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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Gyeongbokgung Palace Summary
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| Public website: | royal.khs.go.kr |
South Korea – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
South Korean Won (KRW) £1 ≈ ₩1,766 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in South Korea. Credit cards are commonly used in most establishments, including smaller businesses.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in South Korea. However, small tips are appreciated in hotels and for exceptional service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in South Korea, though drinking in public spaces like parks and streets may attract attention. Alcohol is also served in many convenience stores. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available in some outdoor locations. |
| Seollal (January/February) |
Celebrated in January or February with family gatherings |
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| Chuseok (September/October) |
Celebrated in September or October |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 112 (Police), 119 (Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Kakao T, T Map Taxi |
| Other: | South Korea offers a blend of traditional culture and modern technology, with historical sites, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Gyeongbokgung Palace, South Korea
Closed on Tuesdays; free entry when wearing hanbok
Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at the main gate, daily except Tuesdays
Night openings in spring and autumn, with limited tickets that sell out fast
Don't miss
- 🎎 Witness the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony daily
- 🏯 Explore Geunjeongjeon, the grand throne hall
- 🌿 Stroll around the serene Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, was the primary royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and is famous for its majestic size and beautiful architecture. Despite suffering destruction during the Japanese invasions in the late 16th century, restoration efforts have revived much of its original grandeur.
The palace grounds include the iconic Gwanghwamun Gate, the impressive throne hall Geunjeongjeon where state affairs were held and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a tranquil waterside structure used for royal banquets. The picturesque Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, set on a peaceful pond, offers a quiet retreat within the palace complex.
The National Palace Museum of Korea and National Folk Museum of Korea, both on-site, provide rich insights into Korean royal history and culture. Visitors can also witness the colorful Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony, a vibrant reenactment offered regularly.
While the palace is a highly popular tourist site and can get crowded, especially during peak seasons, early morning visits are recommended for a calmer experience. Comfortable shoes are advised due to the extensive grounds and weather conditions can vary, so plan accordingly.
Why travel to Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Knowledge before you go
- Watch changing of the guard. Free daily ceremony at main gate.
- Rent hanbok nearby for free palace entry and iconic photo opportunities in traditional attire.
- Visit early morning or weekdays to avoid peak crowds at this vast Joseon Dynasty complex.
- Largest of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces, built in 1395; explore throne hall and pond pavilion for royal history.
How to travel to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is centrally located in Seoul and easily accessible by subway via Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3. From Incheon International Airport, travelers can take the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) to Seoul Station and transfer to the subway to reach the palace. Numerous buses and taxis also serve the area.
Access summary
- From Incheon Airport: AREX to Seoul Station, Line 1→3 to Gyeongbokgung (~70–90 min).
- From central Seoul (Myeongdong/Hongdae): Metro to Gyeongbokgung or Gwanghwamun Stations (~15–30 min).
- From Seoul Station: Line 1 to Jongno 3-ga, transfer Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung (~20–25 min).
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul offers a wide range of accommodations near Gyeongbokgung Palace from traditional hanok guesthouses to modern hotels, providing visitors with convenient access to the palace and other city attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Gyeongbokgung Palace
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
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Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🧶
Light jumper
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 42% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to KRW) is 8% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace area is very safe, with heavy police presence and well‑lit streets. Petty crime is rare; pickpocketing mainly occurs in crowded tourist spots. Follow standard precautions: keep valuables secure, stay on main roads and avoid isolated alleys after dark.
Accessibility
Gyeongbokgung Palace offers accessible entrances, elevators and tactile guide paths, making it welcoming for visitors with mobility challenges. However, some older pathways remain uneven and signage in Korean can be sparse. Prior planning – checking the official accessibility map – is advisable.
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