Gyeongbokgung Palace is located in north of Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea. This is the most iconic palace in Korean for it age and stored record. Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 during Joseon Dynasty by King Taejo. It was partially destroyed during the Japanese occupation. The Gwanghwamun Gate and some of the buildings were rebuilt in 1867. Restoration work takes place in large scale formed a large complex with 330 buildings and 5,792 rooms in 4,657,576 square feet of land.

The present building was built in 1867. Gyeongbokgung is the main royal palace and served as home for Kings of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung means “palace very much blessed by Heaven” and the palace was surrounded by Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan. Visitors to the Palace can also watch the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea found on the palace grounds.

Inside the walls of the palace is the outer court, where the office of king and state officials was found. Inner court contains living of the royal family along with gardens. Within its extending border are other palaces including Queen’s Palace (Junggung) and Crown Prince Palace (Donggung) is present. Lot of restoration projects was planned by South Korean Government to remake the Gyeongbokgung Palace to its former status.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of five palace built by the Joseon dynasty because it holds 6 Main Gates, 6 Outer Court, 3 Inner Court, 2 Crown prince Palace, 2 Pavilions and bridges. Most of the buildings you can see here are made of wood with two-tiered top of stone platform. The popular activity in this area is watching the royal changing of guard in front of main gate for every hour from 10am to 3pm. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most scenic location in Seoul, following Mount Namsan and Han River with hot spots.

Website: http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Phone: +82 2-3700-3900

Admission Fees:

Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Groups: 2,400 won

Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Groups: 1,200 won

Opening Hours: