Royal palaces like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace are some of the many must-see tourist attractions in Seoul. As well as exploring the palace grounds, visitors can enjoy several experience programs that enable one to truly take in the culture of these royal palaces.
One of the major events held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace is the reenactment of the historical Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. The palace also offers a free hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) experience program for those who are seeking to get more involved with the Korean culture.
Special events such as Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace, special exhibition at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, night admission, and more are also available on a seasonal basis. Please double check the information prior to your visit to avoid any unexpected inconveniences.
The stone wall surrounding the palace is the only boundary that stands between the past and the present, and the ambient walking path along the wall gives one a taste of both worlds. Inside the wall are buildings and gardens portraying the grandeur and articulate grace of the Joseon dynasty, whereas outside the wall are high-rise buildings representing the modern-day aesthetics. Travelers are recommended to follow the palace stone wall path to savor the peaceful atmosphere.
Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung palaces and Jongmyo Shrine all offer a free guided tour in English, Japanese and Chinese. Additionally, a guided tour of the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Spanish is available on Fridays and Saturdays. Sign up for the opportunity to get insight on palace lifestyles of the past and Korean history guided by an expert.
>> See the timetable for free guided tours
Permanent Experience Programs at Royal Palaces
Gyeongbokgung Palace LINK
- Location: Sumunjangcheong (Gate Guard Headquarters) at Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Program: Gyeongbokgung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
- Operating hours: Twice a day at 10:00, 14:00
* Closed Tuesdays - Fee: Free
- Website: www.royalpalace.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Deoksugung Palace LINK
- Location: Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace
- Program: Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and free hanbok experience
- Operating hours
Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony: Twice a day at 11:00, 14:00 / Closed Mondays
Free hanbok experience: Weekends & public holidays 10:30-14:00
Subject to cancellation or closure during rain or adverse weather - Fee: Free
- Website: royal.khs.go.kr/dsg (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
www.royalguard.kr (Korean, English)
* Visitors wearing the free hanbok from the experience program are not allowed to enter the palace; free hanbok experience program participants must stay within the courtyard by Daehanmun Gate.
* Operating hours and fees are subject to change. Please check in advance.
* Traditional culture programs at each palace are subject to change seasonally. Please check in advance.
Related page: Hanbok Programs
1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)
This page was last updated on September 24, 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.
