Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, is at 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161). Adult admission is 3,000 KRW (~$2.30 USD), and anyone wearing hanbok gets in free. Opening hours change with the season: 09:00–17:00, 09:00–18:00 or 09:00–18:30. The palace is closed every Tuesday. From Thursday, October 29 to Sunday, November 15, 2026, entry is free for the Korea Grand Festival. The palace still closes on Tuesdays during that period.
What Is Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Gyeongbokgung (景福宮) was built in 1395, the fourth year of King Taejo’s reign, shortly after the Joseon Dynasty was founded. It served as the dynasty’s beopgung, the main palace and seat of royal power. Its halls are spread across a wide site with Baegaksan (Bugaksan) mountain behind them. In front of Gwanghwamun, the main gate, ran Yukjo-geori, the avenue of government ministries that formed the heart of Hanyang, the old capital. Today it’s one of the easiest landmarks in central Seoul to reach, just a few minutes’ walk from Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3.
A Brief History
The name “Gyeongbok” expresses a wish for the new dynasty to enjoy great blessings and prosperity. During King Sejong’s reign, Hunminjeongeum, the original Korean alphabet, was created and proclaimed here. The palace burned during the Imjin War in 1592 (the 25th year of King Seonjo) and sat in ruins for more than 270 years. It was finally rebuilt in 1867, the fourth year of King Gojong’s reign. Gojong also added Geoncheonggung, Taewonjeon and Jibokjae. Okhoru, a pavilion inside Geoncheonggung, is where Empress Myeongseong was assassinated during the Eulmi Incident of 1895.
After Japan annexed Korea in 1910, the palace was deliberately destroyed. Most of its buildings were torn down in 1915 to make room for the Joseon Industrial Exhibition (조선물산공진회). In 1926 the Japanese Government-General building went up on the grounds and blocked the view of the palace. Large-scale restoration began in the 1990s. The colonial building was demolished between 1995 and 1997, and the Heungnyemun Gate area, the royal sleeping quarters, Geoncheonggung, Taewonjeon and Gwanghwamun have since been restored.
When to See Gyeongbokgung Palace in the Evening
Even at its latest, Gyeongbokgung Palace closes at 18:30, and the last entry is one hour before closing. Because your time inside is limited, check the closing time before you plan your visit.
| Period | Opening Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb, Nov–Dec | 09:00–17:00 | 16:00 |
| Mar–May, Sep–Oct | 09:00–18:00 | 17:00 |
| Jun–Aug | 09:00–18:30 | 17:30 |
From November through February the palace closes at 17:00, so you’ll need to finish earlier than in other seasons. This guide doesn’t cover special night openings outside regular hours. Check the official Gyeongbokgung website (https://royal.khs.go.kr/gbg) before you go.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Hours, Closing Days & Admission
Closing Days
- Closed every Tuesday.
- If a Tuesday is a public holiday or substitute holiday, the palace opens that day and closes on the next weekday instead.
Admission Fees
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (individual) | 3,000 KRW (~$2.30 USD) |
| Adult (group of 10 or more) | 2,400 KRW (~$1.80 USD) |
| Visitors wearing hanbok | Free |
Korean and international visitors pay the same prices. “Adult” means ages 25–64 for Korean nationals and ages 19–64 for foreign nationals.
| Free Admission | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|
| Korean nationals | Aged 24 and under, or 65 and over (bring ID) |
| Foreign nationals | Aged 18 and under, or 65 and over |
| Everyone | Visitors wearing hanbok |
Korea’s “Culture Day” free admission on Wednesdays does not apply to Gyeongbokgung.
October–November 2026 Notices
| Notice | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free admission (Korea Grand Festival) | Thu, Oct 29 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | Closed Tuesdays; regular guided tours shortened by 30 minutes |
| No access to the Geunjeongjeon stone terrace (woldae) | Wed, Sep 2 – Sat, Oct 31, 2026 | Heavy crowds risk damaging the stone balustrades and other stonework |
Free Guided Tours (No Reservation Needed)
| Language | Times |
|---|---|
| English | 11:00, 13:30, 15:30 |
| Japanese | 10:00, 14:30 |
| Chinese | 10:30, 15:00 |
| Korean (Mon, Wed, Thu) | 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 |
| Korean (Fri, Sat, Sun) | Every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 15:00, plus 16:00 |
Tours start in front of the Gyeongbokgung information center, just inside Heungnyemun Gate. From November to February, the 16:00 Korean tour moves to 15:30. Individuals and groups of fewer than 10 can join without booking. Groups of 10 or more need a reservation, and each tour takes up to 30 people.
How to Get to Gyeongbokgung Palace
By Subway
| Line | Station & Exit | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 3 | Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5 | About 2 min |
| Line 3 | Anguk Station, Exit 1 | About 6 min |
| Line 5 | Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2 | About 6 min |
By Bus
| Bus Stop | Trunk Buses | Branch Buses |
|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) | 109, 171, 272, 601, 606, 710 | 1020, 7025 |
| Deokseong Girls’ Middle & High School (덕성여중고) | 171, 272, 401, 406, 704, 710 | 1020, 7025 |
Parking (Gyeongbokgung Palace Parking Lot)
The palace parking lot is on the left, at the start of the road that leads from Gwanghwamun toward Samcheong-dong. It has about 50 bus spaces above ground and about 240 car spaces underground, and it’s open 06:00–23:00. For inquiries, call 02-736-9536.
| Rate | Price |
|---|---|
| First 10 minutes | Free |
| Small vehicles, first hour | 3,000 KRW (~$2.30 USD) |
| Mid-size and large vehicles, first hour | 5,000 KRW (~$3.80 USD) |
| After the first hour | 800 KRW (~$0.60 USD) per 10 minutes |
Small cars parked above ground pay the mid-size/large rate. Discounts can’t be combined. Visitors with disabilities and national merit recipients get 80% off. Compact cars, eco-friendly vehicles and families with multiple children get 50% off. Electric vehicles park free for the first hour and get 50% off after that.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Visiting Tips
- Wear hanbok and get in free. Visitors in hanbok enter at no charge, whatever their age or nationality.
- Entry is free for everyone from October 29 to November 15. The palace opens free for the Korea Grand Festival but still closes on Tuesdays. Regular guided tours are 30 minutes shorter during this period.
- Avoid Tuesdays. That’s the regular closing day. If a Tuesday falls on a public holiday, the palace opens and closes on the next weekday instead, so check the dates again around long holiday weekends.
- Take a free tour in your language. Tours in English, Japanese and Chinese run daily at set times, and individual visitors don’t need to book.
- Last entry is one hour before closing. From November to February, that means 16:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is Gyeongbokgung Palace closed?
Gyeongbokgung is closed every Tuesday. If a Tuesday is a public holiday or substitute holiday, the palace opens that day and closes on the next weekday instead.
How much is admission to Gyeongbokgung, and can foreigners get in free?
Adult admission is 3,000 KRW (~$2.30 USD), the same price for Korean and international visitors. Foreign visitors aged 18 and under or 65 and over get in free, as does anyone wearing hanbok.
Can I get into Gyeongbokgung for free if I wear hanbok?
Yes, visitors wearing hanbok get in free. The same rule applies to Korean and international visitors.
What time are the English tours at Gyeongbokgung, and do I need to book?
English tours run at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30, and individuals or groups of fewer than 10 don’t need to book. Tours meet in front of the Gyeongbokgung information center, just inside Heungnyemun Gate. Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation.
Which exit should I use at Gyeongbokgung Station?
Use Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3, about a 2-minute walk away. Exit 1 of Anguk Station (Line 3) and Exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) are each about a 6-minute walk.
How much does the Gyeongbokgung parking lot cost?
The first hour costs 3,000 KRW (~$2.30 USD) for small vehicles and 5,000 KRW (~$3.80 USD) for mid-size and large vehicles. After that, it’s 800 KRW (~$0.60 USD) per 10 minutes, and the first 10 minutes are free. The lot is open 06:00–23:00.
Is Gyeongbokgung free on Wednesday “Culture Day”?
No. The Wednesday “Culture Day” free admission does not apply to Gyeongbokgung.
Who do I contact with questions about Gyeongbokgung?
Contact the Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office at 02-3700-3900. The official website is https://royal.khs.go.kr/gbg.
