Seoul's five grand palaces, explained

Seoul has five grand palaces from the Joseon dynasty, most within walking or short subway distance of each other in the old city center. This guide covers what each one is, when it was built, and the practical details: hours, tickets, and how to get there.

Gyeongbokgung Palace: The Main Royal Residence

History and Significance

Established in 1395 by King Taejo, Gyeongbokgung Palace served as the primary royal residence during the Joseon Dynasty. Despite suffering extensive damage during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century, the palace underwent significant restoration in the 19th century. Today, the restored palace is one of the citys most visited historic sites.

Architectural Highlights

• Geunjeongjeon Hall: The main throne hall where the king conducted state affairs.
• Gyeonghoeru Pavilion: A picturesque two-story pavilion set on 48 stone pillars above an artificial pond, historically used for royal banquets and diplomatic receptions.

Visitor Information

• Operating Hours:
• January–February: 09:00–17:00 (Last admission at 16:00)
• March–May: 09:00–18:00 (Last admission at 17:00)
• June–August: 09:00–18:30 (Last admission at 17:30)
• September–October: 09:00–18:00 (Last admission at 17:00)
• November–December: 09:00–17:00 (Last admission at 16:00)
• Closed: Tuesdays
• Admission Fees:
• Adults (19–64): ₩3,000
• Free for children under 7, seniors over 65, and visitors wearing hanbok
• Getting There: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5

Changdeokgung Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Historical Background

Constructed in 1405 as a secondary palace, Changdeokgung became the primary royal residence after the destruction of Gyeongbokgung in 1592. Recognized for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

The Secret Garden (Huwon)

The palace's rear garden, known as Huwon, spans approximately 300,000 square meters and features over 26,000 trees, some centuries old. This secluded area served as a retreat for the royal family and is renowned for its serene beauty.

Visitor Information

• Operating Hours:
• February–May, September–October: 09:00–18:00 (Last admission at 17:00)
• June–August: 09:00–18:30 (Last admission at 17:30)
• November–January: 09:00–17:30 (Last admission at 16:30)
• Closed: Mondays
• Admission Fees:
• Palace: ₩3,000
• Huwon Tour: ₩8,000 (Guided tours only; advance booking recommended)
• Getting There: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 3

Changgyeonggung Palace: From Royal Residence to Public Park

Historical Overview

Originally built in 1484 to house dowager queens, Changgyeonggung Palace has a tumultuous history. During the Japanese colonial period, it was converted into a zoo and botanical garden, a transformation that lasted until 1983 when efforts to restore its royal status began.

Architectural Features

The palace is noted for its modest yet elegant structures, including the Myeongjeongjeon Hall, the main hall used for state affairs. The palace grounds also feature a greenhouse built in 1909, the oldest Western-style greenhouse in Korea.

Visitor Information

• Operating Hours: 09:00–21:00 (Last admission at 20:00)
• Closed: Mondays
• Admission Fees:
• Adults: ₩1,000
• Free for children under 7, seniors over 65, and visitors wearing hanbok
• Getting There: Hyehwa Station (Line 4), Exit 4

Deoksugung Palace: A Blend of Korean and Western Architecture

Historical Context

Deoksugung Palace is unique for its combination of traditional Korean and Western-style buildings. Initially a royal villa, it became a primary palace during the late Joseon period. The palace is also notable for its association with King Gojong, who declared the Korean Empire here in 1897.

Architectural Highlights

• Seokjojeon Hall: A neoclassical building completed in 1910, now housing the Daehan Empire History Museum.
• Junghwajeon Hall: The main throne hall used for official ceremonies.

Visitor Information

• Operating Hours: 09:00–21:00 (Last admission at 20:00)
• Closed: Mondays
• Admission Fees:
• Adults: ₩1,000
• Free for children under 7, seniors over 65, and visitors wearing hanbok
• Getting There: City Hall Station (Line 1, Exit 2; Line 2, Exit 12)

Gyeonghuigung Palace: The Forgotten Palace

Historical Background

Built in 1617 as a secondary palace, Gyeonghuigung served as a retreat for Joseon kings. Much of the palace was destroyed during the Japanese occupation, and restoration efforts are ongoing to revive its former grandeur.

Current Status

While smaller in scale compared to the other palaces, Gyeonghuigung offers a tranquil environment and is less frequented by tourists, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter experience.

Visitor Information

• Operating Hours: 09:00–18:00
• Closed: Mondays
• Admission Fees: Free
• Getting There: Seodaemun Station (Line 5), Exit 4

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Integrated Ticket: Consider purchasing the Integrated Palace Ticket for ₩10,000, which grants access to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung (including Huwon), Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Jongmyo Shrine. This ticket is valid for three months and offers a cost-effective way to explore these historic sites.
• Hanbok Rental: Wearing a hanbok not only enriches the cultural experience but also provides free admission to most palaces. Numerous rental shops are available near the palace entrances.
• Guided Tours: Take advantage of the free guided tours offered at several palaces to gain deeper insights into their histories and architectural features.

If you only have time for one, start with Gyeongbokgung for its scale and the changing-of-the-guard ceremony, and add Changdeokgung's Secret Garden if you can book a slot ahead.

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