Gyeongbokgung Palace

A representative cultural heritage site in Korea most visited by foreigners, the royal office of a king who ruled in ancient times, and a hub where the past and present of Seoul coexist as a center of social, cultural, and artistic activities.

Access by subway

Line 3 Gyeongbokgung Palace station

Information

This cultural heritage of Korea, symbolizing an indomitable history, has undergone cycles of construction, destruction, and reconstruction over the course of 600 years.

Built as the royal office and residence of a king under the aesthetic principle of ‘being simple without being shabby, and splendid without being extravagant,’ it was used for 200 years. During this period, King Sejong the Great, famous for the creation of Hangul, is now known to have managed the country from Gyeongbokgung for the longest time.

During the Imjin War, the palace was completely destroyed by fire, leaving only stone pillars and the palace grounds for a long time. However, around 150 years ago, it was rebuilt on a larger scale with 330 buildings across an area the size of 60 soccer fields. Despite suffering further destruction during the Japanese occupation and the Korean War, the palace is currently being restored based on thorough historical research. The government plans to complete the restoration of all major pavilions in each area by 2045.

A complex of multiple palaces within enclosed walls is referred to as a “royal palace.” While it’s worth observing when and how each palace was built, it is also important to note how the structures and facilities inside the walls were divided and arranged, the size of each section, the appearance of the walls, and the locations and types of gates. These are key points to appreciate.

The central part, which connects Gwanghwamun, Heungnyemun, Geunjeongmun, Geunjeongjeon, Sajeongjeon, Gangnyeongjeon, and Gyotaejeon, is the core area of the palace and is symmetrically constructed in line with geometric order. However, buildings outside the central area are arranged asymmetrically, blending beauty in both variation and unity. This reflects an effort to display the king’s authority while also pursuing practicality.

Functionally, the palace was divided into areas for the king’s administration and the living spaces for the royal family, along with a rear garden for relaxation. Each area includes facilities such as the king’s office, the queen’s residence (the central palace), and the crown prince’s residence (the eastern palace). By distinguishing the characteristics of each section and the architectural details, one can catch a glimpse of how the king worked and how the royal family lived.

The structures from the rebuilding 150 years ago, those influenced by the Qing Dynasty, and those restored in modern times each exhibit slightly different appearances. Viewing these buildings in connection with their historical backgrounds can offer wisdom for living in the modern era.

If you do just one thing during your visit, here’s a recommendation: stand in front of Geunjeongjeon, imagine the king’s mindset, and gaze southward for a few minutes. Just as the kings of old did, you may feel a surge of warmth in your body from the heavy responsibility of governing the country and the rising confidence that follows.

In modern times, Gyeongbokgung has become a tourist attraction surrounded by various activities. Experiencing traditional Korean clothing, dining at traditional restaurants, and enjoying stylish modern cafés are just the basics. There are also numerous cultural and artistic landmarks, such as museums and galleries, within walking distance, so much so that you may not be able to explore them all in a single day.

Opening hours

• January–February, November–December: 09:00–17:00
• March–May, September–October: 09:00–18:00
• June–August: 09:00–18:30
• Closed on Tuesdays (If a public holiday falls on a Tuesday, it will be closed the following day.)

※ Entry allowed up to one hour before closing.
※ Operating hours are subject to change, so please check the website for the latest information.