Palaces in Seoul

There is no way to really get to know Seoul without visiting its palaces, mainly because they are scattered throughout the different cardinal points of the city, but also because they form part of the South Korean capital's most famous attractions. Witnesses of the Joseon dynasty, they were recovered and rebuilt after the Japanese occupation and now mark the skyline of this destination with their distinctive architecture.

Some of the best things to do in Seoul include visiting the city's five palaces, which are Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung and Changdeokgung, as well as Unhyeongung, which was home to the ruling royal family. Here's everything you need to know to discover these ancient treasures that stand in stark contrast to modern Korea.

A historical gem nestled in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace is an iconic monument that embodies South Korea's rich cultural heritage. This magnificent palace, built in 1395 during the Joseon dynasty, was the main royal palace and the centre of power for much of Korea's history. Its imposing entrance, the Gwanghwamun Gate, is an icon that greets visitors with a mixture of grandeur and nostalgia.

Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, you will have the opportunity to explore the carefully restored courtyards, pavilions and traditional buildings inside. Highlights include the Geunjeongjeon, the main Throne Hall, where the monarchs conducted important ceremonies and state affairs. In addition, the National Palace Museum, located on the grounds, houses cultural treasures and is one of the best museums in Seoul.

The history of Gyeongbokgung Palace is intertwined with the ups and downs of Korea. Despite its initial grandeur, it suffered damage during the Japanese invasions in the 16th century and was rebuilt in the centuries that followed. During World War II much of the palace was destroyed and its complete restoration was undertaken in more recent times in an effort to preserve Korea's cultural heritage.

Today the palace is a must-see attraction for visitors to Seoul. Exploring its grounds will offer you a window into Korean history and traditional architecture, allowing you to learn about its glorious past as you wander through its halls and gardens.

Details of interest

• Price: entrance fee is approximately 3 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday 9.00am to 6.00pm.
• Location: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Deoksugung Palace offers a unique insight into the evolution of royal architecture in South Korea and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Unlike other palaces, Deoksugung Palace fuses traditional elements with Western influences, creating an intriguing and distinctive atmosphere. Its elegant buildings and spacious gardens provide an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

Inside Deoksugung Palace, you can explore various buildings such as the Jeukjodang, where royal ceremonies were held, and the Hamnyeongjeon, which was the residence of the queens. One of the most fascinating aspects is the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Korea, housed in the former administration building. This unusual addition highlights the unique combination of architectural styles that define the palace.

The history of Deoksugung Palace is captivating. Originally built in the 15th century as a royal residence, the palace underwent renovations and expansions over the years. During Korea's modernisation period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Western architectural elements were introduced into the palace, giving it its characteristic eclectic style.

The palace remains a testament to South Korea's cultural adaptation and dynamic history, and offers visitors a unique experience by combining traditional and Western architectural elements in one place. In addition, the palace was also the scene of key moments in history, such as the Proclamation of the Declaration of Independence in 1919.

Details of interest

• Price: entrance fee is approximately 2 euros per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am-9pm.
• Location: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul.

If you want to experience one of Seoul's architectural treasures, you can't miss Changgyeonggung Palace, which is a must-see destination for those looking to soak in South Korea's rich traditional history. Built in 1483 during the Joseon Dynasty, this palace is notable for its subtle design and connection to nature, making it a serene retreat amidst the urban hustle and bustle.

One of the highlights of this palace is the Huwon, or Secret Garden, which offers a green oasis of tranquillity and natural beauty. The Myeongjeongjeon Pavilion, which used to be the Throne Hall, features imperial architecture and is a place where monarchs held audiences and ceremonial events. If you plan to visit Seoul in March or during the spring, you can discover the beauty of the local flowers and plants there.

During the Japanese occupation in the 20th century, the palace suffered considerable damage and parts of the building were used for military purposes. However, the palace has been carefully restored and preserved, allowing visitors to marvel at its architectural splendour and rich history. The palace is also included among the free attractions on the Discover Seoul Pass.

Exploring Changgyeonggung Palace allows you to embark on a journey through South Korean time and culture. Every corner of this palace tells a unique story and offers a window into the life and traditions of the Joseon Dynasty. With its serene atmosphere and captivating architecture, the building is a lasting reminder of the elegance and grandeur of Korea's past.

Details of interest

• Price: entrance fee is approximately 3 euros per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 9pm.
• Location: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Built in 1617 during the Joseon dynasty, Gyeonghuigung Palace was originally the residence of the crown prince, which is why its size is noticeably smaller than other imperial palaces. On the other hand, over the years it has gone through ups and downs in its history, from being abandoned during times of economic crisis to being restored and converted into a showcase of palace architecture of the time.

The Myeongjeongjeon Hall, which once served as a meeting place for the monarchs and their affairs of state, is an outstanding example of traditional Joseon dynasty architecture and is the main attraction of Gyeonghuigung. Within the complex you can also explore the Gwanghawamun Observatory, which offers views of the surrounding city and the palace itself, especially if you visit Seoul during the summer when the skies are clear.

During its history, Gyeonghuigung Palace suffered from fire and neglect, but its restoration has allowed current generations to appreciate its beauty and its essential cultural significance. Despite being smaller compared to other royal palaces in Seoul, Gyeonghuigung Palace shines as a silent witness to Korea's history and a place where visitors can learn about the daily life of the royal court.

Exploring Gyeonghuigung Palace is a unique experience for history and architecture buffs, providing an intimate glimpse into life at the royal court and a connection to Korea's past.

Details of interest

• Price: Admission is free.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
• Location: 45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Changdeokgung Palace is a testament to the elegance and history of South Korea. Built in 1405 during the golden age of the Joseon dynasty, this palace is known for its design integrated with the natural environment and its harmonious relationship with the surrounding gardens. Over the centuries, it has survived historical challenges and has even been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Changdeokgung Palace, like Changgyeonggung, is notable for the Huwon, also known as the Secret Garden, a serene space that contrasts with the grandiloquence of the palace and offers an immersive experience in nature. The Injeongjeon building, used for major royal ceremonies, features stunning architecture and a palpable sense of the imperial past.

The history of Changdeokgung Palace is fascinating and reflects Korea's turbulent history. During the Japanese invasion in the 16th century, much of the palace was destroyed, but it was rebuilt in later years. During the Japanese occupation in the 20th century, the palace was again damaged, but its subsequent restoration preserved its unique essence and cultural significance.

Today the palace stands as a living showcase of Korean history and architecture. There you can explore its buildings and gardens, soak in the culture of the Joseon dynasty and appreciate the way the palace integrates with nature, respecting its surroundings.

Interesting details

• Price: entrance fee is approximately 3 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am-5pm.
• Location: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Unhyeongung is not considered part of the 5 palaces of the Joseon dynasty, largely because it was the home of the ruling family rather than the natural heirs, but it nevertheless offers a fascinating window into the life and customs of Korea's nobility during the imperial past. Built in 1864, this palace offers a relatively contemporary and modern account of court life and the complexities of society at the time.

Inside Unhyeongung Palace, you can explore elegant courtyards, pavilions and residences, which offer a unique insight into late Joseon dynasty architecture. The Sarangchae House, a structure that provides information on the genealogy and history of the ruling royal family, is one of the structures that will catch your eye, especially for its Western-influenced architecture, which was rare at the time.

During the time when Korea was an independent state, the ruling family played a crucial role in the administration of the country. However, with the Japanese occupation and political changes, it was the first to lose its status. Despite this, the palace has been carefully restored and preserved, allowing visitors to understand the life of the nobility and the importance of Korea's history throughout Asia.

Through its restored structures and informative exhibits, this palace offers an authentic and poignant look into the country's history and culture, honouring the legacy of the regent royal family and its impact on Korean society, especially during times of crisis.

Details of interest

• Price: Admission is free.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
• Location: 464 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

You can visit the palaces on your own or as part of one of Seoul's best tours. Generally, the tour of each of these buildings will take you between 2 and 3 hours, so if you want to see them in depth, one of the most efficient alternatives is to opt for a tour with a private guide.

On the other hand, keep in mind that although tickets are not usually sold out, the number of visitors per day is limited in order to preserve the architectural heritage, so if you plan to visit Seoul in summer or during the high season months, I advise you to schedule your visit in advance. Also note that entrance fees are relatively affordable, which generates a large influx of visitors.

Palaces are an important part of Korea's heritage, so the first thing I advise you to do is... Visit them during your trip! Many tourists neglect these attractions and do not take into account that it is one of the best alternatives to get to know the local spirit and especially its culture, which is closely related to the Joseon dynasty, which marked the time of the construction of these buildings.

On the other hand, I recommend that if you don't have enough time to visit them all, you should at least visit two of them, as each one has its own particularities and if you visit more than one, you will be able to compare them and notice the differences. If you are planning a short stay in the city, the best alternative is to hire a guided tour. If that is your case, here is a list of activities to get to know Seoul in 3 days.

Finally, if you are planning to visit Seoul during the summer or during the high season months, I advise you to book your museum tickets in advance. This way you will be able to secure the date of your visit and you will also be able to put together an itinerary that will allow you to make the most of your time in the South Korean capital.

Visiting Seoul's palaces is one of the most fascinating ways to get to know the local history, which is thousands of years old and closely linked to Asia's imperial past. The Joseon dynasty, which built these structures, left its mark on the Korean culture of today, so a tour of these buildings will give you an insight into the roots of the country's idiosyncrasies.

In addition, the palaces are very well located, marking the different points of the city in relatively central areas, so with the right itinerary you can combine the visit to these sites with other experiences, such as the gastronomic tours of Seoul and visits to the best museums in the city.

If you wish, you can visit Seoul's palaces on your own without any major inconvenience, although due to the complexity of the idiomatic symbols and to get the most out of the tour, the best alternative is to opt for a guided tour, which will allow you to get to know all the secrets of these buildings and their former occupants.

In addition, some of these tours include return transfers with hotel pick-up and drop-off and, apart from the expert local guide, also include entrance fees, so you don't have to worry about organisation or transport and can just enjoy your tour of South Korea's imperial past. Are you ready for adventure? Here we go!