Photo: Basile Morin · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display.
A little closer
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung was the main palace of the Joseon dynasty. Walk beyond Gwanghwamun Gate to explore the courtyard of Geunjeongjeon Hall and the grounds around Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. If you want palace walks and hanbok photos, allow time inside the grounds as well as a stop at the entrance.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours · Korea time
- Jan–Feb & Nov–Dec 09:00–17:00; Mar–May & Sep–Oct 09:00–18:00; Jun–Aug 09:00–18:30. Last entry: one hour before closing.2
- Closed
- Tuesdays. When Tuesday is a public or substitute holiday, the palace opens and closes on the next non-holiday instead.2
- Standard admission
- KRW 3,000 per person: international visitors aged 19–64; Korean visitors aged 25–64. Check official exemptions and discounts.3
- Suggested time
- 2–3 hours · an ONLYSEOUL planning estimate. Allow extra time for photos and queues.
- Subway access
- Gyeongbokgung Station, Line 3, Exit 5; or Gwanghwamun Station, Line 5, Exit 25
What to see
Geunjeongjeon courtyard
Take in the main hall and its broad courtyard, then move to the side for a closer look at the roofline and painted details.
A walk near Gyeonghoeru
Include the surrounding paths for views of the pond and pavilion. This suggestion covers the grounds; check separate official arrangements for entry to the pavilion itself.
Photo tips
Hanbok portraits with the palace behind you
Look for a position at the edge of the Geunjeongjeon courtyard that frames both the hall and your subject. Keep paths and entrances clear and follow posted photography rules.
The pond and pavilion in one frame
From an open visitor path near Gyeonghoeru, frame the pavilion with the water. Reflections and light depend on the weather.
Common questions
Is admission free in hanbok?
Yes, if your outfit meets the official hanbok requirements. Check the rules for the top and skirt or trousers before arranging a rental.4
Does this cover evening visits too?
This page covers regular daytime admission. Check separate official notices for evening openings and special programs, including dates, booking and entry conditions.2
Sources & information check
Official information checked:
- Royal Palaces and Tombs Center · palace history
- Royal Palaces and Tombs Center · opening calendar
- Royal Palaces and Tombs Center · admission
- Royal Palaces and Tombs Center · hanbok admission rules
- Royal Palaces and Tombs Center · getting there
Suggested durations, photo compositions and routes are ONLYSEOUL editorial recommendations. Recheck official visitor information for your travel date.
Start at Gwanghwamun Gate, then plan time for Geunjeongjeon and the grounds around Gyeonghoeru. Check the closure calendar and last entry before adding a neighborhood walk afterwards.
