Gyeongbokgung Palace is Seoul's biggest royal palace and, for most visitors, the first stop in the city. The short version: it's open 9:00–17:00 from November to February (later in other months), closed every Tuesday, and a ticket costs 3,000 won. You get in free if you wear hanbok, or if you're a foreign visitor aged 18 or under or 65 and over. Come at 10:00 or 14:00 to see the royal guard changing ceremony at the main gate. All times and prices below come from the Korea Heritage Service's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center and the Seoul city government, checked on November 4, 2026.
Gyeongbokgung at a glance
| What | Details (as of November 4, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Nearest station | Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) Exit 5, about 2 minutes on foot |
| Hours | Nov–Feb 9:00–17:00 · Mar–May and Sep–Oct 9:00–18:00 · Jun–Aug 9:00–18:30 |
| Last entry | One hour before closing (16:00, 17:00 or 17:30) |
| Closed | Tuesday (if Tuesday is a public holiday, it opens and closes on the next non-holiday instead) |
| Ticket | 3,000 won for foreign adults aged 19–64 |
| Free entry | In hanbok; foreign visitors 18 and under or 65 and over; and a few other groups |
| Guard ceremony | 10:00 and 14:00 at Gwanghwamun Gate, about 20 minutes, not on Tuesdays |
| English tour | 11:00, 13:30, 15:30 (no tour on Tuesdays) |
| Best time | Right at 9:00, or after 15:00 on weekdays |
Why go: it was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, and it's the easiest place in Seoul to see Korean palace architecture, a guard ceremony and hanbok-wearing visitors all in one morning.
Opening hours by month
The palace changes its closing time with the seasons. The last entry is always one hour before closing.
| Months | Open | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| January, February, November, December | 9:00–17:00 | 16:00 |
| March, April, May, September, October | 9:00–18:00 | 17:00 |
| June, July, August | 9:00–18:30 | 17:30 |
The Tuesday rule: the regular closed day is Tuesday. If a Tuesday falls on a public holiday or substitute holiday, the palace stays open, and the closed day moves to the next day that isn't a holiday. If your trip includes a Tuesday, plan another palace that day. Each palace has its own closed day, so check its official page first.
Tickets: who pays and who gets in free
A standard ticket is cheap, and many visitors don't need one at all.
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign adult, 19–64 | 3,000 won |
| Group of 10 or more (per adult) | 2,400 won |
| Foreign visitor, 18 or under | Free |
| Foreign visitor, 65 or over | Free |
| Anyone wearing hanbok (see the rules below) | Free |
| Pregnant visitor + 1 companion | Free |
Note that the age rules are different for Korean citizens. The ones above are for foreign visitors. Also, the monthly "Culture Day" free entry that applies at some palaces does not apply to Gyeongbokgung.
Integrated palace pass (6,000 won): this one ticket covers Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Jongmyo Shrine, one visit each. It does not include the Secret Garden (Huwon) tour at Changdeokgung. You can use it for 6 months from the day you buy it. Buy it at any of those ticket offices. You can only get a refund at the place you bought it, and only if no part has been used.
Worked examples
- Two adults (30 and 32), no hanbok, one palace: 2 × 3,000 = 6,000 won.
- Same couple, visiting all four palaces and Jongmyo over a week: the integrated pass is 6,000 won each, or 12,000 won for two. Add up the single-ticket prices on the official fee page for the places you'll really visit. If the total is more than 6,000 won per person, take the pass.
- A family with two kids aged 10 and 15: the kids are free, so you pay only for the adults: 6,000 won.
- Everyone in rented hanbok: 0 won at the gate. The rental shop costs extra (see below).
Free entry in hanbok: what counts
Wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) gets you in free, and you don't have to be Korean. The palace has a written guideline for what counts:
- You need both a top (jeogori) and a bottom (a skirt or pants). A long coat on its own doesn't count.
- Traditional and modern everyday hanbok are both fine. The top needs the wrap-style collar. Pants should have the traditional shape. A zipper waist is OK.
- Not accepted: a T-shirt-style top, a one-piece dress with no jeogori, a jeogori with jeans, or a hanbok skirt with a T-shirt.
- Avoid outfits that show too much skin.
There are many hanbok rental shops in the streets around the palace. Prices differ by shop and by how many hours you keep the outfit, so compare a few before you pay, and check that the set has both a jeogori and a skirt or pants. Tell the shop you want to enter the palace, and keep the jeogori on while you're inside.
The royal guard changing ceremony
The guard ceremony is the most photographed thing at Gyeongbokgung, and it's free to watch from outside the ticket gate. The Seoul city government lists this schedule:
| Event | Time | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Royal guard changing ceremony | 10:00 and 14:00 | About 20 minutes |
| Gwanghwamun guard duty ceremony | 11:00 and 13:00 | About 10 minutes |
| Public guard drill | 9:35 and 13:35 | About 15 minutes |
- Where: the plaza in front of Gwanghwamun Gate and the stone terrace (Woldae).
- Not held on Tuesdays. Bad weather (rain, snow, heavy fine dust) can cancel or shorten it.
- Tip: get there 10–15 minutes early for a spot near the front, especially on weekends.
Guided tours in English
The palace runs regular guided tours that start on time from in front of the information office, just inside Heungnyemun Gate (the second gate after Gwanghwamun).
| Language | Start times |
|---|---|
| English | 11:00, 13:30, 15:30 (no tour on Tuesdays) |
| Japanese | 10:00, 14:30 |
| Chinese | 10:30, 15:00 |
- Tours take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- No booking needed if you're fewer than 10 people. Groups of 10 or more need to call ahead.
- Tours leave exactly on time, and you can't join late. You need palace entry (a ticket, hanbok or free-age entry) to reach the meeting point.
A simple half-day plan
- 9:00 – Arrive at Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5, enter when the gates open (fewer people).
- 9:35 – Watch the guard drill, then the 10:00 guard changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun.
- 11:00 – Join the English guided tour from Heungnyemun.
- 12:30 – Walk 10–15 minutes east to Bukchon or Insadong for lunch.
For a full day built around the palace, see our Seoul golden route. For more ideas that cost nothing, see free things to do in Seoul.
How to get there
| Route | Exit | Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station | Exit 5 | About 2 minutes |
| Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station | Exit 2 | About 6 minutes |
| Line 3, Anguk Station | Exit 1 | About 6 minutes |
| Bus, "Gyeongbokgung" stop | Routes 109, 171, 272, 601, 606, 710, 1020, 7025 | Short walk |
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. A T-money card works on the subway and buses. For finding your way, see our Naver Map vs Google Maps guide. Coming straight from the airport? Our Incheon Airport to Seoul guide covers the AREX train.
Common mistakes
- Going on a Tuesday. The palace and the guard ceremony are both off.
- Arriving after last entry. In winter, the gate closes to new visitors at 16:00.
- Wearing half a hanbok. A hanbok skirt with a T-shirt doesn't count for free entry.
- Missing the tour start. The English tour won't wait for late arrivals.
- Paying for kids. Foreign visitors 18 and under get in free.
FAQ
Is Gyeongbokgung Palace free?
It's free if you wear hanbok, or if you're a foreign visitor aged 18 or under or 65 and over. Other adults pay 3,000 won.
What day is Gyeongbokgung closed?
Tuesday. If that Tuesday is a public holiday, the palace opens and closes on the next non-holiday instead.
What time is the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung?
The royal guard changing ceremony is at 10:00 and 14:00, about 20 minutes, in front of Gwanghwamun Gate. It's not held on Tuesdays and can be cancelled in bad weather.
How long do I need?
About 2 hours to see the main halls without rushing. Add 1 to 1.5 hours if you join a guided tour, plus 30 minutes for the guard ceremony.
Is the integrated palace pass worth it?
Yes, if you'll visit at least three of the four palaces and Jongmyo. It costs 6,000 won and you can use it within 6 months. It doesn't include the Secret Garden tour at Changdeokgung.
Final word
Go on any day except Tuesday, arrive near 9:00, catch the 10:00 guard ceremony, and wear hanbok if you'd like free entry and great photos. If you're short on time, the English tour at 11:00 is the fastest way to understand what you're looking at.