and the moon in the water made for a spectacular photo opportunity certainly not missed by anyone in attendance.

This building was built for feasts and joyous affairs. The name means that the king is capable of handling national affairs only when he has the right people around him and in a setting like this the right people would definitely be the cherry on the ice cream. This building has remained intact on the grounds since being rebuilt in 1867 and is a must see for any visitor night or day.

Sujeongjeon Hall was the final area lit up to showcase not only the building but those playing music and dancing to the audience’s delight. The chairs provided were filled to capacity and those still hoping to watch took their seats on the nearby lawn, any ledge space found, or a simple piece of newspaper on the dusty ground.

The show started off with a rendition of Arirang followed by some traditional and not so traditional remakes. About half way through, dancers in hanboks took to the stage to give the music a visual partner.

All in all, the night was a lit up success. Friday, Saturday or Sunday would probably not be the most recommended days to go, but this event is, nonetheless, recommended to anyone and everyone with time to spare.

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Neil lapitan.

Hi, Do you have the dates for august 2023? Planning to go there Thank you

Hallie Bradley

It will be open from September 1 until October 29 in the evenings this year.

I’m visiting in April – are they going to have the palace open at night this year?

Thanks! Sarah

They should be. But I don’t think they’ve announced the dates just yet.

Maria Chavez

My sister, niece, and I are going to visit in October (6-30). My sister and I each bought your itineraries. Thank you for creating them! I haven’t studied them yet but she tells me there’s no mention of the night tours for the Gyeongbokgung Palace in them so I have some questions if you don’t mind.

I don’t see October dates yet. Have they announced the Autum schedule yet and are there some days during the week when it’s closed?

Also, is it best for us to secure tickets by just showing up at the gate on the night we’d like to visit? Finally, if we wear a hanbok, are we assured entrance even if they have exceeded their ticket numbers. I read elsewhere entrance was possible that way.

Thank you! Appreciate you!

Hi Maria, I hope you can use the itineraries well! You’re right the seasonal events aren’t mentioned in the itineraries which I hope to be a basis of info. My next goal it to make more monthly itineraries related to the seasonal fun and events. Goals though for now haha.

Generally, they keep quite a lot of walk up tickets available for foreigners just like you guys that can’t book in advance, so you should be fine. Just make sure to get there a bit before opening so that you can get them as there is a limited number. I’m not sure if they allow people to enter beyond the limit if they’re wearing Hanboks. The best thing to do is to get there on time for the opening. I haven’t seen the exact dates listed for the evening hours yet. The best thing to do is to visit the tourist booths when you arrive. There are booths in every touristy area and they have so much info and can provide a ton of help with exactly that kind of in the moment question. I hope you guys have a great time. October is a beautiful to visit!

Royal Palaces Open for Special Evening Admission

Royal Palaces Shine Brighter at Nigh

The major palaces are now open for springtime evening admissions. Visitors will be guided to explore the evening beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace , Changdeokgung Palace , and Deoksugung Palace in Seoul as well as the Temporary Palace at Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon. The palaces offer evening admissions and programs every year and they are some of the most awaited events that the tickets become sold out almost immediately. Not only do visitors get to tour the palace grounds under the moonlight, but they can also get access to premises that usually remain closed. Each palace differs in admission hours, ticket availability, and programs, so visitors are advised to check in advance before visiting.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Evening Admission

Event period: April 5 – May 31, 2023 * Except Mondays, Tuesdays, and April 26 – May 2 Operating hours: 19:00-21:30 (Last admission 20:30) Admission: 3,000 won (ages 7-64) * Foreigners can purchase tickets at the ticket booth on-site only (limited to 200 visitors daily) * Limited to two tickets per person * Must present a valid ID, such as a passport * Children age 6 & younger accompanied by an adult who holds an admission ticket and visitors wearing hanbok are eligible for free admission Website: www.royalpalace.go.kr (Korean, English) Inquiries: +82-2-3700-3900, 3901

Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour

Event period: April 13-June 6, 2023 * Except Monday-Wednesday, April 29-30, and May 11-12 Operating hours: 1 st Session 19:20, 19:25, 19: 30 / 2 nd Session 20:00, 20:05, 20:10 * Admission time will be designated based on reservation number after an ID check * Each team will enter in 5-minute intervals Admission: 30,000 (ages 8 & older) * Children must be accompanied by an adult * Tickets sold online only * Limited to two tickets per person Website: www.chf.or.kr/chf (Korean, English) Inquiries: +82-1522-2295

Deoksugung Palace and Seokjojeon Pavilion at Night

Event period: April 11 – May 11, 2023 * Except Mondays and May 5-7 Operating hours: 1 st Session 18:20 / 2 nd Session 18:50 / 3 rd Session 19:25 * 3 times a day Admission: 26,000 won * Tickets sold online only * Limited to two tickets per person Website: www.chf.or.kr/chf (Korean, English)

Hwaseong Temporary Palace Moonlight Tour

Event period: May 3 – October 29, 2023 * Except Monday-Tuesday *Check the operating schedule in advance Operating hours: 18:00-21:30 (Last admission 21:00) Admission: Adults 1,500 won / Teenagers 1,000 won / Children 700 won * Tickets sold on-site only * Free admission for visitors in hanbok Website: www.swcf.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) Inquiries: +82-31-290-3612

More Info 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)

Korea Tourism Organization

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Gyeongbokgung Palace to open for spring nighttime viewing

Noted for its beautiful cherry blossoms and azaleas during the season, the nightscape presents a different vibe from the daytime.

Kim Hae-yeon

The Korea Herald

View all posts by Kim Hae-yeon →

A view of Gyeongbokgung at night (CHA)

March 24, 2023

SEOUL – The Joseon-era royal palace Gyeongbokgung will hold its annual spring nighttime viewing from April 5 to May 31, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced Thursday.

Noted for its beautiful weeping cherry blossoms and azaleas during the season, the Gyeongbokgung nightscape presents a different vibe from the daytime.

One of the highlights include the Gyeonghoeru, the largest two-story pavilion structure in Korea, where visitors can capture the scenery of cherry blossoms reflected on the nearby pond. The pond-side pavilion was built in 1412 during the reign of King Taejong and was used as a venue for royal ceremonies and entertainment.

To enter the second floor of the pavilion, visitors should register for a special tour led by a guide.

The Gyeonghoeru tour, free of charge, operates from April 1 to Oct. 31, excluding July, and lasts 40 minutes. Registration for the special tour opens Saturday at 10 a.m., at the Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office’s website.

Meanwhile, the palace’s Amisan, the rear garden of Gyotaejeon, the Queen’s residence, is another popular spot for viewing bright azaleas that surround the ondol chimneys.

Up to 2,500 visitors will be admitted per evening, and reservations are required through the 11Street website. Online reservations will open at 10 a.m. on March 29 for April and April 26 for May. Tickets for evening admissions are 3,000 won each.

Two hundred tickets are set aside daily for foreigners to purchase on-site at the ticketing booth. All foreigners are required to present a piece of official identification when purchasing on-site.

Each person is limited to two tickets.

There are no evening tours on Mondays and Tuesdays, and visits will also be restricted from April 26 to May 2, due to the Palace Cultural Festival.

The nighttime opening hours are from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with last admissions at 8:30 p.m.

Blog - English

Gyeongbokgung palace in korea 2023 | starlight night tour.

One of the highlights of a trip to Seoul in September and October, Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can enjoy Korea’s history and beauty at the same time, is one of the beautiful night view spots in Jongno, Seoul. If you visit Gyeongbokgung Palace on an autumn night, you can discover its serene beauty under the lights. The historic palace and gardens take on an even more special atmosphere at night, providing a romantic experience.

In this article, I would like to introduce the night opening hours of Gyeongbokgung Palace in the fall, how to reserve tickets, free admission, parking, hanbok rental, etc.

Gyeongbokgung night tour opening hours

The opening period of the Gyeongbokgung night tour opening varies every year, but this fall, 2023, a special viewing event will be held from September 1 to October 29 .

– Operating period : 2023.09.01 (Fri) ~ 2023.10.29 (Sun)

– Opening hours : 17:00~21:30 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

How to reserve and enter Gyeongbokgung night tour ticket

Advance reservations and same-day tickets

Admission is only available for two months, September and October, and reservations are held separately in September (first viewing) and October (second viewing). Reservations are available at 11th Street Ticket .

※ You can reserve up to 4 tickets per person.

※ After purchasing tickets, receive tickets from the unmanned ticket machine at the box office on the day of the show and then enter.

※ Reservations can be made up to 1 day before the viewing date, but reservations cannot be made on the day of the viewing.

※ Refund available if the reservation is canceled by 17:00 1 day prior to viewing

Foreigners can enter by purchasing 200 same-day tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

※ Foreigners can purchase same-day tickets up to 2 tickets per person .

Ticket Price

The ticket fee is the same for both online and offline, 3,000 won per ticket .

How to issue tickets

Tickets can be issued at the Gwanghwamun ticket office, but please note that tickets and admission are not available at the ticket offices below.

※ Ticket issuance and entry are not available at the Folk Museum ticket office, Yeongchumun ticket office, and Sinmumun ticket office.

How to get free admission to Gyeongbokgung night tour

If you wear a Hanbok or meet the conditions below, Gyeongbokgung night tour admission is free.

￮ Free admission: ※ reservation is not required (no limit on the number of people), the relevant registration certificate must be brought.

Persons of national merit (including those eligible for veterans compensation) and their spouses
National Bereaved Family certificate
A severely disabled person and one accompanying person
A person with a mild disability
Infants under 6 years old accompanied by a guardian (however, advance reservation is required for the guardian)
Seniors aged 65 years or older

Those eligible for free admission can enter after checking their ID and related documents at Heungnyemun (ticket reception area) without on-site ticketing , and those wearing hanbok can enter after checking whether they are wearing hanbok in accordance with the free hanbok admission guidelines. Please refer to the free hanbok viewing guide below. Please refer to the line.

Go to the free Hanbok viewing guidelines (👈 Click the message)

How to rent a hanbok

There are many stores near Gyeongbokgung Palace that specialize in renting Hanbok .

Rental prices range from 10,000 won to 70,000 won depending on the concept and quality of the clothes.

I noted a few hanbok rental stores that I know,

but since there are many hanbok stores nearby, I recommend comparing other places as well.

경복궁한복관 참한복 (Cham-hanbok)

https://chamhanbok.modoo.at/?link=5jpb5c0t

한복 소녀 (Hanbok-girls)

https://www.hanbokgirls.com/

Gyeongbokgung night tour parking lot

For parking near Gyeongbokgung Palace, we recommend using the nearby Gyeongbokgung parking lot or the nearby Gwanghwamun parking lot .

Gyeongbokgung parking lot

– Operating hours : 06:00~23:00 (closed every Tuesday), open all year round

Parking free (general)

Parking fee reduction (duplicate discount not possible)

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Visit Gyeongbokgung: a Royal Korean Palace

By Ellen – (Updated Apr 2023)

Welcome to our first post in our South Korea series! We just got back from a 2-week trip and will be sharing all about our travels over the next several weeks, starting with this post on arguably the most famous royal Korean palace.

Seoul, South Korea is home to five royal palaces, but Gyeongbokgung 경복궁 (also referred to as Gyeongbok Palace or Gyeongbokgung Palace) was the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty . It is the largest Korean palace and was home to the Kings that served during that period. This is one of the most visited sites in Seoul and is a must-visit for someone visiting Seoul for the first time.

Visiting the palace will provide you with insight into the history and traditions of the country, something we personally feel is important when visiting a new country. Something else about the Korean palace that leaves a strong impression, is the traditional architecture you see against the backdrop of the modern and high-tech city of Seoul. Once you enter the palace grounds you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time whilst still being in the heart of an urban city.

Read this post for everything you need to know about visiting Gyeongbokgung.

Also fun fact for 🎤K-pop lovers and BTS fans: BTS recorded a televised performance for an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2020 here.

Table of Contents

A brief background of Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung means the palace “greatly blessed by heaven.”

Gyeongbok 경복 (pronounced “gyoung-bohk”) = greatly blessed by heaven
gung 궁 (pronounced “goong”) = palace

The palace was first built in 1395 and was the main palace throughout the Joseon Dynasty until the grounds were destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) from years 1592–1598. The premises were abandoned for two centuries until 1867 when Regent Heungseon Daewongun led efforts to restore the palace. According to the official website and documentation from the Royal Palace of Korea , the grand-scale restoration was completed with 500 buildings 😲 on a site of over 40 hectares.

Unfortunately, the palace was again destroyed by the Japanese in the 20th century, during their colonization of Korea. Specifically, more than 90% of the palace buildings were torn down in 1915 by the Japanese . Korea was liberated from Japan after WWII, and the restoration of Gyeongbokgung started in 1990 and is still ongoing today.

Top things to know when visiting the Korean Palace Gyeongbokgung

This section will provide you with useful information for planning your visit to Gyeongbokgung but first, here are the top things to know:

The palace is closed on Tuesdays , and hours of admission depend on the season (see more info below)
It is beautiful to visit at any time of the year, but springtime is particularly gorgeous because of the blooming flowers and cherry blossom trees
Entrance is free if you wear a Hanbok! – Korean traditional attire . A lot of tourists rent Hanbok to take photos at the palace.
Standard adult entrance fee is 3,000 KRW (see more info on ticket prices and discounts below)
Free tours in foreign languages are available (see more info below)
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, at least rent an audio guide so you can learn about what you are seeing while there
Be at the main Gwanghwamun Gate at 10am or 2pm to watch the 20-minute changing of the guards ceremony

How to get to the Korean palace, Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung is located in northern Seoul and is easily accessible by subway. Gyeongbokgung station (경복궁역) is on subway Line 3 and if you walk out of Exit 5, you will be right in front of the main entrance Gwanghwamun Gate. You can also go to Gwanghwamun Station (광화문역) on Line 5. Take Exit 2 and it is a 7 mins walk.

Gyeongbokgung Royal Korean Palace entrance

When is the palace open and what time is best to visit?

The palace opens at 9:00 am every day, except Tuesdays. The closing time varies by month, and it’s best to check the official website for closing hours for the most up-to-date information.

You can go early to get your tickets, and early morning usually tends to be the quietest . If you want to see the changing of the guards ceremony, it is at at 10am and 2pm daily.

Sometimes they offer night tours, with a limited number of admissions. This year (2023) they have night tours on Wednesdays from April 5 – May 31 .

Roberto at Gyeongbokgung Royal Korean Palace

How much does it cost to visit and where to buy tickets to this Korean palace?

You can purchase your tickets at any of the four entrances to the palace.

Standard individual adult: 3,000 KRW
Minors (age 18 and under): Free
Seniors (age 65 and older): Free
Wearing traditional Hanbok: Free

Gyeongbokgung isn’t the only Korean palace worth visiting. You can purchase a Combination Ticket (adults 10,000 KRW) which gives you one admission for each of the five different Korean Palaces. This includes Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung – the Secret Garden included, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and the Jongmyo Shrine. You can buy the ticket from any one of the palaces. If you plan to visit the others, it might be worth it !

You might also want to check out the Discover Seoul Pass and check if you plan to visit many other attractions that are included in the pass.

Free Guided Tours and Audio Guide

Currently, they are offering free guided tours (with your entrance ticket purchase) in the following foreign languages:

The tours last from 1-1.5 hours. See here for the schedule .

If you don’t want to go on a guided tour, you can rent an audio guide instead and it is available in the same languages above. We did this, and it was really good! They give you a map, an audio device, and something that looks like a digital pen. Just by tapping the digital pen on the map, it will give you audio information about that location. I honestly can’t remember how much it cost, I want to say it was around 3,000 KRW as well. They also will ask you to leave your ID with them to guarantee the return of the audio device.

How many hours should you spend at Gyeongbokgung?

I would plan to spend around 3 hours there . The palace grounds are large and there is a lot to see and learn while you’re there. Even if you are not wearing a Hanbok, I’m sure you will take many photos . There are also two museums inside the premises: the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea.

What else can you do around Gyeongbokgung?

While we continue to write more about visiting Seoul and South Korea , here is a short list of popular things to do near this Korean palace.

Bukchon Hanok Village: a nearby neighborhood home to hundreds of traditional-style Korean houses and buildings called “Hanok”
The Sool Gallery : a gallery of traditional Korean alcohol. They have free 30-min alcohol tastings in Korean and English. You can make a reservation on Naver (must-download Korean app) or contact them via email .
Insadong: a neighborhood with traditional goods, art galleries, teahouses, and cafes
Ikseondong: just east of Insadong, a small Hanok village of small picturesque alleys lined with Hanoks – Instagrammable cafes like Soha Salt Pond or Cheongsudang Cafe

Check below for more plans to do in Seoul !

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Thanks for visiting our travel and photography blog. We're Roberto and Ellen/Ellie, a Spaniard and an American-Korean who met while Ellen was traveling the world and passing through Spain. More than 5 years later, we're continuing our journey through life together while traveling and currently living in Valencia, Spain. This is where we share our travel experiences, tips, and information on destinations. We aim to inspire others to explore more of the world as a part of life's big journey.

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4 Tips for Gyeongbokgung Night Tours

The Gyeongbokgung Night Tours are officially open. For a limited time, visitors can enter the palace at night and explore a subsection of the grounds. But, it is only open from 7 PM to 9:30 PM and tickets are limited.

So here are a few tips to help you get tickets, take the best photos and have a great experience all-around!

If you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration of the Gyeongbokgung Night Tour , check out our detailed post through the link.

Wear a hanbok

Hanboks are a fun way to engage in the culture and ambience of the palaces. Modern hanboks aren’t as stuffy as traditional ones and even the rentals have buttons and straps which make them easy to put on. Wearing a hanbok to any of the palaces allows for free entry. More importantly, wearing a hanbok means you can skip the ticket box line and go straight through the gate.

Arrive early

Gyeongbokgung is officially open from 7 PM to 9:30 PM. But the number of tickets is limited so it’s more than possible to be turned away. If you haven’t made an online reservation, we recommend arriving 40 minutes early and waiting in line by the ticket booth. On-site ticket sales are limited to foreign nationals, so bring an ID (passport). Of course, if you wear a hanbok, you can just skip the line and wait by the main entrance.

The few times I arrived as an afterthought, I was turned away. You should be fine if you arrive before 8 PM. Any time after and chances are slim. Speaking of arriving early…

Take your photos first

When you first arrive, you might be tempted to wander around the palace and enjoy the sights. There will be time for that later, specifically after the sun has set. Sunset is usually scheduled for just after 7 PM in autumn . That means you need to start shooting early to take shots using the fading light.

a model wearing a modern hanbok at gyeongbokgung

We suggest heading to the main throne room for photos with the imposing structure in the background. Then, you should bee line it to the back for private photos with few to no other visitors around.

Take a final walk through the palace

If all goes well, you should be done with your photos with more than enough time to spare. That’s why we recommend taking a final walk through the palace before you leave. This might seem unnecessary, but it is my favorite part of every visit.

a couple sitting in gyeongbokgung at night

By this point, there should be scattered crowds of visitors in hanbok in all corners of the palace. You’ll see visitors dressed as kings, queens, guardsmen, politicians, and on . It is an amazing experience and you should drink it all in before you leave.

The night tours are available from September 1st to October 29th. The palace is open from 7 PM to 9:30 PM Wednesday ~ Sunday and I’d suggest arriving as early as possible.
If you are going to buy tickets on-site, yes. On-site ticket sales are only for foreigners with proof of ID . Your foreign passport or alien registration card is enough.
There is one small cafe inside the palace. We’d recommend getting food and coffee outside the palace after you visit.
The night tour ticket is 3,000 KRW (roughly 3 USD). Entry is free if you wear a hanbok as well as children 6 or younger and senior citizens 65 or older.

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