address
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
opening hours
The park is open; open from 09:00-18:00
official phone number
+82-2-37003900
introduce
Known as the Imperial Palace of Korea, Gyeongbokgung Palace is located in a corner of the bustling city center of Seoul. It has a history of more than 600 years. Gyeongbokgung Palace got its name from the "Book of Songs" "Gentleman Wannian, Jieer Jingfu", because it is located in the north of Seoul, it is also called "North Palace".
N reasons to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace:
1. A witness to the history of the Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace of the Lee Dynasty. It was built in 1395. With nearly 200 magnificent buildings, it bears the pride and sorrow of more than 20 kings of the Joseon Dynasty. In fact, most of the Gyeongbokgung Palace was burned down during the Imjin Japanese Invasion in 1592 . Having experienced destruction and looting again and again, after the baptism of blood and fire, Gyeongbokgung Palace is like a history book of modern Korean history, still heroic in the wind and rain. The Gyeongbokgung Palace now preserves the representative buildings of the Joseon Dynasty - Qinghuilou and the lotus pond of Xiangyuan Pavilion. The platform and statues of Geunjeongjeon Hall are the crystallization of the sculpture art of the Joseon Dynasty.
2. Beautiful scenery in four seasons Like the Forbidden City in China, Gyeongbokgung Palace has different scenery throughout the year. There are lovely cherry blossoms in spring, cool breeze in summer, ginkgo in autumn, and snow in winter. No matter what season you come here, you can feel the unique charm of nature and the ancient palace complementing each other, and feast your eyes.
3. The filming locations of popular Korean dramas, whether it was "Dae Jang Geum", which was popular in Asia back then, or "Queen In-Hyun's Man", "The Moon Embracing the Sun", "The Rooftop Prince", "My Love from the Star", or 2016 The hit Korean dramas "The Lonely and Great God - Ghost" and "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" in 2010 were filmed in Gyeongbokgung Palace. I believe that girls who love to watch Korean dramas will be very familiar with the scenes here, you can start the Korean drama tour.
4. Wear Hanbok and transform into a Korean drama heroine. In Gyeongbokgung Palace, as long as you wear a full set of Hanbok, you can enter for free! For beautiful girls, this benefit is simply perfect. There are many Hanbok experience stores near Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can choose by yourself. After wearing it, come to Gyeongbokgung Palace to take a set of beautiful photos and leave exciting memories! To the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace is Jianchun Gate, to the west is Yingqiu Gate, to the north is Shenwu Gate (formerly known as Xuanwu Gate, which was renamed to avoid taboo by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty), and to the south is Gwanghwa Gate.
The overall area of Gyeongbokgung Palace is far less than that of the Forbidden City in China, so whether you enter from Gwanghwamun or Shenwumen opposite to Qingwatai, you only need to follow a straight line to visit most of the important attractions. Recommended route: Gwanghwamun → Heungryemun Gate → Qinzhengjeon Hall → Sizhengjeon Hall → Kangningjeon Hall & Jiaotai Hall & Ciqing Hall → Gyeonghuilou & Xiangyuan Pavilion → Xiuzheng Hall
1. Gwanghwamun. Gwanghwamun was built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty's Taejo period and is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. As a national gate in the hearts of Koreans, Gwanghwamun has experienced many wars, one relocation, two destructions, and three reconstructions. The current Gwanghwamun Gate was originally a wooden structure building on a stone foundation altar. Because of its exquisite craftsmanship, ingenious structure and magnificent appearance, it is considered to be one of the great gatehouse buildings in Korean history, ranking first among the five major palace gates in Korea.
2. Heungryemun Gate. Heungryemun Gate is located behind Gwanghwamun Gate and was completed in 2000 . In Gwanghwamun and Heungryemun Square, performances are held to reproduce the handover ceremony of the goalkeeper in the Joseon Dynasty. During the period, you can take pictures with the goalkeeper in traditional costumes as a souvenir. In addition, on the west side of Xingli Gate is the National Palace Museum, which you can also visit. The goalkeeper handover ceremony is also known as the "Changing of the Guard Ceremony". With the sound of drums, the handover ceremony officially begins. The gatekeeper led the officers and soldiers to enter through the courtyard gates on both sides respectively, walk to the outside of Gwanghwamun in the order of march, and then take their positions. Although it looks like a Korean drama filming ancient costumes, this performance truly restores the scene of the Changing of the Guard ceremony in the Joseon Dynasty.
3. Qinzheng Hall. Geunjeongjeon is the largest building in Gyeongbokgung Palace, with the king's throne in the center. In ancient times, Qinzheng Hall was mainly used to hold major national celebrations, such as the enthronement of the throne, reception of foreign envoys and so on. The "Picture of the Sun, Moon and Five Peaks" on the screen behind the king's throne was printed on the newly issued 10,000 won Korean won in January 2007 .
4. The ideological and political hall. The Sizheng Hall is the place where the king usually handles government affairs. The dragon murals symbolizing the emperor here are also worth seeing.
5. Kangning Hall & Jiaotai Hall & Ciqing Hall. Kangning Hall and Jiaotai Hall are located in the center of the palace. They are the sleeping quarters and daily life places of the king and queen. The latticed doors and windows are a major feature of these two buildings. The Hall of Ciqing is the bedroom of the Queen Mother, and there is a red brick wall behind it called the Chimney of Ten Longevity, which is very famous. Ten longevity chimneys are engraved on the wall, and 10 house-shaped chimney covers are crowned on the top of the wall for smoke exhaust.
6. Qinghui Tower & Xiangyuan Pavilion. Qinghui Building is a two-story building, a water pavilion built on a pond for celebrating national traditional festivals or holding banquets. The lotus flowers floating gently on the water surface of the pond, the plum blossoms blooming in full bloom, the red leaves that just bloomed out of the big red dyeing vat, and the vast white snow scene, the scenery in each season has different tastes and is too beautiful ! Xiangyuan Pavilion is located in the backyard behind the sleeping hall. It is located on a small island in the center of the lotus pond in the back garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Compared with Qinghuilou, it is characterized by the softness of richer women.
7. Xiuzheng Palace. Xiuzhengjeon is a place of learning established in the reign of King Sejong, and it was called Jixianjeon at that time. It is said that "Hunminjeongeum" was also born here.
opening hours
Monday , Wednesday to Sunday 09:00-18:00 throughout the year
Preferential treatment policy
Additional instructions: 1. Tickets to Gyeongbokgung Palace: Half price for 7-18 years old, free for children under 6 years old. With Gyeongbokgung tickets, you can enter the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum for free. Comprehensive viewing pass for the four major palaces in Seoul (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace) and Jongmyo Temple: 10,000 won for adults and 5,000 won for teenagers, valid for 3 months. 2. Disclaimer: The above information is for reference only, and the specific information is subject to the disclosure of the scenic spot on the day
must-see points
- The ground of the palace is all soil, not concrete, and it may not be easy to walk on rainy days. Slippers are required to enter the interior of some palaces, please check the signs.
- Do not make loud noises inside the museum or palace, smoking is not allowed, including anywhere in the car park.
- Pets, sports or games equipment, placemats and food are not allowed in the palace premises.
- There is a Chinese commentary at Gyeongbokgung Palace at 1 p.m., and operations are currently suspended due to the epidemic.
- There are no restaurants in the scenic spot, but there are souvenir shops where you can buy some limited small souvenirs, the price is not expensive, you can buy some if you like.
- In the Gyeongbokgung Subway Station, there is a Bulaomen Gate and a miniature view of the rising sun. There are also some calligraphy and painting exhibitions on the walls. If you are interested, you can take pictures there first.
