Gyeonghuigung Palace Seoul
A serene 17th-century Joseon Dynasty palace, offering a tranquil escape and historical insights with an adjacent museum.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Gyeonghuigung Palace Seoul
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 17th-century Joseon Dynasty palace, offering a tranquil escape and historical insights with an adjacent museum.
"Experience the quiet charm of Gyeonghuigung Palace, a peaceful historical gem in Seoul."
👗 Hanbok for Free Entry
Rent a Hanbok for free admission to Gyeonghuigung and other palaces!
🎧 Audio Guide for History
Enhance your visit with an affordable audio guide to understand the palace's past.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gyeonghuigung Palace Grounds
Main Palace Area
Explore the historic grounds of this 17th-century Joseon Dynasty palace, offering a glimpse into royal life.

Adjacent History Museum
Within the Palace Complex
Discover artifacts and learn about the palace's rich history at the on-site museum.

Nighttime Illumination
Palace Grounds
Experience the palace's beauty illuminated after dark, a special event that enhances its mystical charm.
Planning Your Visit
Hanbok Magic: Free Entry & Photos
Timing is Key for Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Hanbok for Free Entry
Rent a Hanbok for free admission to Gyeonghuigung and other palaces!
🎧 Audio Guide for History
Enhance your visit with an affordable audio guide to understand the palace's past.
🚶♀️ Early Bird Gets Peace
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to enjoy a quieter experience.
📸 Capture the Charm
Hanbok rentals are perfect for stunning photos within the palace grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Hanbok for Free Entry
Rent a Hanbok for free admission to Gyeonghuigung and other palaces!
🎧 Audio Guide for History
Enhance your visit with an affordable audio guide to understand the palace's past.
🚶♀️ Early Bird Gets Peace
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to enjoy a quieter experience.
📸 Capture the Charm
Hanbok rentals are perfect for stunning photos within the palace grounds.
💡 Integrated Palace Ticket
Consider an integrated ticket if visiting multiple palaces to save money.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gyeonghuigung Palace is praised for its tranquil atmosphere and historical significance, offering a peaceful alternative to more crowded royal sites. Visitors appreciate the affordability and the unique experience of free entry with a Hanbok. Some find it less grand than other palaces, but its charm lies in its serenity and the adjacent museum.
"Perhaps not as impressive as Changgyeoungung but certainly worth visiting while you're in Seoul. For one it's free and surprisingly free of tourists considering I went on a Saturday. The surrounding park was very relaxing and the air-conditioned toilets were such a refreshing contrast to the outside heat I didn't feel like leaving."
Jeff May
"This was a mesmerizing palace with a lot of history and views. It costs about 3000 KRW to enter, however, if you rent Hanbok(About 18000 KRW for 2 hours) you get a cool fit and get to skip the line even though it isn’t that long. There isnt many cool places on a hot day so check the weather when coming. Overall pretty cool."
Ayden
"Originally, we were planning to the other Palace. Due to some traffic reasons, we went to this peaceful Palace which just next to museum.
We were enjoying visiting here, although there are not much staff to see, also not much visitors, so we could enjoy our time there."
Sophia Hung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gyeonghuigung Palace is centrally located and accessible via Seoul's efficient subway system. Take subway line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2) or line 2 to City Hall Station (Exit 7). It's also a walkable distance from Gyeongbokgung Palace, making it easy to combine visits.
Yes, Gyeonghuigung Palace is relatively easy to find, especially if you're familiar with the Gwanghwamun area. Follow signs from the subway stations.
Taxis are readily available in Seoul and can drop you off near the palace entrance. This can be a convenient option, especially if you have luggage or prefer direct transport.
Numerous city buses stop near Gyeonghuigung Palace, particularly around the Gwanghwamun and City Hall areas. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option from your starting point.
While some areas of the palace may have uneven terrain, efforts have been made to improve accessibility. It's advisable to check with the palace administration for specific details regarding ramps and accessible routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Gyeonghuigung Palace is generally very affordable, often around 3,000 KRW (approximately $2.50 USD). However, wearing a Hanbok grants you free admission to Gyeonghuigung and other major Seoul palaces.
For regular daytime visits, advance ticket purchase is usually not necessary as Gyeonghuigung is less crowded. However, for special night openings, booking in advance is highly recommended due to limited tickets.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the palace is open from around 9 AM to 6 PM, with shorter hours in winter. Special night openings have separate, limited hours. It's best to check the official website for the most current information.
Yes, you can get in for free by wearing a Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire. This is a popular way to visit and explore the palace grounds.
The most significant 'discount' is free entry when wearing a Hanbok. There might be other minor discounts for specific groups, but the Hanbok option is the most widely utilized.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Gyeonghuigung Palace offers a peaceful escape with its historic architecture, serene courtyards, and an adjacent history museum. It's less crowded than other palaces, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of Joseon Dynasty history.
Yes, Gyeonghuigung Palace offers a different, more tranquil experience compared to the grander Gyeongbokgung. It's ideal for those seeking a quieter historical immersion and a less crowded atmosphere.
Absolutely! There are many Hanbok rental shops located in the vicinity of Gyeonghuigung Palace and other nearby palaces, making it easy to don traditional attire.
While not as prominent as at Gyeongbokgung, audio guides are available and recommended for a deeper understanding of the palace's history. Free English guided tours might be available on certain days.
Wandering through the grounds at your own pace is a great way to experience Gyeonghuigung. Consider renting an audio guide to enrich your understanding of the historical significance of each building.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly inside Gyeonghuigung Palace. However, the surrounding areas, particularly near Gwanghwamun and Samcheong-dong, offer a wide array of dining options.
You'll find a diverse culinary scene near Gyeonghuigung Palace, ranging from traditional Korean cuisine (like bibimbap and bulgogi) to international fare. Samcheong-dong is known for its charming cafes and restaurants.
The area around Gyeonghuigung Palace, especially Samcheong-dong, has many highly-rated restaurants. 'The Honey Table' (Kkurubapsang) is a popular Korean restaurant featured on TV, located nearby.
Yes, the neighborhoods surrounding Gyeonghuigung Palace, such as Samcheong-dong and the area near Gwanghwamun, are filled with charming cafes offering various beverages and light snacks.
Dining prices near Gyeonghuigung Palace can vary. While some upscale restaurants exist, you can also find more budget-friendly options, especially if you explore slightly away from the main tourist paths.
📸 📸 Photography
The traditional Korean architecture, serene courtyards, and the palace gates offer beautiful photo opportunities. Wearing a Hanbok enhances the visual appeal of your photos.
Photography is generally allowed within the palace grounds, but it's always good to be mindful of any specific signage or restrictions, especially inside museum buildings.
During special night openings, photography is permitted and highly encouraged to capture the illuminated beauty of the palace.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photographs. During special night openings, the illuminated palace itself is the main photographic draw.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historical sites and palaces in Seoul to preserve the atmosphere and prevent disturbances. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds. While there aren't specific play areas, the historical setting itself can spark imagination. Pack snacks and water, as dining options are limited within the palace itself, but plentiful in the surrounding areas.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Utilize the audio guide to gain historical insights, or simply wander and soak in the atmosphere. The proximity to other attractions like Gyeongbokgung also makes it easy to incorporate into a solo itinerary.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Wearing a Hanbok significantly elevates the photographic potential, adding a vibrant cultural element to your shots. Early mornings or late afternoons can provide softer, more flattering light. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and any designated no-photography zones within museum areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hanbok Advantage: Free Entry & Style
When choosing a Hanbok, consider the season and the duration of your visit. Some rentals offer hourly packages, while others provide full-day rentals. It's also worth noting that while wearing a Hanbok, you might want to avoid carrying bulky backpacks or wearing overly casual outerwear that could detract from the traditional look. Many visitors find that the experience of wearing a Hanbok significantly enhances their appreciation of the historical sites, making the visit more interactive and engaging.
Gyeonghuigung Palace: A Quieter Royal Residence
Visitors often note that Gyeonghuigung offers a more tranquil and less crowded experience compared to its more famous counterparts. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful stroll and a deeper connection with the historical atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of large tour groups. The palace grounds are well-maintained, featuring traditional Korean architectural elements, serene courtyards, and the adjacent Seoul Museum of History, which provides further context and artifacts related to the palace and the city.
For those interested in understanding the nuances of Joseon Dynasty royal life, Gyeonghuigung provides a valuable perspective. The reconstruction efforts have aimed to preserve the original layout and architectural style, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical significance of this important site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit