The Five Grand Palaces
Seoul’s five grand palaces were the residences and administrative centres of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) — 500 years of Korean royal history expressed in timber, stone, and tile architecture set against the mountain backdrop of Bugaksan and Namsan. A palace tour visits one or more of these compounds, with a guide who explains the Confucian social hierarchy reflected in the architecture, the ceremonial spaces, the garden design, and the turbulent history of the dynasty.
Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most visited — the primary Joseon palace (built 1395), destroyed by Japanese invasion (1592), rebuilt, destroyed again during the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945), and partially reconstructed since. The Changing of the Guard ceremony (daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM) is one of Seoul’s most photogenic cultural events.
Changdeokgung is the best-preserved palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — notable for its Huwon (Secret Garden), a 78-acre woodland garden of pavilions, ponds, and centuries-old trees accessible only by guided tour at specific times.
Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung are the remaining three — each with its own character and history, and each less crowded than Gyeongbokgung.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Seoul palace should I visit?
Gyeongbokgung for the largest, most impressive, and the Changing of the Guard. Changdeokgung for the UNESCO listing, the Secret Garden, and the best-preserved architecture. If visiting only one, Gyeongbokgung is the standard recommendation.
Can I wear hanbok at the palaces?
Yes — visitors wearing hanbok (traditional Korean dress) receive free entry to the palaces. Hanbok rental shops surround the palace entrances.
How long does a palace tour take?
A single palace visit takes 1–2 hours. A combined tour of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung takes 3–4 hours.