Gyeongbokgung Palace
Step back in time at a true Seoul icon – and a must-visit on any trip
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Gyeongbokgung Palace is the kind of place that makes you stop mid-step and think, “Wow, this is Seoul.” It’s a massive, photogenic complex smack in the middle of the city, framed by mountains and modern skyscrapers. Built in 1395 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, it’s got history, grandeur, and plenty of space to wander.
If you want the best experience, get there early. The crowds pile in fast, especially around the changing of the guard ceremony at 10 AM and 2 PM. It’s free, colorful, and theatrical, so don’t miss it. If you’re renting a hanbok (which you should—it's fun, makes for great photos, and gets you free entry), try to arrive before 9 AM to get dressed without rushing. Plenty of shops near the palace rent hanboks for around 10,000–20,000 KRW for two hours.
Once inside, take your time. The main hall, Geunjeongjeon, is the most striking, but don’t just stop there. The rear garden and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, with its picturesque little pond, are quieter and more atmospheric. If you like museums, the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum are inside the complex and included with your ticket.
Gyeongbokgung is gorgeous in any season, but spring and autumn are the sweet spots. Cherry blossoms in April and fiery red maples in October make everything feel extra cinematic. Summer can be brutally hot, with little shade, and winter, while less crowded, is freezing.
After your visit, head to nearby Samcheong-dong for coffee in a hanok café or walk over to Bukchon Hanok Village. If you’re hungry, Gwangjang Market isn’t far and has some of the best street food in Seoul. Gyeongbokgung isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a crash course in Korean history, architecture, and culture, all in one grand package.
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