Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, as the main palace of the new dynasty. Due to its location in the north, compared to the eastern (Changdeokgung) and western (Gyeonghuigung) palaces, it was also referred to as the "Northern Palace." Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most architecturally stunning of the five grand palaces. Kings who held their coronation ceremonies at Gyeongbokgung’s Geunjeongjeon Hall include the second king Jeongjong, the fourth king Sejong, the sixth king Danjong, the seventh king Sejo, the ninth king Seongjong, the eleventh king Jungjong, and the thirteenth king Myeongjong.
Unfortunately, a large number of buildings at Gyeongbokgung were destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War). However, under the leadership of Heungseon Daewongun during the reign of King Gojong, over 7,700 buildings were reconstructed. Despite this restoration, Gyeongbokgung lost its function as a royal palace following the assassination of Empress Myeongseong and the subsequent fall of the Joseon Dynasty.
Gyeongbokgung Palace still retains key structures from the Joseon era, such as the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and the Hyangwonjeong Pond, which remain in their original form. The stone platform (woldae) and sculptures at Geunjeongjeon Hall are representative of the carving art of that time. The National Palace Museum is located to the west, outside of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is situated to the east of Hyangwonjeong within Gyeongbokgung.
Key Cultural Assets
Historic Site: Gyeongbokgung Palace
National Treasure: Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeongbokgung
National Treasure: Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Gyeongbokgung
Treasure: Jagyeongjeon Hall, Gyeongbokgung
Treasure: Ten Longevity Chimney of Jagyeongjeon Hall, Gyeongbokgung
Treasure: Amisan Chimney, Gyeongbokgung
Treasure: Geunjeongmun Gate and surrounding galleries, Gyeongbokgung
Treasure: Punggi Base, Gyeongbokgung
Travel Information for Experiencing Hallyu
On the popular American TV show "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," a special week-long event called "BTS Week" featured performances by BTS. Among the highlights was their performance of "Mikrokosmos" and "IDOL" from the mini-album "Map of the Soul: Persona," filmed at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Geunjeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung. We highly recommend visiting Gyeongbokgung to experience Korea's past, beautifully illuminated in purple light as seen in these performances.
Inquiries and Information
Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office: +82-2-3700-3900
Website: https://royal.khs.go.kr/
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours
January–February, November–December: 09:00–17:00 (Last admission at 16:00)
March–May, September–October: 09:00–18:00 (Last admission at 17:00)
June–August: 09:00–18:30 (Last admission at 17:30)
Closed Days
Every Tuesday
※ However, if the regular closing day coincides with a public holiday or substitute holiday, the palace will remain open, and the next non-holiday will be the regular closing day.
Parking Available
Admission Fees
Individual: 3,000 KRW
Group: 2,400 KRW (for groups of 10 or more)
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