Gyeongbokgung Palace (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Gyeongbokgung Palace?
What makes it 92% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler pays little, can join free English tours or rent an audio guide, wander safely through vast photo-worthy grounds at any pace, and reach the gate easily by subway.
Positives:
- Cultural immersion: Guided tours and ceremonies offer deep insight into Joseon traditions.
- Compact layout: The palace and museums are within walking distance; ideal for solo pacing.
Challenges:
- Crowds at peak times: Main gate areas fill up quickly during ceremonies and weekends.
- Tuesday closures: The palace and some tours close on Tuesdays; plan around this day.
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 solo trip?
- Free English tours and audio guides for self-paced history.
- Live guard ceremony brings Joseon-era rituals to life.
- Hanbok rentals enable free entry and memorable photos.
- Two adjacent museums offer artifact insights in comfort.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to join a tour, watch the guard ceremony, and explore adjacent museums.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Gyeongbokgung Palace
Free English Guided Tour:
Join a 90-minute English tour at 11:00, 13:30, or 15:30 led by palace staff.
Tip: Meet at the information center 10 minutes early; no reservation needed for solo visitors.
Royal Guard Changing Ceremony:
Watch the reenactment at Gwanghwamun Gate at 10:00 and 14:00 daily.
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early for a front-row view; weekdays are less crowded.
Audio Guide Exploration:
Rent an official audio guide for KRW 3,000 to explore at your own pace.
Tip: Follow the numbered markers and use the built-in map to navigate the grounds.
Hanbok Rental Photo Walk:
Rent a hanbok nearby (from KRW 10,000) for free palace entry and K-Drama-style photos.
Tip: Book your hanbok online in advance and choose vibrant colors to stand out.
National Museums Visit:
Visit the National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum free with palace ticket.
Tip: Join the 11:00 guided tour at the Palace Museum; cool off indoors between halls.
When is the best time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul, South Korea)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms along the palace walls but larger crowds. Autumn ginkgo leaves add golden backdrops. Winter offers crisp air and fewer visitors; dress warmly.
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 Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Palace admission | KRW 3,000 |
| Audio guide rental | KRW 3,000 |
| Hanbok rental (optional) | KRW 10,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 16,000 |
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: Enter at opening time to enjoy quieter courtyards and photo spots.
- Weekday visit: Visit on weekdays to avoid local weekend crowds at the gates.
- Use combo ticket: Combine tickets for multiple palaces to save time and money if exploring more sites.
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!