You can’t say you’ve been to Korea if you have never visited Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is especially if you are a huge fan of Korean period dramas, as this palace is one of the most iconic filming sites.

Plus point: This was the filming location for “Rooftop Prince”, “Queen In-Hyun’s Man” and “Moon Embracing the Sun”!

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Unfortunately, Gyeongbokgung Palace is always crowded, irregardless of whether it is a weekday or weekend 😂

Personally I don’t really like the crowds because it’s a little jarring to see so many people in your photographs, and it does ruin your viewing experience a little, but I guess it’s inevitable for a tourist hotspot.

If you look at my photos from 2023, you’ll just see crowds EVERYWHERE:

I visited this palace a few times in summer, autumn, and winter.

P.S. if you rent a hanbok to wear into the palace, you get to enter for free!

Hanbok rental shops are prevalent in the area. I picked one that was rather crowded (and directly across Gyeongbokgung). For this hanbok rental in 2018, I paid 15 000 won for 2h hanbok rental, and 5000 won for a staff to help me with my hairdo.

I like the design of this hanbok because it looks so fairy-like and ethereal. However, do note that the quality of the material itself is not great. I didn’t take much of an issue with it because I had to return it and it wasn’t something that I was keeping.

If you are more particular about material quality, do check out other hanbok rental shops around the area.

Another thing to take note is that the hanbok is a little thin to wear in the winter weather. I actually wore my sweater and jeans underneath, but it’s still pretty cold without my thicker winter jacket on. I think it’s too hot to wear it in summer though, so the best time to come and try this on would probably be in spring or autumn.

Depending on where you walk from, you might enter Gyeongbokgung from Gwanghwamun.

This main gate also holds a rich history of its own; during the 1592 Japanese invasion, it was destroyed by fire and left in ruins for over 250 years. After being rebuilt in 1867, its wooden structure was ruined again in the Korean War, and the stone base lay in neglect. It definitely has seen a lot of history, and many tumultuous events.

Besides exploring the palace grounds and taking photographs, do take the time to visit the National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum if you can.

I managed to visit the National Palace Museum in 2023 and viewed this amazing exhibition on the bridal robes of Korean royalty!

You can also find the occasional exhibition in the palace which are less time-consuming, but definitely no less interesting.

In 2017, there was an exhibition on Empress Myeongseong, who is a very influential figure in Korean history. The Japanese government at that time (Meiji Japan) considered her an obstacle to their overseas expansion, which she attempted to block in Korea, and was hence assassinated.

You can also stay to watch the royal guard changing ceremony, but do check the timings for each day before you head down.

did manage to see it on my first time there, it’s an eye-opening experience that you should definitely try to catch a glimpse of.

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DIRECTIONS

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)

[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 Museum of Korea Bus Stop. 마을버스 종로11

Gyeongbokgung Station is nearer to the palace, but Anguk Station is actually also not too far off. I usually walk from Anguk Station, which happens to be near Insadong as well.

Related Posts:

• The National Museum of Korea: free admission for all!
• DMZ Tour (Imjingak, Dorasan Observatory, 3rd Tunnel, Dorasan Station)
• Tosokchon Samgyetang: best ginseng chicken soup in Korea!
• Bukchon Hanbok: prettiest hanbok rental shop in Seoul

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