Overview
Built in 1395 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung is the largest of Seoul's five grand palaces. Highlights include the throne hall Geunjeongjeon, the pavilion Gyeonghoeru, and the picturesque Hyangwonjeong, with the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony a must-see. The National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum are on the same grounds, making it a full-day visit. From Gwanghwamun, the palace silhouetted against Bukaksan is one of Seoul's iconic photo views. Admission KRW 3,000 (free with hanbok). A 3-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5.
Travel Tips
The Guard Changing Ceremony takes place at 10:00 and 14:00. Wearing hanbok grants free admission - try a nearby hanbok rental shop.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Seoul, South Korea from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for South Korea on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Seoul on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
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Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Seoul with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Seoul 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Gyeongbokgung Palace
Tap a pin on the map to jump to that attraction.
Bukchon Hanok Village
A historic Seoul village with traditional Joseon-era Korean houses
📍 633m away
Insadong
A culture street lined with traditional crafts shops, galleries, and teahouses.
📍 967m away
Myeongdong
Seoul's largest shopping street, packed with cosmetics stores and street food.
📍 1.9km away
Gwangjang Market
Seoul's first permanent market since 1905, famous for its incredible food stalls
📍 2.2km away
Cheonggyecheon
A 10.9km restored urban stream, reclaimed from a former covered highway.
📍 2.8km away
Itaewon & Haebangchon
Seoul's cosmopolitan hotspot where diverse cultures converge
📍 5.3km away
Seoul Forest
Seoul's flagship urban ecological park, modeled after New York's Central Park.
📍 6.8km away
Things to Do in Seoul
Han River Cycling
Rent a bike and ride along the Han River from Yeouido to Jamsil. Ttareunggi public bike KRW 1,000/hr or regular rental KRW 10,000/3hrs
Bukchon Hanok Village in Hanbok
Rent a hanbok and stroll Bukchon and Gyeongbokgung. Free palace entry in hanbok. 2-4hr rental KRW 15,000-25,000
Namsan Cable Car
Ride the cable car up Namsan to Seoul Tower. About 3 min each way with city panorama. Round trip KRW 11,000