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Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, has plenty to offer those looking for a variety of historical, cultural experiences and adventures. While its entertainment industry has become a key attraction for tourists, the 5 Grand Palaces still remain a must-visit for travelers who want to explore the endless history of South Korea. The 5 Grand Palaces are Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Gyeonghuigung Palace. Travelers can have a taste of a mix of Korean culture and history as each of them offer their own unique traits to check out.

One tip to know before visiting these palaces is to wear a Korean Traditional attire, hanbok, to get free entry and many rental places can be found near the entrances.

′′′1) Gyeongbokgung Palace(hangeul: 경복궁)′′′

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


 * Operation Time: 09:00 - 17:00/18:30 (Hours vary by season) *closed Tuesdays*

Individual Fee
Adults (19-64) - KRW 3,000

Youth (7-18) - KRW 1,500

Group of ≥ 10, Fee per person
Adults (19-64) - KRW 2,400

Youth (7-18) - KRW 1,200

Gyeongbokgung Palace was originally established in 1395 and is commonly known as either ‘‘the Northern Palace’’ or “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven '' because of its fortuitous placement between Bugak Mountain and Namsan. Even though the palace was destroyed due to the Japanese invasions in the 1590s, over 500 buildings were completely rebuilt in 1867. It is one of the most glorious and magnificent of all the 5 palaces in Seoul while also being the historically most important. In the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum, the visitors can learn about how citizens have lived in the past and present including the lifestyles and traditions of everyday Korean people. Nowadays, there are many major events held at Gyeongbokgung Palace such as ‘’the changing of the royal guards ceremony’’, and ‘’the traditional tea ceremony’’ where you can experience tea culture demonstration, making honey cakes and traditional etiquette.

2) Deoksugung Palace (hangeul: 덕수궁)

 * Address: 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.


 * Hours of Operation: Daily 09:00 - 21:00 *Closed Mondays*

Individual Fee
Adults (19-64) - KRW 1,000

Youth (7-18) - KRW 500

Group of ≥ 10, Fee per person
(International Visitors)

Adults (19-64) - KRW 800

Youth (7-18) - KRW 400

Deoksugung Palace was a temporary residence for King Seonjo (the 14th King of the Joseon Dynasty),, and was named as Gyeongungung Palace once, by King Gwanghaegun (the 15th King of Joseon Dynasty) before being re-established as a formal palace. It was only in the year 1907 that Deoksugung Palace received the official title of the palace once again, with the meaning “palace of virtuous longevity.” Being the sole palace possessing western-style exploring both urbanism and heritage can be done as it contains the modern architecture along with the romance of the Josen Dynasty. In addition, due to the charming juxtaposition of medieval and contemporary structures, the picturesque Deoksugung Palace has always been a hot spot for aspiring architects and casual visitors. This neighboring palace of the Seoul City Hall and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is also home to a popular urban myth that all couples who walk down the stone-wall road of Deoksugung are fated to break up.

3) Changgyeonggung Palace (hangeul: 창경궁)

 * Address: 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.


 * Hours of Operation: 09:00-21:00 *closed Mondays*

Individual Fee
(International Visitors) Adults (19-64) - KRW 1,000

Youth (7-18) - KRW 500

Group of ≥ 10, Fee per person
(International Visitors)

Adults (19-64) - KRW 800

Youth (7-18) - KRW 400

Changgyeonggung Palace was initially built by the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong, in 1418 as Suganggung Palace. However, the palace was renovated during the reign of King Seongjong, the 9th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and received its current name. The combination of the Changgyeonggung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace is known as Donggwol which means the East Palace. As a phenomenal illustration of East Asian palace design, Changgyeonggung Palace has always influenced the development of Korean architecture with its wonderful harmony of the layout integrated with Confucian Ideology and mother nature. Western-style grand greenhouse in Changgyeonggung Palace is also an asset of South Korea. Featuring pointed arches and window frames, the visitors of this enclosed botanical garden can surely be reminded of the Crystal Palace in London, England, on which its design was based. mn=EN_02_02&sCcebKdcd=79&ccebAsno=00830000&sCcebCtcd=11&pageIndex=397&region=&canAsset=&ccebPcd1=&searchWrd=&startNum=&endNum=&stCcebAsdt=&enCcebAsdt=&canceled=&ccebKdcd=&ccebCtcd=

4) Changdeokgung Palace (hangeul: 창덕궁)

 * Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea


 * Hours of Operation: 09:00-18:30 *closed Mondays*

Individual Fee
Adults (19-64) - KRW 3,000

Youth (7-18) - KRW 1,500

Group of ≥ 10, Fee per person
Adults (19-64) - KRW 2,400

Youth (7-18) - KRW 1,200

Changdeokgung Palace, built by King Taejo, the first ruler of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), was used as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung Palace for approximately two centuries. It is located at the foot of Ungbong Peak of Mount Baegaksan and Koreans have pride that it is one of the well-preserved Palaces among five grand palaces. Furthermore, Changdeokgung Palace was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and is known as a masterpiece of architecture for having buildings that are in harmony with the natural settings. The main attraction of this Palace is its secret garden with a lotus pond, pavilions, landscaped lawns, trees, and flowers, and the Palace's main gate (Donghwamun).

5) Gyeonghuigung Palace (hangeul: 경희궁)

 * Address: 1-126, Sinmunno 2(i)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul South Korea


 * Hours of Operation: 09:00-18:00 (weekdays) 10:00-18:00 (weekends) *closed Mondays *

Admission Fee
- Free

The construction of Gyeonghuigung Palace (Historic Site No. 271) took place from 1617 to 1623 and it was also called Seogwol (a palace of the west). The Palace was originally constructed by King Gwanghaegun (the 15th king of the Joseon Dynasty) in the late Joseon Dynasty. It was first used as a royal residence for the king in times of emergency with the title of Gyeongdeokgung Palace. It was in 1760 that the name was changed again to the current Gyeonghuigung Palace. The foremost attractive places of the Palace are Heunghwamun (the main gate of the palace), the Seoul Museum of Art, the Seoul Museum of History which exhibits the evolution from its prehistoric period to the present, and three main halls- Sungjeongjeon Hall, Jajeongjeon Hall and Taeryeongjeon Hall where the King held the meetings.