Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Explanation

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, the future King Taejo and founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because of its location to the north, comparied to Changdeokgung Palace in the east and Gyeonghuigung Palace in the west. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces. Many Joseon kings were crowned here. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a prime example of Joseon architecture, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond. The sculptures in the Geunjeongjeon Hall exemplify Joseon-era sculpture techniques. The west side of the area outside Heungnyemun Gate is occupied by the National Palace Museum of Korea, while the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion within the Gyeongbokgung Palace is occupied by the National Folk Museum of Korea.

Inquiry

+82-2-3700-3900

Homepage

royal.khs.go.kr

Information Use

Contact and Information : +82-2-3700-3900

Parking facilities : Available

Day off : Tuesdays (If Tuesday falls on a public holiday, it will be closed on the following business day instead)

Hours : November-February 09:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:00)
March-May & September-October 09:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:00)
June-August 09:00-18:30 (Last admission 17:30)

More information

Restrooms
Available

Parking Fees
* Free for parking less than 10 min
- Small-sized cars: 3,000 won for 1 hour; 800 won for every additional 10 min
- Mid- and large-sized cars: 5,000 won for 1 hour; 800 won for every additional 10 min

Admission Fees
Adult 3,000 won
* Refer to the official website for discount details

Location

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Directions
Songhyeon Green Plaza (열린송현 녹지광장)

Songhyeon Green Plaza (열린송현 녹지광장)

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Songhyeon Green Plaza, located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongno, is a space for culture and rest. The site was formerly used as housing for Shiksan Bank during Japanese rule. After Korea’s liberation, it served as a residence for the US Embassy and military personnel. Later in 1997, it was returned to the Korean government but remained unused for years. In 2022, the ownership was transferred to the Korean House and Land Corporation and then to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which redeveloped it into a green plaza and opened it to the public. Upon entering the plaza, visitors are greeted by a spacious lawn adorned with flowers during the blooming season. The plaza is connected to the nearby tourist attractions through shortcuts cutting through it, including Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Gwanghwamun Plaza, Insa-dong, and Bukchon Hanok Village.  

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When the Incheon port opened in 1883, the Wolmi-ro area became the gateway to Korea, welcoming vistiors from overseas countries via sea route. Before transforming into the cultural and art complex of today, Sangsang Platform located by the Incheon Open Port used to be Asia's largest granary. Sangsnag Platform is remodeld to preserve the old granary structure while adding a contemporary touch that matches modern-day aesthetics. As the building once connected Incheon to the world, it now serves connect Incheon's past and the future as a multipurpose cultural tourism complex.

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Bullidan Street, near Bulguksa Temple, once a popular destination for school and group trips, is gaining renewed attention with the opening up of various cafés, restaurants, and workshop spaces in the area. In spring, the street blooms with King Cherry Blossoms, attracting many visitors. On Saturdays, a flea market opens, offering handmade goods and souvenirs. It is the perfect place to stop by and unwind after visiting Bulguksa Temple or hiking.

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Themed around three primary colors Red, Blue, and Yellow, MCY Park features vibrant art installations. It showcases imported school buses from the US transformed into a museum, a dessert museum with ice cream, donuts, and cake pop-up art, a stable transformed into a photo zone, and various other interesting themed zones, offering visitors a fun experience.

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Puksuwon Spaplex offers a relaxing escape for visitors with its spacious spa area and natural hot spring water. The facility uses alkaline water with a pH of 9.25. This mineral-rich spring water contains calcium, potassium, sulfuric acid, and iron, which are beneficial for relieving muscle pain, neuralgia, and skin conditions. The spa features various facilities, including hinoki baths, hot and cold springs, dry and ice saunas, a forest bathing room, a family lounge, and a restaurant, providing the perfect environment for visitors to unwind and relax.

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The Freiburg Observatory in Gwanggyo Lake Park is inspired by the observatory in Freiburg, an eco-city in Germany, and represents Suwon’s commitment to becoming an eco-conscious city. The observatory offers a stunning view of the lakes nearby.  

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Gyeongjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School (경주향교)

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