Hello, everyone! Today we’re going to talk about a beautiful treasure in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and oldest of the palaces from the Joseon Dynasty, and it’s a great place to see Korean history and culture at a glance. If you visit in hanbok, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
About Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace offers a bird’s eye view of Korean history and culture. It’s a major palace from the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395 and located in the center of Seoul (then called Hanyang). Gyeongbokgung was the largest of the five great palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, and served as the residence of the king and royal family and the headquarters of the government.
Gyeongbokgung Palace history
Gyeongbokgung Palace was burned to the ground in 1592 during the Japanese invasion, but its 7,700 rooms were restored in the 19th century under the leadership of Heungseon Daewongun. The restoration was a massive undertaking, involving 500 buildings on more than 40 hectares of land. However, in the early 20th century, much of the palace was systematically destroyed during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Since the 1990s, the palace complex has been gradually restored to its original appearance.
How to get to Gyeongbokgung Palace
The best way to get to Gyeongbokgung Palace is by subway: take Line 3 and get off at Gyeongbokgung Station, or Line 5 and get off at Gwanghwamun Station. From Gyeongbokgung Station, take Exit 5, and from Gwanghwamun Station, take Exit 2. From Gwanghwamun Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
Gyeongbokgung Palace tourist information
Gyeongbokgung Palace is open all year round, and admission is 3,000 won for adults and 1,500 won for children. Visitors wearing hanbok get in for free. The palace is also home to the National Palace Museum and the National Folklore Museum, giving you the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Korean history and culture.
Here are a few of our favorite things to see while visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Geunjeongjeon Hall: Geunjeongjeon Hall is the largest and most important building at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the king conducted state business and received foreign envoys.
- Gyeonghoeru: Gyeonghoeru is a resting place over a beautiful pond in the palace grounds, where the king and queen would relax or have concerts with literati.
- Hyangwonjeong: Hyangwonjeong was a private palace located in the court’s beautiful gardens, where the king rested, wrote poetry with literati, or gave concerts.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a beautiful place to experience the history and culture of Korea. A visit here will give you a sense of the unique beauty and history of Korea.
Sightseeing time
The time required to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This includes the time required to take a guided tour or explore independently.
Seoul Gyeongbokgung Restaurant
There are a variety of places to eat around Gyeongbokgung Palace. Here are a few recommendations
- Hwangsaengga Kalguksu: This is where you’ll find some of the best kalguksu in Seoul.
- Toseokchon Samgyetang: Enjoy a healthy bowl of samgyetang.
- Baekmidang – Samcheong: A cafe where you can enjoy coffee and ice cream.
- Jalpajinmemil Seochon Main Branch: 100% pure buckwheat noodles are really delicious here. They also have a vegetarian menu and are a great place to go for lunch.
Tap the name of the restaurant to go to Google Maps.
Gyeongbokgung Palace tour conclusion
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a beautiful place to experience Korean history and culture. By visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok, you can gain a deeper understanding of Korean tradition and history. These experiences help us understand the world we live in. Gyeongbokgung is open to all of us, and we encourage you to visit.
FAQ
Q. When is Gyeongbokgung Palace closed?
A. Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday. If the closing day falls on a national holiday (including alternative holidays), it will be open, in which case it will be closed on the first non-holiday following the opening day.
Q. Do I get free admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace if I wear a hanbok?
A. Yes, it is. Visitors wearing hanbok are admitted free of charge to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Q. How do I join a guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace?
A. Guided tours of Gyeongbokgung start at the Information Center, and groups of 10 or fewer can join without prior reservation
Q. Where can I rent hanbok?
A. There are various hanbok rental shops located near Gyeongbokgung Palace. One of the most popular is Seohwabok, where you can rent hanbok in a variety of designs and sizes.
