Place · Gyeongbokgung & Gwanghwamun
Gyeongbokgung Palace경복궁
Go at opening on any day except Tuesday; 90 minutes through the main courts; dress in a hanbok for free entry if you like, otherwise buy at the gate.
go at hour · at openingadmission: unknownNot field-verified
Rules in force · 6Bukchon and many guesthouse lanes are steep
- South Korea ↗Check K-ETA and visa status on the official sites before you fly; the list of nationalities that must register online changes.
- South Korea ↗Google Maps gives poor walking and driving directions in Korea; use Naver Map or Kakao Map for routes.
- South Korea ↗Buy a T-money card (or use a phone-based transit pass) for subway and buses; it also pays at convenience stores and many taxis.
- Seoul Capital Area ↗Dec–Feb in the capital area is dry and very cold (−10 to 3°C): pack a windproof layer and warm socks.
- Seoul ↗Bukchon and many guesthouse lanes are steep: large suitcases go from the car or subway exit straight to the door.
- Seoul ↗The subway stops around midnight; after that use taxis and check the last train in your map app.
Time on site (minutes)
45
min
70
worthwhile
90
typical
140
p95
Opening hours change by season and the palace is closed on Tuesday; exact times are not printed until verified.
Getting in
- Stop
- Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), exit 5
- Exit
- —
- Ticket
- on site · official site
- Stairs
- unknown
- Shoes
- unknown
Crowds and switching
- Crowd clock
- Tour groups 10:00–12:00; weekends and holidays are busy; guard-changing at the gate draws crowds.
- Sensory load
- 3/5
- Exposure
- high
Bailouts
- heat: Gyeongbokgung Station concourse (AC)
- rain: Museum halls inside the palace grounds
Nearest rescue anchor: A — Gwanghwamun Gate benches
Combine in the same cluster
- Bukchon Hanok Village (same day)
Red lines
- Do not climb on walls, stones or steps; stay behind ropes.
Sources
- Royal Palaces and Tombs Center (official) (official)
- Wikidata Q485071 (secondary)