Name: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: 02-3700-3900
Rating: 4.6

Free guided tours are offered of this large 14th-century royal palace with a museum & gardens.

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The admission fee for adults is a maximum of 3000 Won (Korean Currency), which is roughly $2.5. Children pay 1500 Won, equivalent to $1.3.

Admission Fee

Gwanghwamun Gate is the imposing main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was built in 1395 at the beginning of the Joseon dynasty and has been rebuilt many times over the years.

Main Gate

Gyeongbokgung Palace is a popular filming location for many historical K-dramas and movies, including Goblin, My Sassy Girl, Temperature of Love, and Legend of the Blue Sea.

Filming Location

The palace was destroyed by fire twice. King Myeongjong rebuilt it after the first fire, but it was left in ruins for almost three centuries after the second fire. It was finally rebuilt again during the Regency of Daewongun.

Reconstruction

After the liberation of Korea, the government took a 40-year initiative to restore the palace complex.

Restoration

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, it served as the main royal palace for over 500 years, housing the king, his court, and the seat of government.

Beyond its imposing walls, Gyeongbokgung boasts an array of architectural wonders. The majestic Geunjeongjeon Hall, once the throne hall, showcases intricate details and a double-tiered roof. The elegant Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, situated on an artificial island in the picturesque Hyangwonji Pond, offers breathtaking views of the palace grounds.

Gyeongbokgung's rich history is intertwined with both triumph and tragedy. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in the 16th century and later rebuilt in the 19th century. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong within its walls in 1895 cast a dark shadow over the palace's legacy.

Today, Gyeongbokgung has been meticulously restored and serves as a living museum, showcasing the grandeur and artistry of the Joseon era. Visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a colorful spectacle that takes place hourly at the main gate. The palace also houses two museums, the National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea, which offer insights into Korean history and culture.

Introduction

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces, stands as an enduring symbol of Korean national identity and sovereignty. Built in 1395, it served as the main royal palace during the Joseon dynasty, housing the king, his court, and the government. Its name, meaning "Palace of Great Blessings," reflects its significance as the heart of the nation.

Gyeongbokgung's architectural splendor mirrors its symbolic importance. Its vast courtyards, intricate pavilions, and towering gates showcase the pinnacle of Korean craftsmanship. The Throne Hall, where the king conducted state affairs, exudes an aura of authority and majesty. Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, perched on an artificial lake, offers breathtaking views and was used for royal banquets and receptions.

Beyond its physical grandeur, Gyeongbokgung embodies the resilience and spirit of the Korean people. Destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the 16th century, it lay in ruins for centuries before being meticulously restored in the 19th century. This restoration symbolized the nation's determination to reclaim its cultural heritage and assert its independence.

Today, Gyeongbokgung serves as a living museum, showcasing traditional Korean architecture, art, and customs. Its National Palace Museum houses a vast collection of royal artifacts, providing insights into the lives and reigns of past monarchs. The National Folk Museum, located within the palace grounds, offers a glimpse into the everyday life and traditions of the Korean people.

As a national symbol, Gyeongbokgung Palace represents the pride, history, and aspirations of the Korean people. Its enduring legacy as the heart of the nation continues to inspire and unite Koreans, both at home and abroad.

National Symbol

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul's five grand palaces, served as the main royal residence during the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395, it boasts over 7,700 rooms, reflecting the grandeur and scale of the Joseon court. The palace complex encompasses numerous significant structures, including the majestic Geunjeongjeon Hall, the throne hall where the king conducted state affairs and received foreign envoys.

Beyond its architectural splendor, Gyeongbokgung Palace offers a glimpse into the daily life and rituals of the royal family. The Donggung, the crown prince's residence, provides insights into the education and upbringing of the heir to the throne. The Geoncheonggung, a private royal residence built by King Gojong, showcases the king's personal life and preferences.

The palace also houses the National Palace Museum of Korea, which exhibits royal artifacts, including King Sejong Daewang's diaries and the Il-shinmun, an ancient star almanac. Visitors can delve into the intricacies of court life, from the elaborate ceremonies and banquets held in Gyeonghoeru Pavilion to the traditional Korean art and architecture that adorned the palace grounds.

Gyeongbokgung Palace stands as a testament to the grandeur and legacy of the Joseon dynasty, offering a unique opportunity to explore the opulent world of Korea's royal past.

Royal Residence

Nestled within the sprawling grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Palace Museum stands as a testament to the grandeur and artistry of the Joseon Dynasty. This renowned institution houses over 45,000 artifacts, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the royal court's opulent lifestyle and cultural heritage.

Among the museum's highlights is the royal seal of King Gojong, a testament to the dynasty's diplomatic relations. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of Uigwe, meticulously detailed records of royal rituals and ceremonies that offer invaluable insights into the intricate workings of the court.

Visitors can marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of royal robes, adorned with intricate embroidery and vibrant colors. The museum's collection of jewelry, including crowns and earrings, showcases the exceptional artistry of Joseon artisans. Additionally, the museum houses a fascinating array of royal vehicles, including the Cadillac Limousine used by Emperor Sunjong, the last monarch of the dynasty.

Through its vast collection and engaging exhibits, the National Palace Museum offers a captivating journey into the heart of the Joseon Dynasty. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Korean history, culture, and the splendor of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

National Palace Museum

Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, hosts a captivating Changing of the Guard Ceremony that transports visitors back to the grandeur of the Joseon Dynasty. This ceremony, held twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., is a spectacle of vibrant uniforms, traditional instruments, and precise formations. The guards, adorned in colorful attire and carrying ancient weapons, march with unwavering discipline, performing intricate rituals that symbolize the unwavering loyalty and protection they once provided to the king. The ceremony culminates in an exchange of symbolic keys between the outgoing and incoming commanders, a testament to the seamless transition of power and the enduring legacy of the palace.

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Nestled within the sprawling grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Korean people. Established in 1945, the museum houses over 98,000 artifacts, providing an immersive journey through the daily lives and traditions of Koreans from prehistoric times to the 20th century.

Through its three permanent exhibition halls, the museum delves into the "History of Korean People," showcasing materials that illustrate everyday life from ancient times to the end of the Joseon period. The "Korean Way of Life" exhibition transports visitors to traditional Korean villages, while the "Life Cycle of the Koreans" explores the deep-rooted influence of Confucianism on Korean culture.

Beyond the exhibition halls, the museum features open-air exhibits that recreate traditional Korean dwellings and structures. Visitors can marvel at replicas of spirit posts, stone piles for worship, grinding mills, and rice storage shelters, gaining a tangible sense of the daily routines and beliefs of the Korean people.

The museum's collection also includes a vast array of traditional clothing, handicrafts, and agricultural tools, providing a comprehensive overview of Korean craftsmanship and ingenuity. Visitors can admire intricate embroidery, delicate ceramics, and finely crafted wooden furniture, each piece a testament to the skill and artistry of Korean artisans.

By exploring the National Folk Museum within the context of Gyeongbokgung Palace, visitors gain a unique perspective on the interplay between royal life and the lives of ordinary Koreans. The museum offers a profound understanding of the cultural and historical tapestry that has shaped the Korean nation, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to delve into the heart and soul of Korea.

National Folk Museum

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul's five grand palaces, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Joseon era. Built in 1395, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts intricate details and harmonious proportions that exemplify Korean palace architecture. The main throne hall, Geunjeongjeon, showcases a double-tiered roof supported by 18 granite columns, each adorned with intricate carvings. The throne itself, once used by the king, is a masterpiece of lacquerware and gilt bronze.

Beyond its grandeur, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a treasure trove of architectural innovations. The Hyangwonji Pond, an artificial lake within the palace grounds, features three islands connected by elegant stone bridges. The Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, situated on one of these islands, is a masterpiece of structural engineering, with its curved roof supported by 48 wooden pillars. The palace also boasts the oldest surviving wooden structure in Seoul, the Jagyeongjeon Hall, which showcases the traditional Korean bracket system and intricate roof decorations.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is not merely a historical relic but a living testament to Korean craftsmanship. Its restoration in the 20th century involved meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the palace retains its original splendor. Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural center, hosting traditional ceremonies, exhibitions, and performances that bring the palace's rich history to life.

Architectural Masterpiece

Gyeongbokgung Palace, a testament to the grandeur of the Joseon Dynasty, stands as a symbol of Korea's rich history and cultural heritage. Built in 1395, this architectural marvel served as the main royal palace for over 500 years, witnessing the rise and fall of countless monarchs. Its intricate design and vast complex reflect the artistry and power of the Joseon era, showcasing traditional Korean architecture at its finest.

Beyond its architectural splendor, Gyeongbokgung Palace holds immense historical significance. It was here that King Sejong the Great, revered for his contributions to Korean culture, promulgated the Korean alphabet, Hangul, in 1446. The palace also played a pivotal role in the Imjin War (1592-1598), when it was burned to the ground by invading Japanese forces. Its subsequent reconstruction in the 19th century under King Gojong marked a period of modernization and reform in Korea.

Today, Gyeongbokgung Palace stands as a living testament to Korea's resilience and its ability to preserve its cultural heritage. Its restoration has been a labor of love, with meticulous attention paid to every detail, from the intricate paintings that adorn its halls to the vibrant colors that bring its history to life. Visitors can wander through its courtyards, marvel at its grand throne halls, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Korean history that unfolds within its walls.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

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Admission Fee

Main Gate

Filming Location

Reconstruction

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Location