Gyeongbokgung Palace (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Gyeongbokgung Palace?
What makes it 85% Kids-Friendly: Children under 6 enter free and older kids pay little, love the guard ceremony and Folk Museum workshops; free strollers help, but wide grounds, heat, and some steps can tire or bore them.
Positives:
- Child-Friendly Facilities: Free strollers, nursing rooms, and diaper stations make exploring easier with little ones.
- Interactive Learning: Museums offer hands-on exhibits that keep kids engaged.
- Free Hanbok Entry: Wearing hanbok grants free palace admission for everyone.
Challenges:
- Crowded Ceremonies: Guard shows draw many visitors; kids may struggle to see without an early spot.
- Uneven Walkways: Stone paths can be tricky for small children—choose comfortable shoes.
- Limited Shade: Open courtyards have little cover; pack hats, sunscreen, and water.
What is Gyeongbokgung Palace?
- A 14th-century royal palace complex in central Seoul that served as the main seat of the Joseon Dynasty
- An expansive ensemble of traditional Korean architecture, including Gwanghwamun Gate, Geunjeongjeon Throne Hall, and meticulously arranged courtyards and pavilions
- A cultural landmark housing the National Palace Museum of Korea and landscaped gardens that exemplify Korean palace design
What is so special about Gyeongbokgung Palace for with kids?
- See the colorful Royal Guard Changing Ceremony up close
- Wear hanbok for free entry and memorable family photos
- Enjoy interactive exhibits at the National Folk Museum
- Use free strollers and nursing rooms for toddler comfort
- Join weekend kid-friendly tea workshops with honey-cake making
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the guard ceremony, museum visits, and a hanbok photo without tiring young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Gyeongbokgung Palace
Royal Guard Changing Ceremony:
Watch costumed guards reenact gate duty at Gwanghwamun Gate twice daily.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and stand near the front so kids can see over the barrier.
Hanbok Rental for Family Photos:
Dress in traditional hanbok near Gyeongbokgung Station for free palace entry and fun pictures.
Tip: Reserve sizes online and wear hanbok before entering to skip the ticket line.
National Folk Museum Visit:
Explore interactive folk‐tale exhibits and play area next to the palace.
Tip: Join the free English docent tours at 10:30 or 14:30 on weekdays.
Stroller & Wheelchair Rental:
Get free strollers and wheelchairs at the Heungnyemun Gate counter.
Tip: Bring an ID as deposit and pick up on arrival to ease toddler walking.
Jagyeongjeon Tea Ceremony:
Weekend workshop where kids make honey cakes and learn tea etiquette.
Tip: Book your free spot online at least two weeks in advance.
When is the best time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul, South Korea)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms around Gyeonghoeru Pavilion; autumn ginkgo leaves glow gold. Summer is hot—visit early and use shaded pavilions. In winter, dress warmly to enjoy light snow on palace roofs.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul)
Pedro Vera Obrador
Very beautiful and big complex, it can take hours to explore everything. 3000 won per adult, you can buy the ticket at the vending machine or also at the desks. Change of guards a couple of times every day.
Eren Korkmaz
It is a key attraction in Seoul for sure, and that is why it is full with tourists in traditional Korean attires for photo ops. The palace itself can be seen in 1 hour or so, but the garden is simply huge. So you might consider to dedicate some buffer time if you want to explore the whole landmark. There are free lockers available which was very practical to leave all the burden and walk around ...
Lissy “LuLu” Webber
Amazing! This place is closed on Tuesdays. Ceremonies happen 1000 and 1400. I would recommend to rent a traditional outfit and take cute pics. (If you are wearing the clothing it’s a free entry.) If you buy tickets it has to be with a card. Watching the traditional ceremony was definitely worth the visit and there is so many amazing buildings and history.
Nickola Wilson-Chung (Wilson)
Wonderful palace that needs to be seen in person. The beautiful architecture and designs are amazing. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes because the palace grounds are very spread out. Highly recommend seeing this historic place if you're able to visit Seoul, Korea.
Ed Tom
A must in Seoul ! Other early in the morning to avoid crowd! Dress up in Korean costume and you get in for free! Plan to be there for 2 hours to see all the chambers and the garden!!! Yes, it is cheesy to dress up in costumes but everyone es to to be a princess! Yes, I was tempted but decided to dress up modern to compare with the past and be unique rather than blend in..
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult admission (3,000 × 2) | KRW 6,000 |
| 1 Youth admission (1,500) | KRW 1,500 |
| 4‐person hanbok rental | KRW 70,000 |
| Snacks and drinks | KRW 10,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 87,500 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Early Arrival: Get there by 09:30 to catch the first guard ceremony and quieter grounds.
- Museum First: Start at the Folk Museum while kids are fresh before exploring open areas.
- Pre-book Workshops: Reserve weekend tea ceremonies online weeks ahead to secure spots.
Map of Gyeongbokgung Palace
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul)?
About Gyeongbokgung Palace
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+82 2-3700-3900Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!