Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Explanation

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, who becomes King Taejo and the founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location in the north of 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, including the 2nd King Jeongjong, 4th King Sejong, 6th King Danjong, 7th King Sejo, 9th King Seongjong, 11th King Jungjong, and the 13th King Myeongjong. 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.
* Major cultural heritages
1) [Historic Site] Gyeongbokgung Palace
2) [National Treasure] Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace
3) [National Treasure] Gyeonghoeru Pavilion of Gyeongbokgung Palace
4) [Treasure] Jagyeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace
5) [Treasure] Chimney with Ten Symbols of Longevity in Relief at Jagyeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace
6) [Treasure] Chimneys in Amisan Garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace
7) [Treasure] Geunjeongmun Gate and Corridor of Gyeongbokgung Palace
8) [Treasure] Wind Streamer Pedestal of Gyeongbokgung Palace


Inquiry

+82-2-3700-3900


Homepage

www.royalpalace.go.kr


Information Use

Experience Guide : Changing of the Guard, Guard Ceremony, Public Training
[Changing of the Guard] 10:00, 14:00 (2 times per day, about 20 min)
[Guard Ceremony] 11:00, 13:00 (2 times per day, about 10 min)
[Public Training] 09: 35, 13:35 (2 times per day, about 15 min)


Contact and Information : Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office +82-2-3700-3900

Parking facilities : Available

Day off : Tuesdays

Hours : January-February, November-December 09:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:00)
March-May, September-October 10:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:00)
June-August 09:00-18:30 (Last admission 17:30)
* Hours subject to change


More information

Restrooms
Available

Parking Fees
* Free for parking less than 30 min
- Small-sized cars: 3,000 won for 2 hr; 800 won for every additional 10 min
- Mid- and large-sized cars: 5,000 won for 2 hr; 800 won for every additional 10 min

Admission Fees
Adult 3,000 won

[Free admission]
Foreigners 18 years old or younger, senior citizens (65 years old or older) (valid ID required), visitors in hanbok, the last Wednesday of the month (Culture Day)
* Refer to the official website for details

Interpretation Services Offered
* Starting point: In front of the Gyeongbokgung Palace Information Office (past Heungnyemun Gate)
Estimated time duration: 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min
[English] Wednesday-Monday 11:00, 13:30, 15:30
[Japanese] Wednesday-Monday 10:00, 14:30
[Chinese] Wednesday-Monday 10:30, 15:00
[Indonesian] Friday-Saturday 14:30
[Vietnamese] Friday-Saturday 10:30
[Spanish] Friday-Saturday 10:30, 15:00

Location

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul