Gyeongbokgung Palace
경복궁 · Seoul · Palaces & heritage
Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, the future King Taejo and founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because of its location to the north, comparied to Changdeokgung Palace in the east and Gyeonghuigung Palace in the west. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces. Many Joseon kings were crowned here. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a prime example of Joseon architecture, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond. The sculptures in the Geunjeongjeon Hall exemplify Joseon-era sculpture techniques. The west side of the area outside Heungnyemun Gate is occupied by the National Palace Museum of Korea, while the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion within the Gyeongbokgung Palace is occupied by the National Folk Museum of Korea.
| Type | Palaces & heritage |
|---|---|
| Region | Seoul |
| Address | 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
| Hours | November-February 09:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:00) March-May & September-October 09:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:00) June-August 09:00-18:30 (Last admission 17:30) |
| Closed | Tuesdays (If Tuesday falls on a public holiday, it will be closed on the following business day instead) |
| Parking | Available |
Getting there
What's on nearby
Events run on fixed dates — check these against your own trip. Trip Planner shows everything on for the days you are in Korea.
- Apr 11, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026Traditional Culture Programme at the Uijeongbu Site
- Sep 1, 2026 – Nov 30, 2026Haechi Madang Media Wall: Traces of a Moment
- Sep 1, 2026 – Nov 30, 2026Atelier Gwanghwa: Light That Stains
- May 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026Seoul Street Performance: Every Corner Live 2026
Within walking distance
Gwanghwamun Gate
National Palace Museum of Korea
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
Sejong-ro Park
Hanboknam - Gyeongbokgung Branch
Garden of Gratitude
Daelim Museum
