Top 3 Korean Palaces in Seoul That You Must Visit

Recently people around the world have been searching a lot of keywords on the Internet related to K-pop, K-drama, and K-food. The Korean Wave (Hallyu) is taking over the world by storm. This is resulting in travelers of all ages visiting Korea to track down their favorite K-Pop artists, visit the filming site of their favorite K-Dramas, and enjoy delicious K-food. Nonetheless, if you want to experience and learn about Korean culture you must visit the following historical palaces in Seoul that will blow your mind.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

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Gyeongbokgung Palace was constructed in 1395, three years after the Joseon Dynasty was founded by Taejo. This royal palace was completed after the capital of the new dynasty moved from Gaeseong to Seoul.

Address: 161,Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea

Hours:  Closed on Tuesdays

    Jan.~Feb. 9:00 ~ 17:00 (Final admission at 16:00)

    Mar.~May 9:00 ~ 18:00 (Final admission at 17:00)

    Jun.~Aug. 9:00 ~ 18:30 (Final admission at 17:30)

    Sep.~Oct. 9:00 ~ 18:00 (Final admission at 17:00)

    Nov.~Dec 9:00 ~ 17:00 (Final admission at 16:00)

Admission: Age 19~64  3,000 won ($2.5) / 2,400 won ($2) (group, 10 or more)

             Age 7~18   1,500 won ($1.25) / 1,200 won ($1) (group, 10 or more)

* If you wear traditional Korean clothes known as Hanbok you don’t need to pay the entrance fee

There are free guided tours that you may also want to try. The free tours are available in 5 languages including English. Since the place is so popular with Koreans and foreigners, you are encouraged to reserve the tour in advance. 

For quick informative tips, you might want to try visiting the palace wearing Korean traditional clothes called Hanbok! There are lots of rental places near the palace that you may want to try out. 

Also, if you are lucky enough to be in town during the right time, Gyeongbokgung Palace has a nighttime tour event that you will need to reserve. So check out the website I have linked below to find out if you are lucky enough to pay a visit Gyeongbokgung palace at night.

For more detailed information visit the website linked below:

http://www.royalpalace.go.kr:8080/html/eng_gbg/main/main.jsp

 

2. Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁)

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Changgyeonggung Palace was constructed in 1483, during Joseon Dynasty founded by King Sejong. Historically, the Changgyeonggung Palace was used by the retired father of King Sejong, but it often served as the residence for queens and concubines.

Address: 185,Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours:  Closed on Mondays

    Jan.~Dec. 9:00~21:00 (final admission 20:00)

Admission: Age 19~64 1,000 won ($0.8) / 800 won ($0.7) (group, 10 or more)

Age 7~18 500 won ($0.4) / 400 won ($0.3) (group, 10 or more)

* If you wear traditional Korean clothes known as Hanbok you don’t need to pay the entrance fee

Changgyeonggung Palace also has free guided tours in three different languages including English. The tours last approximately an hour. Furthermore, if you wanted to try Gyeongbokgung palace at night but failed to reserve it, visit Changgyeonggung Palace. 

Changgyeonggung Palace is 10 minutes away from Gyeongbokgung Palace but has nighttime tours that don't require a reservation. Quick information for this palace! Inside this palace, you may find a large greenhouse with several plants that will amaze you.

For more detailed information visit the website linked below:

http://english.cha.go.kr/html/HtmlPage.do?pg=/royal/RoyalPalaces_3.jsp&mn=EN_02_03_04

 

3. Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁)

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Changdeokgung Palace was constructed in 1405, during the Joseon Dynasty by King Taejong. This palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the most well-preserved palace of all the royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty.

Address: 99,Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours:  Closed on Mondays

    Feb.~May 9:00~18:00 (final admission 17:00)

    Jun.~Aug. 9:00~18:30 (final admission 17:30)

    Nov.~Jan. 9:00~17:30 (final admission 16:30)

Admission: Age 19~64 3,000 won ($2.5) / 2,400 won ($2) (group, 10 or more)

Age 7~18 1,500 won ($1.25) / 1,200 won ($1) (group, 10 or more)

* If you wear traditional Korean clothes known as Hanbok you don’t need to pay the entrance fee

Changdeokgung Palace also has free guided tours in four different languages including English. The tour also lasts approximately an hour but what is interesting about this palace is that there is another type of tour program. 

Changdeokgung Palace has two types of tours, one is a general tour that the other two palaces have and the other tour is the Secret Garden Guided Tour that other palaces don’t offer. Of course, there will be an additional charge but money won’t matter after you have experienced this program.

If you happen to visit Korea or are planning to visit, I really recommend going on these palace tours. All three palaces are very close to each other and all three palaces have their own unique and exciting characteristics.