A Comprehensive Guide to Gyeongbokgung Palace: Changing of Guards and More

All You Need to Know about  the Main Royal Palace of Joseon Dynasty

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Besides its historical and cultural importance, this palace in Seoul is a must-visit place for anyone visiting the capital city of South Korea.

This detailed guide is all you need to know from how to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace to history and architecture. It includes special programs you do not want to miss, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace Changing of Guards Ceremony, guided tours, Gyeongbogkgung Palace at Night seasonal viewing, and Starlight Tour, etc.

I don’t always recommend visiting the same site multiple times, but would make this gorgeous palace a rare exception. Since high school, I have visited many times. Most recently, I went to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Autumn twice in 2017 with a guided tour and in 2019 for Gyeongbokgung Palace at Night. I fall in love with it all over again each time I go.

The ancient palace is a hidden gem in the bustling metropolitan city like Seoul. Once you go to Gyeongbokgung Palace, you will appreciate the beauty of the Korean palace, its rich history, and its stunning architecture.

I included a lot of information for you. To get to the information you need fast, jump to different sections using the table of contents below.

>> Pssst...Are you planning your first trip to Seoul? I've got a perfect Seoul itinerary for you here! Also, check out 7 awesome best day trip ideas from Seoul.

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How to Go to Gyeongbokgung Palace

You might be surprised to find that an ancient palace, like Gyeongbokgung Palace, is in the heart of Seoul. Gyeongbokgung is in the central location near Gwanghwamun Square and super easy to get to from anywhere in Seoul.

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul [Open Kakao Map]

Subway

The best way to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace is to take the subway if you are already in Seoul. Two subway lines go to Gyeongbokgung. It is only a few minutes of walk from the stations.

• Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #5
• Line 5, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #2

Note: Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #5 is closed during nighttime. For a limited-time evening program, use Exit #4 instead.

Bus

Because of its central location, there can be traffic. As said, the subway is the best way to reach Gyeongbokgung Palace. However, from Incheon airport or outside of Seoul, the bus can be a convenient way to get there. From Incheon Airport, take bus #6011.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Map

Gyeongbokgung Map English

Gyeongbokgung Palace History

1392: King Taejo (Yi Seong-gye) founded the Joseon Dynasty.

1394: King Taejo declared Hanyang (today’s Seoul) as the new capital, moved from Gaegyeong (today’s Gaeseong in North Korea). 

1395: The construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace as the main royal palace was completed.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace means the palace (gung) blessed by heaven (gyeongbok).
• The location was selected according to Chinese geomancy, Fengshui. It was deemed auspicious with Mt. Bugaksan in the back and Mt. Namsan in the front.  

1952-1598: During the Japanese Invasion (Imjin Waeran), Gyeongbokgung was destroyed and left abandoned for the next 273 years. In the meantime, a secondary palace, Changdeokgung Palace, was built and served as the main royal palace.  

1867: The Prince Regent Heungseon reconstructed Gyeongbokgung. 

1910-1945: The Palace was dismantled and torn down during the Japanese occupation. 

1927: As a symbolic gesture to destroy the spirit of Korea, Imperial Japan constructed a massive architecture in the front area of the palace to house the Japanese Government-General that blocked the view of the palace. 

1968-2010: Different parts of Gyeongbokgung were restored at various times. 

1997: Korea demolished the Japanese Government-General house as part of the government initiative to restore Korean heritage.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour

You can only see as much as you know at the historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace. While you can purchase a ticket and explore on your own, the best way to enjoy Gyeongbokgung Palace is to learn the history and understand the cultural significance with a professional guide.

Here, I will include a few Gyeongbokgung Palace guided tours for you.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Free Guided Tours

Gyeongbokgung Palace offers free guided tours in diverse languages – including English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and French. It is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, up to 30 individuals per session. Groups with 10 or more people must reserve in advance.

You are responsible for admission and any other incurred fees—no tips required.

English: 11:00, 13:30, 15:30

Japanese: 10:00, 14:30

Chinese: 10:30, 15:00

Spanish: 10:30, 15:00 (every Fri. & Sat.)

French: 11:00, 15:00 (every Wed. & Thur.)

Tour Meeting Point: Find the standing sign in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace Information Center inside the Heungnyemun Gate (흥례문).

Tour Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Gyeongbokgung Palace Free Walking Tour

Even as a Korean who studied Korean history at school and watched many Korean epic dramas, I joined this walking tour with a certified tour guide to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. I learned so much more from this group tour that I cannot recommend it enough for you.

Seoul Tourism Organization manages this free walking tour program. You can request a certified volunteer tour guide service at the time/date you wish (Submit your application here). It is not guaranteed until they find your match. (There is also a minimum headcount.) You are responsible for admission and any other incurred fees. No tips required. 

Tour Meeting Point: In front of Gyeongbokgung Ticket Booth 

Tour Duration: 2 hours

Gyeongbokgung Palace History Walk Tour

Free guided tours are great if you can make it. But it comes with some restrictions. Instead, take this history walk tour with a guide (includes admission). Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, head over to the Jogyesa Temple, and check out other historical places in the neighborhood.

Gyeongbokgung Half-day or Full-day Tour

Stroll around Gyeongbokgung Palace and the nearby Blue House with a professional guide. This tour also takes you to the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, Seochon Hanok Village and Tongin Traditional Market.

If you got more energy to go on, explore more in Seoul (Insadong, N Seoul Tower, and Namsan Hanok Village), or venture out to the Korean Folk Village on the outskirt of Seoul with this history full-day tour. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace Changing of Guards

Changing of Guards Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

Where: Square inside of Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

When: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (about 20 minutes)

The royal guards of the Joseon Dynasty were responsible for guarding and patrolling the royal palaces and the city gates – including Gwanghwamun, Heunginjimun, and Sungnyemun Gates. The Commander of the Gate Guards, called Sumunjang (수문장), was the chief military officer who led these royal guards.

The Changing of the Guards Ceremony was first established in 1469 of King Yejong’s rule and carried out since when their day and night shifts change.

The ceremony has been re-enacted since 1996 by actors in traditional royal uniforms and weapons, with traditional music played in the background. The reenactment ceremony takes place twice daily (except Tuesdays) at the Gwanghwamun Gate.

Note that the outdoor ceremony can be canceled or reduced in scale during the severe weather. 

Insider’s Tip: You can also experience the Royal Guard costume before and after the ceremony.