Have you ever wanted to walk the same halls where Korean kings made history? In Seoul, five amazing palaces from the Joseon Dynasty still stand today.
From 1392 to 1910, these palaces saw everything – royal celebrations, political fights, and huge changes in Korea’s history.
Each palace has its own personality. There’s Gyeongbokgung, the biggest and fanciest one, and Changdeokgung with its beautiful secret garden.
Then we’ve got Deoksugung, which mixes Korean and Western styles, Changgyeonggung where the queens lived, and Gyeonghuigung, the palace in the west.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace: The Largest Joseon Dynasty Palace
King Taejo built Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1395 at 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu. This palace was like the White House of ancient Korea – the main place where kings lived and worked. The mountains behind it, Bugaksan and Inwangsan, make the palace look even more impressive.
Want to know when to visit this tourist destination? Here’s the scoop on visiting times and tickets:
| Season | Hours | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | 9:00-18:00 | Adults: 3,000 won |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 9:00-18:30 | Groups: 2,400 won |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | 9:00-18:00 | Kids: Free under 6 |
| Winter (Nov-Feb) | 9:00-17:00 | Seniors: Free |
Pro tip: the Gyeongbokgung Palace closes on Tuesdays unless it’s a holiday. The last entry is always one hour before closing time.
Historical Timeline of Gyeongbokgung Palace
The Gyeongbokgung palace had quite a dramatic past! It started out great in 1395, but then – boom – the Imjin War hit in 1592. Fire burned down many buildings, and the palace sat empty for a long time.
Fast forward to King Gojong’s time, and his dad (they called him Heungseondaewongun) decided to fix everything up. But then something terrible happened – Japanese assassins killed Queen Min (Empress Myeongseong) right here in 1895.
Key Features: Geunjeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
Let’s check out the coolest spots in Gyeongbokgung! First up is Geunjeongjeon Hall – the king’s main office, you could say. It sits on three layers of stone and has 14 animal carvings on its railings.
Even the ground is special – those rough-looking stones? They actually help scatter sunlight to make the place look better.
Now, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion was where all the fun happened. Think of it as the palace’s party spot – it could fit 1,200 people! It sits over a pond with two small islands, and the second floor has three different levels they could split up for different events.
The view from up there? Mountains, trees, and palace buildings as far as you can see.
Museums Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace
Want to learn more about Korean culture? You’re in luck! Gyeongbokgung has two awesome museums:
| Museum | Location | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| National Palace Museum | West of Heungnyemun Gate | 9:00-18:00 daily |
| National Folk Museum | East of Hyangwonjeong | 9:00-18:00 daily |
| Special Exhibitions | Both museums | Check website |
| Children’s Museum | Folk Museum area | Weekends only |
Both museums are free to enter, and they’ve got English signs everywhere. The Folk Museum even has cool outdoor displays showing how regular people lived back then.
2. Changdeokgung Palace: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Changdeokgung Palace is the most well-preserved of all of Seoul’s historic palaces. Built in 1405, it was actually the second royal palace, but many kings ended up liking it better than Gyeongbokgung.
Want to know why? Just wait until you hear about its amazing Secret Garden!
Historical Role of Changdeokgung in Royal Life
Changdeokgung Palace became super important during King Seongjong’s time – he was the 9th Joseon king. Many kings chose to live here instead of the main palace.
But in 1592, something wild happened – angry citizens burned it down when the royal family ran away during the Imjin War! Thankfully, Gwanghaegun rebuilt everything in 1611.
Today, you can find some real treasures here – Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall. Each building tells its own story about how Korean royals lived.
The Secret Garden and Buyongjeong Pavilion
The Secret Garden (they used to call it Huwon) is the palace’s hidden gem. King Taejong had it built as a chill spot for the royal family.
Check this out – there’s this amazing pavilion called Buyongjeong that sits by a pond. Back in the 15th century, they dug up a spring to make the pond, and added a cozy pavilion called Yeonghwadang.
Here’s what you can see in the Secret Garden:
| Feature | Historical Use | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Buyongjeong Pavilion | Study and relaxation | Early morning |
| Yeonghwadang Hall | Scholar meetings | Spring/Fall |
| Gyujanggak Building | Royal library | Autumn |
| Ancient Trees | Natural shade | All year |
Pro tip: you need a special ticket to visit the Secret Garden, and you can only go with a guide.
Restoration Efforts and UNESCO Recognition
UNESCO saw how special Changdeokgung Palace was and added it to their World Heritage list in December 1997 – pretty cool, right?
But getting to Changdeokgung Palace wasn’t easy. Here’s what you need to know:
| Area | Admission Fee | Hours | Guide Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palace Halls | 3,000 won | 9:00-18:00 | No |
| Secret Garden | 5,000 won | Varies by season | Yes |
| Combined Ticket | 8,000 won | Check website | Includes both |
| Photography | Free | During hours | Some restrictions |
The Changdeokgung Palace closes on Mondays, so plan around that. And if Monday’s a holiday, they close the next day instead.
3. Deoksugung Palace: A Fusion of Korean and Western Architecture
The Deoksugung Palace wasn’t even supposed to be a palace. It started as the house of Grand Prince Wolsan, King Seongjong’s older brother.
But life had other plans, and this place ended up becoming one of Seoul’s most unique royal palaces, mixing Korean traditional style with Western architecture.
Transition from Residence to Royal Palace
When the Imjin War in 1593 burned down the main palace, the royal family needed a new place to stay. They moved into this fancy house, and King Seonjo liked it so much, he decided to stick around.
Later, in 1611, Gwanghaegun made it official and named it Gyeongungung Palace. But that’s not even its final name! In 1907, they changed it to Deoksugung, meaning “palace of virtuous longevity.”
Here’s a quick look at what happened to Deoksugung over the years:
| Time Period | Name | Major Events | Notable Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1593 | Prince’s Residence | Home of Grand Prince Wolsan | Traditional Korean style |
| 1593-1611 | Temporary Palace | Emergency royal shelter | Basic palace functions added |
| 1611-1907 | Gyeongungung | Official palace status | Western buildings added |
| 1907-Present | Deoksugung | Modern palace period | Mixed architecture style |
Architectural Highlights: Seokjojeon Hall and Jeonggwanheon Pavilion
Ever seen a Korean palace that looks like a European mansion? That’s Seokjojeon Hall for you! Built with stone in Western style, it shows how Korea was trying to modernize in the late 1800s.
Right next door, Jeonggwanheon Pavilion is where the king would drink coffee (yes, coffee!) and think about running the country.
The really cool part? A Russian architect designed Jeonggwanheon to blend Western and Eastern styles. It’s like architectural fusion food – but for buildings!
Visiting Deoksugung Palace at Night
Deoksugung is the only Seoul palace you can visit at night! The Deoksugung Palace stays open until 9 PM, with the last entry at 8 PM. Want to know what makes a night visit special?
| Evening Feature | Best Viewing Time | Location in Palace | Photo Spots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lit-up Buildings | After sunset | Main courtyard | Seokjojeon front |
| Stone Wall Path | 7:00-8:30 PM | Palace exterior | Corner turns |
| Modern Fountain | Evening hours | Plaza area | With city lights |
| City View | Dusk | Palace walls | Gate areas |
Pro tip: The famous Deoksugung Stone Wall Path looks amazing when it’s lit up at night. It’s super romantic – no wonder it’s popular with couples!
4. Changgyeonggung Palace: The Residential Palace for Queens
Bet you didn’t know Changgyeonggung Palace started as a retirement home! King Sejong built Changgyeonggung (first called Suganggung) in 1418 for his dad, King Taejong.
Later, it became the place where queens and royal ladies lived. Think of it as the royal family’s cozy home away from all the formal stuff.
Historical Background and Role of Changgyeonggung
The Changgyeonggung Palace got its current name during King Seongjong’s time in 1494. But here’s something that might make you a bit sad – during Japanese colonial rule, they turned this royal palace into… a zoo and botanical garden!
Can you believe it? Changgyeonggung Palace stayed that way until 1983, when Korea finally restored it to its original glory.
Here’s how Changgyeonggung changed over time:
| Period | Name | Main Use | Major Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1418-1494 | Suganggung | King’s father’s home | Original construction |
| 1494-1910 | Changgyeonggung | Queens’ residence | Royal palace status |
| 1910-1983 | Colonial period | Zoo/Garden | Historical damage |
| 1983-Present | Restored palace | Heritage site | Return to palace form |
Highlights: Nakseonjae Hall and Ancient Gardens
The Changgyeonggung Palace has some really cool spots you shouldn’t miss. Nakseonjae Hall is special because it doesn’t have any of that fancy, colorful dancheong paint you see on other palace buildings.
Instead, Nakseonjae Hall looks more like a scholar’s house – simple and elegant. Check out these must-see spots:
| Palace Feature | What Makes It Special | Best Time to Visit | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nakseonjae Hall | No paint decoration | Morning light | East area |
| Royal Living Quarters | Daily life exhibits | Midday tours | Central area |
| Traditional Gardens | Ancient trees | Spring/Fall | Throughout |
| Main Gate | Original structure | Any time | Entrance |
Accessibility and Visitor Information
Ready to visit? Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Changgyeonggung Palace:
| Visiting Info | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 9:00-21:00 | Last entry 20:00 |
| Admission | 1,000 won adults | 800 won for groups |
| Closed Days | Mondays | Unless it’s a holiday |
| Nearest Metro | Line 4 Hyehwa Station | Exit 4 |
Pro tip: Want the best experience? Visit during spring when the cherry blossoms are out, or in fall when the leaves turn red and gold. Just remember to skip Mondays – that’s when they close for maintenance!
5. Gyeonghuigung Palace: The Forgotten Western Palace
The Gyeonghuigung Palace started out as a huge royal home near Saemun Gate, but today, it’s the smallest of Seoul’s five palaces.
Back in the day, people called Gyeonghuigung Palace “the Western Palace” because it sat in the western part of Seoul.
In 1616, Gwanghaegun turned it into a proper royal palace and named it Gyeongdeokgung – but that wasn’t its final name either!
Role of Gyeonghuigung as a Secondary Royal Residence
Things changed big time in 1760 when the Gyeonghuigung Palace got its current name – Gyeonghuigung. But life wasn’t kind to this place. In 1829, a massive fire burned down most buildings.
Then came the tough part – during Japanese rule, they tore down what was left from Gyeonghuigung Palace and built a school there! Want to guess what happened to the school? Yep, it became Seoul High School.
Here’s how this palace’s story unfolded:
| Time Period | Name/Use | Major Events | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1616 | Western Palace | Royal residence | Original build |
| 1616-1760 | Gyeongdeokgung | Official palace status | Active palace |
| 1760-1829 | Gyeonghuigung | Name change | Main buildings |
| 1829-1910 | After fire | Partial use | Damaged state |
| Japanese period-1987 | School grounds | Complete change | Lost palace |
| 1987-Present | Restored site | Partial rebuild | Heritage park |
Restored Structures: Heunghwamun Gate and Sungjeongjeon Hall
Good news – in 1994, they brought back some of the palace’s old glory! They rebuilt Heunghwamun Gate (the main entrance) and Sungjeongjeon Hall (the main throne hall). These buildings show us what the palace looked like in its heyday.
Check out what survived and what’s been rebuilt:
| Structure | Status | What to See | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heunghwamun Gate | Restored 1994 | Main entrance | Original design |
| Sungjeongjeon Hall | Restored 1994 | Throne hall | Political center |
| Palace grounds | Park space | Walking paths | Original layout |
| Historical markers | New additions | Info panels | Educational |
The restored buildings give us a peek into the palace’s grand past. Even with just these few structures standing, you can imagine how impressive Gyeonghuigung must have looked centuries ago.
Modern Attractions Around Gyeonghuigung
Today, the Gyeonghuigung Palace shares its space with the Seoul Museum of Art – pretty cool mix of old and new, right? The area around the palace has turned into a nice park where people come to relax and learn about history.
| Modern Feature | Location | Activities | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul Museum of Art | Palace grounds | Art exhibitions | Tuesday-Sunday |
| Walking paths | Throughout | Historical walks | Morning/Evening |
| Photo spots | Various points | Photography | Golden hour |
| Rest areas | Park section | Relaxation | Afternoon |
These new additions help keep the palace grounds lively. You might see art students sketching the old buildings or families having picnics in the park areas – it’s a space that belongs to everyone now.
Practical Guide to Visiting Seoul’s Royal Palaces
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of visiting these amazing places! Whether you’re planning to see one palace or all five, you’ll want to know about tickets, timing, and the best ways to get around.
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours for Palaces
Every palace has different prices and times – but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here’s a breakdown that’ll save you time and help you plan better:
| Palace Name | Regular Hours | Admission Fee | Special Programs | Closed Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung | 9:00-17:00 (Nov-Feb) 9:00-18:30 (Jun-Aug) | 3,000 won | Guard ceremony | Tuesdays |
| Changdeokgung | 9:00-18:00 | 3,000 won + 5,000 won (Secret Garden) | Garden tours | Mondays |
| Deoksugung | 9:00-21:00 | 1,000 won | Night visits | Mondays |
| Changgyeonggung | 9:00-21:00 | 1,000 won | Evening hours | Mondays |
| Gyeonghuigung | 9:00-18:00 | Free | Art museum entry | Mondays |
Money-saving tip: Get a combo ticket if you’re visiting multiple palaces! It’s way cheaper than buying separate tickets.
Best Transportation Options to the Palaces
Getting to these palaces is super easy using Seoul’s subway system. Each palace has its own nearby station:
| Palace | Nearest Station | Exit Number | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung | Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) | Exit 5 | 5 minutes |
| Changdeokgung | Anguk Station (Line 3) | Exit 3 | 10 minutes |
| Deoksugung | City Hall Station (Line 1, 2) | Exit 2 | 5 minutes |
| Changgyeonggung | Hyehwa Station (Line 4) | Exit 4 | 15 minutes |
| Gyeonghuigung | Seodaemun Station (Line 5) | Exit 4 | 10 minutes |
Want to see more than just Seoul’s palaces? These royal spots are just the start of what Korea has to offer. From ancient temples to buzzing markets, our 10-day Korea itinerary guide shows you how to mix palace visits with other cool spots around the country.
Seasonal Tips for Visiting Seoul’s Historic Royal Palaces
Seoul’s royal palaces show different sides of their beauty each season. Let’s explore when to visit these ancient palaces in Seoul for the best experience.
Spring: Cherry Blossoms at Changdeokgung Palace (March-May)
The historic Changdeokgung Palace becomes a flower wonderland in spring. This UNESCO heritage site in Seoul shows off its royal architecture against a backdrop of pink and white blossoms. Here’s your spring palace guide:
- Peak viewing: Early April at the Secret Garden
- Best times: 9 AM palace opening
- Popular spots: Traditional palace walls and garden paths
- Must-do: Guided garden tours (book in advance)
Mornings at this Joseon royal palace are magical in spring. The soft light hits the traditional Korean architecture just right, and you’ll catch palace photographers setting up their shots before the crowds arrive.
Summer: Evening Views at Deoksugung Palace (June-August)
Among Seoul’s cultural heritage sites, Deoksugung Palace offers unique evening experiences. This royal residence in Seoul mixes Korean and Western palace architecture, creating stunning sunset views. Here’s what to know:
- Night hours: Until 9 PM
- Lighting time: Just before sunset
- Key features: Stone wall path, palace fountains
- Evening bonus: Cool breezes, smaller crowds
The palace grounds are especially peaceful after sunset. Take a walk along the famous Deoksugung Stone Wall Walkway, where historic palace buildings meet Seoul’s modern cityscape.
Fall: Autumn Colors at Changgyeonggung Palace (September-November)
Among Seoul’s historic landmarks, Changgyeonggung Palace shines brightest in fall. This royal palace in Seoul transforms when its ancient trees turn gold and red. Plan your palace visit with these tips:
- Peak colors: Mid to late October
- Photo spots: Traditional pavilions with fall foliage
- Quiet times: Early morning palace tours
- Special areas: Royal gardens with 300-year-old trees
Walk through this Joseon royal palace in the morning mist, and you’ll see why Korean kings chose to build their palaces here. The traditional Korean architecture looks even more beautiful surrounded by autumn colors.
Winter: Snow Scenes at Gyeongbokgung Palace (December-February)
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of Seoul’s royal palaces, takes on a different beauty in winter. This historic palace in Seoul offers peaceful snowy views of traditional Korean architecture. Winter palace tips:
- Best times: After fresh snow
- Perfect spots: Gyeonghoeru Pavilion views
- Quiet areas: Palace gardens and courtyards
- Warm stops: Traditional tea houses nearby
The winter quiet at this ancient palace in Seoul lets you imagine royal life centuries ago. With fewer tourists around, you can take your time exploring the palace’s grand halls and hidden corners.
Cold from walking around palaces? Drop by a Korean sauna (jjimjilbang) to warm up. These cozy spots are where locals go to relax after a long day of exploring!
A Palace Legacy Lives On
Seoul’s five palaces show us bits of Korean royal life we wouldn’t see in history books. From the busy courtyards of Gyeongbokgung to the calm garden paths of Changdeokgung, each place helps us understand what palace life was really like back then.
The best part? These palaces still feel alive today. You might catch locals taking a lunch break at Deoksugung, or students sketching the old buildings at Changgyeonggung. Drop by one morning – who knows what you’ll discover?
