Change of the Guards ceremony

Change of the Guards ceremony is one of the very famous tourist attractions in South Korea. You can see this at Gwanghwamun - the main gate of Gyeongbokgung palace in South Korea. 

What was life like for royalty during the Joseon Dynasty? You can experience it for yourself by visiting the numerous palaces located right in the heart of Seoul. Seoul's five major palaces are Gyeongbokgung (경복궁), Gyeonghuigung (경희궁), Changdeokgung (창덕궁), Changgyeonggung (창경궁), and Deoksugung (덕수궁). The admission fees are affordably priced, usually just a few dollars, and visitors can tour around the grounds, see reenactments of historical royal ceremonies, dress up in royal costume, and even challenge themselves to a Taekwondo class. Since each palace offers something different be sure to check in advance to see what programs and reenactments are offered.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)   

Notices
Admission to Jongmyo Shrine and the Four Palaces in Seoul is operated under the Integrated Ticket of Palaces (KRW 10,000). Please refer to 'Admission Fees' for further details.
Address
22, Sajik-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Introduction 

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces. 

The premises were destroyed by fire during the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919) . 

Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond are still relatively in tact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculpture of contemporary art. 

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong. 

* Tickets for Gyeongbokgung Palace are also valid at the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum.

Current Status 

Historic Site No.117

Closed

Tuesdays

Operating Hours

January-February, November-December: 09:00-17:00

March-May, September-October: 09:00-18:00

June-Auguest: 09:00-18:30

* Last admission: 1 hr before closing.

* Operating hours are subject to change depending on circumstances. 

Integrated Ticket of Palaces 

- Four Palaces (Changdeokgung Palace (including Huwon, Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Jongmyo Shrine 

- The ticket is 10,000 won and may be used within a month after purchase.

- Visitors cannot receive any refund upon visiting at least one place.

※ Visitors may take a combined tour of Changdeokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace (additional ticket must be purchased at Hamyangmun Gate). 

※ The Jongmyo Shrine tour will be offered only at specific times during the day, except on Saturdays, when visitors may tour at their leisure. The passage connecting Jongmyo Shrine and Changgyeonggung will be closed to the public. 

※ Closed on Monday: Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace

※ Closed on Tuesday: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine 

Facilities for the Handicapped 

Wheelchair rental services (near Geunjeongmun Gate), restrooms, wheelchair accessible entrance, reserved parking spaces

Available Facilities 

Storage locker, souvenir shop, water fountain, snack bar, etc. 

Restrooms Available

Pets Not permitted

Directions 

Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5. 

OR, Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2.