A Mini Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide: Tickets, Hanbok Rentals & Best Time to Visit (2026)

I absolutely love historical places, and while the city of Seoul is incredible, what really took me by surprise is just how stunning the palaces around the city are. Seoul has made them so easily accessible to visitors, and they really encourage tourists to come, dress up in traditional hanbok, and fully immerse themselves in Korean culture for the day.

And my absolute favorite comes as no surprise… it’s the most popular one: Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s massive, filled with intricate details, and surrounded by beautiful gardens with ponds, pagodas, and mountain views in the distance. It’s truly a must-visit.

But I’ll be honest, before arriving I didn’t do much research, which meant I had no idea you could get in for free if you wore a hanbok, that they do a Changing of the Guards ceremony twice a day, or even how many great things there are to do nearby.

So consider this your complete Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide, with everything I wish I had known before visiting, so you can have the best possible experience.

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A Mini Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide: Tickets, Hanbok Rentals & Best Time to Visit

Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide: My Experience

Gyeongbokgung Palace was my second palace of the day, since I visited Changgyeonggung Palace first, which is just around the corner. And I have to say… Gyeongbokgung seriously blew me away. It was so much bigger, and honestly just more impressive overall.

That said, you do need to set your expectations a little. While it’s absolutely gorgeous, it’s also basically a full-on photo shoot scene. There were so many people dressed up in hanboks taking pictures everywhere, and at first, it felt like I couldn’t escape it.

But once I wandered further into the palace grounds, it completely changed. I found quieter corners, peaceful gardens, and areas that felt surprisingly calm, and that’s when I really started to appreciate how special the palace is.

And honestly, it makes sense why it feels so busy… visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most popular things to do in Seoul. It’s basically a must for first-time visitors. And while there really isn’t a wrong way to experience it, there are definitely a few things I wish I had known beforehand, from timing your visit to the changing of the guards to renting a hanbok. This Gyeongbokgung Palace travel guide will give you all the info you need so you can plan it perfectly and make the most of your time there. So let’s get into it!

Gyeongbokgung Palace Quick Info

Before we get into all the fun details, here are the most important things you’ll want to know before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Official Website

Gyeongbokgung Palace Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Gyeongbokgung Palace Opening 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
Closed every Tuesday.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Entrance Fee: 3,000 KRW (about $2–$3 USD), Free Entry with Hanbok

Changing of the Guards Ceremony: 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Not held on Tuesdays

Gyeongbokgung Palace Tours – If you want to learn more about the Gyeongbokgung Palace history, I highly recommend booking a palace tour or a Gyeongbokgung Palace audio guide

How to Get to Gyeongbokgung Palace

Like I mentioned before, I actually came here from Changgyeonggung Palace, since a lot of the main palaces are in the same area and pretty easy to combine in one day. I also started my morning in Ikseon-dong, grabbing pastries from one of my favorite little cafés before heading over.

There are a bunch of different ways to get to Gyeongbokgung Palace depending on where you’re staying, but these are the main things to know.

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Taxi / Uber

Taking a taxi or Uber is definitely the easiest option, especially if you don’t feel like navigating the subway right away. Just plug the address into KakaoTaxi or Uber, and you’ll be dropped off right near the main entrance.

It’s also surprisingly affordable for short rides around central Seoul.

Metro

Once you’re in the neighborhood, getting to the palace is honestly very simple. The easiest way is by subway, and you’ll want to head to either Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Line 3) or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5).

If you get off at Gyeongbokgung Station, take Exit 5, and you’ll be just a short walk from the main entrance. Coming from Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2 will bring you out in the right direction as well. (Just type it into Naver Maps, and it will tell you where to go!)

The palace gates are massive, so the second you step outside, it’s pretty obvious where you need to go.

The signs are clear, everything is in English, and it’s a really easy stop to add into your day if you’re already exploring Jongno or Insadong.

Best Time to Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung is one of those places that’s always going to have people around, but you can try to time it a little better to avoid being in a huge rush of people.

For the least amount of people, the best time to go is right when it opens in the morning. The grounds feel quieter, the light is beautiful for photos, and you can actually take your time walking around before the tour groups start rolling in.

Late afternoon can also be a nice option, especially if you’re visiting in spring for the cherry blossoms or fall for the foliage, the weather is cooler, but it tends to feel much more crowded by then.

If you can, I’d recommend visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend. Saturdays and Sundays are packed with both tourists and locals dressed in hanbok, which is fun to see, but it definitely makes the palace feel a lot busier.

Also, if you want to see the changing of the guards, this will affect when you visit the palace, I’ll get into that next.

When Is the Changing of the Guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace?

One of the coolest things about visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is the changing of the guard ceremony!

The ceremony happens right at the main gate and it’s a traditional reenactment with marching, music, and guards dressed in colorful historical uniforms. It’s honestly one of the most memorable things you can see here, and it makes the whole palace experience feel much more immersive.

I got halfway lucky with my timing. I arrived around 1:40PM, bought my ticket, walked inside… and then all of a sudden I heard music and marching outside. I could barely see through these tiny little holes in the palace wall, and I realized the changing of the guards was happening right then. It was still really cool to watch, but if I had known, I definitely would have waited outside the gate for a proper view.

So learn from me: if you want to see it, plan your visit around the ceremony time and watch from the front entrance before heading in.

Guard Changing Ceremony Times

The Changing of the Guards takes place twice daily at the Gwanghwamun Gate (main gate)

10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (Duration: about 20 minutes) — Not held on Tuesdays (the palace is closed)

The Best Hanbok Rental Near Gyeongbokgung

Okay, I’m going to be honest… I didn’t even realize hanbok rentals were such a big thing until I got there. But once I saw how many people were dressed up wandering around the palace grounds, I immediately wanted to do it too.

At first, I started popping into the rental shops right outside the palace entrance, but the prices honestly felt kind of steep for what it was. In the moment, I was like, do I really want to spend this much, or would I rather have Korean BBQ later?

I did a little more research and learned that the shops closest to the palace tend to be more expensive, and the prices are definitely a bit inflated because of the location, so I don’t recommend renting here.

I found that if you book ahead of time, you can actually find hanbok rentals for under $10, which is such a better deal. If I had known that earlier, I 100% would’ve done it.

Also, if you’re wearing a hanbok, you get free entrance into Gyeongbokgung Palace (and the other major palaces in Seoul too).

Of course, you can still rent one on the spot, and most places charge by the hour, but if you want the best price, I’d recommend either booking in advance or choosing a shop a few streets away from the palace.

Book your hanbok rental here!

Things to Do Near Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul

One of the things I love most about Seoul is that every neighborhood is packed with things to do, and the area around Gyeongbokgung Palace is a perfect example of that. This isn’t the kind of place where you just hop off the metro, see the palace, and leave right away.

Once you’re here, you’re surrounded by some of the most charming streets, cafes, museums, and traditional neighborhoods in the city, so it’s really easy to turn your palace visit into a full day of exploring. Here are a few of the best things to do nearby while you’re in the area.

Wander Through Bukchon Hanok Village

Just a short walk from the palace, Bukchon is one of the most famous traditional neighborhoods in Seoul. The streets are lined with beautiful hanok houses, little shops, and viewpoints over the city. It’s a great place for a slow stroll and some of the best photos in the area.

Explore Insadong

Insadong is one of the best places in Seoul for traditional souvenirs, tea houses, and small art galleries. It feels a little more old-school compared to the modern parts of the city, and it’s a really fun area to browse after the palace.

Visit Ikseon-dong for Cafes and Snacks

If you want a break after walking around the palace grounds, Ikseon-dong is nearby and full of trendy little cafes tucked into traditional-style buildings. It’s one of my favorite places to grab a pastry or an iced latte and just people-watch for a bit.

Stop by Changdeokgung Palace or Changgyeonggung Palace

If you’re on a palace roll, you can easily visit another one the same day. Changdeokgung is especially beautiful and feels a bit more peaceful once you get away from the main entrance.

Check Out the National Folk Museum of Korea or the National Palace Museum

Both of these museums are actually located right on the palace grounds, and are worth popping into if you want more context on Korean history, the royal Joseon dynasty and Korean culture. It’s an easy add-on without needing to go anywhere else.

Is Gyeongbokgung Palace Worth Visiting?

100%, yes. I’ve seen a few people call Gyeongbokgung Palace overrated because it can get crowded and there are definitely a lot of people taking photos, but honestly… it’s popular for a reason.

To me, skipping it would be like going to London and not seeing Buckingham Palace. Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, it’s busy, but it’s also genuinely stunning. The grounds are huge, the architecture is incredible, and the fact that it’s so affordable makes it one of the best cultural experiences you can have in Seoul.

And if the entrance area feels a little overwhelming, just keep walking further inside. The palace opens up so much, and it gets quieter the deeper you explore. Seriously, don’t skip this one.

Final Thoughts on the Best Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide

Even with my little hanbok mistake and accidentally missing the changing of the guards, visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace was still one of my biggest highlights in Seoul. There’s something so special about walking through a place that holds that much history, surrounded by mountains in the distance, with the city buzzing just outside the gates.

Whether you book a guided tour or explore on your own, it’s one of those experiences that just feels worth it. Take your time, wander a little further than the main entrance, and really soak it all in. I promise, you won’t regret making space for this palace in your Seoul itinerary.

FAQ: Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace

How many hours should you spend in Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours here, which is enough time to walk through the main courtyards, explore the gardens, and take plenty of photos. If you’re renting a hanbok or planning to watch the guard ceremony, you could easily make it a half-day stop.

Can I wear shorts to Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Yes, you can wear shorts, there isn’t a strict dress code for entering the palace. That said, it’s a cultural and historical site, so I’d recommend something respectful and comfortable, especially if you’re visiting in peak summer heat.

Can you walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Bukchon Hanok Village?

Yes, and it’s one of the best little walks in Seoul. Bukchon Hanok Village is only about 10–15 minutes away on foot, and the whole area between them is packed with cute streets, cafes, and traditional architecture. It’s super easy to combine both in one morning.

Is Gyeongbokgung Palace free if you wear a hanbok?

Yes! If you’re wearing a hanbok, entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace is completely free (and this applies to several other palaces in Seoul too). It’s such a fun way to experience the palace, and honestly one of the best travel hacks in the city.

Which is better: Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace?

Both are worth visiting, but they feel a little different. Gyeongbokgung is the most iconic and grand palace in Seoul, it’s huge, impressive, and a must for first-timers. Changdeokgung is slightly calmer and is especially famous for its Secret Garden, which feels more peaceful and tucked away. If you only have time for one, I’d choose Gyeongbokgung for the classic experience.