Palaces of Seoul, South Korea

In this week’s edition of Mike’s stuck on a couch, I decided to reminisce about the three and a half years I lived in Seoul, South Korea.   Throughout that time, I traveled extensively to the best destinations in Korea and especially enjoyed photographing the architecture of cultural icons like the Korean palaces.   

I lived less than two miles from three of the palaces of Seoul and a weekend jog might take me past the gates of Gyeongbukgung.  I’ve visited all five of Seoul’s royal palaces, and a sixth, lesser-known palace in Gongju.  

If you like history, art, architecture, or photography, they are all worth visiting!  If you are less of a museum goer than I would just pick one or two based on where you’re already visiting or staying.

Palaces of Seoul, South Korea Ticket Fees

All of the palaces in Seoul have a nominal entrance fee: 1,000-3,000₩ or roughly $1-3. If you want to see all five palaces in Seoul plus extras like the secret garden I recommend the 5 Korean royal palace pass for 10,000₩, roughly $8 and it lasts for 3 months!

Truth be told if you’re a tourist or an expat with limited time in South Korea I would stick to just visiting two palaces in Seoul Korea.  Gyeongbukgung and Changdeokgung were my favorites and I recommend planning a half day to see one and hopefully you can get on a night tour of the Seoul palaces too. 

Gyeongbukgung

Gyeongbukgung Palaces Seoul Ticket Booth on Google Maps

Gyeongbukgung is the main one of the 5 palaces of Seoul.  It’s got the massive gate in the heart of Seoul and has a huge royal grounds to explore.  Established in 1395 by the Joseon dynasty, this palace was the first of it’s kind and can easily fill your afternoon.  You’ll find staff offering free guided tours, some even dress in historically accurate hanbok or other costumes.  Many visitors enjoy renting their own hanbok for their own photoshoot at the palace or just for fun.

Gyeongbukgung was the first palace I visited and I’ve been back more times than I can count.  If you’re lucky you might even be able to go to one of the night tours.  This is especially fun if you’re a photographer and have a tripod with you.  The night tours make a fun date or are simply a good way to enjoy Seoul away from its typical night life.  Gyeongbukgung is probably the most popular, but, is actually my second favorite palace.

Seoul Palaces Opening Hours 

Current times can be found at the Royal Korean Heritage Service Website

The palaces are generally open from 9AM to 6PM.
Times change seasonally.
Each Palace has scheduled closures typically either Monday or Tuesday.

Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung Palace Ticket Office on Google Maps

Changdeokgung was my favorite of the 5 palaces of Seoul; partly because it has the secret garden, but also because it was large enough to be a fun afternoon and closer to my house than Gyeongbukgung.  Established in 1405, this palace is beautifully designed and preserved.  In truth, most of the palaces in Seoul South Korea have buildings that look the same.  

The night tours at Changdeokgung are exquisite!  It’s especially nice to have fewer tourists in the palace grounds.  I highly recommend planning ahead and getting tickets for a tour of the secret garden!  It isn’t particularly “secret” but you’ll need to arrange those tickets separately from your normal entrance fee.

Deoksugung

Deoksugung Main Gate on Google Maps

Deoksugung is much smaller and has skyscrapers towering over it. It was one of the first palaces I visited; in fact my brother Ben and I went to Deoksugung before I knew anything about Korean culture or night photography!   I like the juxtaposition of modern and historic architecture here.  Since it is smaller and in a different part of town, Deoksugung is less busy than the other palaces I visited.  Night tours here were also really great and if I were to go back again I would prefer the night tour with my tripod to take photos. 

Changgyeongung

Changgyeongung Main Gate on Google Maps

Changgyeongung was actually the closest to my apartment but is often overshadowed by neighboring Changdukgung.  I would usually jog past Changyeongung and glance at the walls realizing it was the last palace I needed to see. Eventually I went on one of the night tours and found some excellent photo opportunities here too.  Probably a palace that most tourists will skip.

Gyeonghuigung

Gyeonghuigung Palace on Google Maps

Gyeonghuigung is the only FREE admission palace!  I is nestled among trees and buildings without nearly the same size grounds as the other palaces.  You can combine a trip to Gyeonghuigung with a walk down the Cheongyecheon stream since they are quite close.  The Seoul Museum of History is right here as well.  I would visit Gyeonghuigung if you are already in the area, looking for something free to do, or are trying to collect them all!  Otherwise, this is a palace that you can skip on your trip to Seoul.

Bonus Palace in Gongju! 

Baekje Cultural Land in Gongju on Google Maps

The palace in Baekje Cultural land is a recreation from the Baekje kingdom (18 BC – 660AD) and is a 2 hour inter city bus ride from Seoul.  My panoramic photo of the palace was in a UNESCO heritage exhibit at the Seoul National Museum before I donated it to Young Hoon Elementary School!  Baekje is part of the Korean 4th grade history curriculum and I went here three times a field trip. 

 These palace grounds will have the fewest tourists of all the palaces and frankly, the architecture is similar to the rest.  If prefer less crowds and more history than Baekje is the palace for you!  Although, if you prefer less crowds you may want to reconsider South Korea as a travel great destination in general.

Baekje cultural land is a beautifully recreated palace grounds and makes the trip to Gongju worth it, especially if you have kids, are living in Seoul, or are just looking for an excuse to get out of the city.   

Why not pin one of these pins below to help you remember these great places in South Korea!

Recommended Reading for South Korea:

• Night Tours at the Korean Royal Palaces
• Explore the Secret Garden in Changdoekgung Palace
• Best Places for Spring in South Korea
• Best Spots for Fall Colors in Korea!
• Best Places for Winter in Korea
• Read my Naver Maps Photo Guide to get around Seoul by Bus!
• Do you live in Korea?  Are you trying to move from one apartment to the next?
• Trying to Renew an American Passport while in Seoul?  Read about my experience here.