Introduction
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces.
The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919).
Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond have remained relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculptures of contemporary art.
The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong.
Current Status
Historic Site No.117 (Designated on January 21, 1963)
Closed
Tuesdays
Operating Hours
November-February 09:00-17:00
March-May 09:00-18:00
June-August 09:00-18:30
September-October 09:00-18:00
* Last admission: 1 hr before closing
* Operating hours are subject to change depending on conditions or circumstances.
Parking Facilities
Available
Admission Fees
Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won
Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Groups (10 people or more): 1,200 won
* Free admission: Preschoolers (age 6 and younger), seniors (ages 65 and older), people wearing hanbok, the last Wednesday of every month (Culture day)
* Refer to the website for details
Parking Fees
First two hours: Small vehicles 3,000 won / Large vehicles 5,000 won
* 800 won for each additional 10 minutes
* Free for vehicles leaving within 30 minutes
Restrooms
Available
Interpretation Services Offered
Tours depart from in front of the information center at Heungnyemun Gate (흥례문).
– Duration: About 1 hr-1 hr 30 min
– Tour Schedule
English: 11:00, 13:30, 15:30
Japanese: 10:00, 12:30, 14:30
Chinese: 10:30, 13:00, 15:00
Reservation Info. for Natives
Reservation available online
Pets
Not permitted
Directions
[Subway]
Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) and Exit 5.
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) and Exit 1.
[Bus]
Take Bus No. 1020, 7025,109, 171, 172, 601 or 606 and get off at Gyeongbokgung Palace Bus Stop.
Take Jongno Bus No. 11 and get off at National Folk Musuem of Korea Bus Stop.
※ Source: Korea Tourism Organization(http://english.visitkorea.or.kr)
