Gyeongbokgung Palace | Must-Visit Place in Seoul, South Korea

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After Namsam Seoul Tower, our next destination was Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the first and largest royal palace in Seoul and one of the most iconic destination in South Korea. The palace grounds covers approximately 415,800 sqm, featuring the actual the main palace, pavilions, gardens and scenic ponds.

The must-see attractions within Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds are: Gwanghwamun Gate or the main gate of the palace. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony, which is held daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Near the entrance, there is also a free rental of palace guard costume. Visitors can try on traditional outfits for about 5-minutes, for a quick photo opportunities in Gyeongbokgung Palace. I remember trying this fun experience during my first visit.

The Heungnyemun Gate or the second gate of the palace. This gate leads to the inner courtyards.

Geungjeong-jeon or the main Throne hall and the largest building in Gyeongbokgung Palace.

We also tried Sarang Gyeongbokgung, located near Sujeong-jeon area.

This is the Sujeong-jeon area, which offers a beautiful view of Bugaksan Mountain.

Gyeonghoe-ru or the stunning banquet hall built in an artificial island in a pond. I think this is one of the most photographed spots in the palace.

There are many more places to explore in Gyeongbokgung Palace, making it an ideal destination to learn about Korean history and culture. Gyeongbokgung Palace remains one of the most iconic landmark in Seoul and a must-visit destination in South Korea, especially for first-time visitors.

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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE

The best time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace is during autumn, when the foliage creates a colorful scenic foliage atmosphere. Winter is also a good option of you want a snowy palace experience.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Winter Edition

Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Tumbler

WHERE TO STAY IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

These are the accommodation/s I’ve tried and would recommend to you. If interested, you can book via Agoda by clicking the link below:

Myeongdong Area
1. Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun

HOW TO GET TO TO GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE FROM MYEONGDONG

The fastest way is by taxi or thru ride-hailing apps. Although this option can be more expensive.

Another good option is by subway train:

From Myeongdong Station, Take Line 4 to Chungmuro Station.
Transfer to Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station.
Use Exit 5 to go directly to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Travel time is around 30 minutes.

GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE BUDGET AND ITINERARY

The estimated budget for a visit in Gyeongbokgung Palace is around ₩5,000.00-₩6,000.00 per pax. This estimates is based on the entrance fee and in consideration of lunch, snack and transportation fee.

Entrance Fee:

Adult: 3,000 won
Students/Seniors: 1,500
Free admission for those under 19 years old over 65 years old

NOTE: Prices may change without prior notice.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE – Winter Edition

Gyeongbokgung Palace Information
- Website: https://royal.khs.go.kr
- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Contact number: +82-2-3700-3900
Gyeongbokgung Palace Schedule
- November-February 09:00-17:00
- March-May & September-October 09:00-18:00
- June-August 09:00-18:30
- The palace is closed on Tuesdays (If Tuesday falls on a public holiday, it will be closed on the following business day instead)
Gyeongbokgung Palace Amenities and Activities:
- National Folk Museum of Korea
- National Palace Museum of Korea
- Free guided tours held daily at 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM
- Hanbok rentals available near the palace
- Designated parking areas for visitors
Download essential apps such as: Google Translate, KakaoT or Uber, Naver Map for navigation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Seoul. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal. You can find the link for the pocket Wi-Fi here.
Bring a foldable umbrella.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA TRAVEL TIPS

Secure your passport
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
If you’re not used to cold weather, moisturize regularly to help prevent winter rash and dry skin.
When available, reserve seats in advance, especially for trains and tours, to avoid inconvenience.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring a reusable tumbler—many hotels and public places have refill stations.
Exploring Seoul often involves a lot of walking, so wearing comfortable, well-cushioned shoes is essential.
Schedule your visit at Gyeongbokgung Palace during weekdays before lunch to for a less crowded palace setting.
Free entrance on the four royal palaces of Seoul if you are wearing the traditional Hanbok.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR PARENTS TRAVELING TO SEOUL WITH BABIES

During winter, as a general rule, babies should wear one extra layer compared to adults.
Bring a basic medicine kit recommended by your pediatrician, as familiar medicines may not always be available.
Not all underpasses and subway stations in Seoul have elevators or escalators, so it’s more practical to use a baby carrier instead of a stroller.
For breastfeeding moms, lactation rooms can be difficult to find when exploring the city. Bringing a nursing cover allows you to breastfeed comfortably and conveniently anywhere.
We opted for a guided tour for convenience since we were traveling with a baby. However, one downside is having to follow a fixed schedule, which can be challenging with feeding times and naps. If possible, a DIY itinerary with handpicked destinations may be a better option, allowing you to travel at your own pace and enjoy the experience more fully.