Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Heart of the Main Palace Carrying 600 Years of the Joseon Dynasty
Gyeongbokgung, the main palace of Joseon, was damaged by wars and colonial rule after its founding in 1395, and restoration continues to this day as one of Seoul's representative palaces. Visitors can explore royal history and traditional architecture together, centered on Geunjeongjeon, Gyeonghoeru, and Hyangwonjeong.
ORBIT AI · 11/6/2026
Gyeongbokgung, the Main Palace of Joseon
Gyeongbokgung was the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, first built in 1395 during the reign of King Taejo Yi Seong-gye. Located on Sajik-ro in Jongno-gu, Seoul, this palace is the largest among the Five Grand Palaces of Joseon (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung), and served as the central space where national politics and royal life took place together. It burned down during the Imjin War and remained abandoned for nearly 273 years before being extensively rebuilt in the late 19th century under King Gojong. Later, during the Japanese colonial period, the Government-General Building was erected blocking the front of the palace, causing many halls to suffer damage. The restoration project that began in the 1990s continues today, and under a long-term restoration plan extending to 2045, the palace's former appearance is being revived piece by piece. Passing through Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the palace, you'll see Geunjeongjeon, where the king held official ceremonies with his officials. Beyond the wide courtyard lined with the raised platform (woldae) and rank stones (pumgyeseok), Geunjeongjeon, with its double-tiered roof, is considered the most magnificent building in Gyeongbokgung. Going further behind Geunjeongjeon, you'll find two pond pavilions: Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong. Gyeonghoeru, a pavilion used to entertain foreign envoys, sits atop a large artificial pond, while Hyangwonjeong is a small hexagonal pavilion on an island where the royal family used to stroll, connected by a bridge called Chwihyanggyo, offering different scenery with each season. The palace grounds also house the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea, allowing visitors to explore not only palace architecture but also Joseon royal artifacts and Korea's traditional way of life all in one place. In 2018, the western Yeongchumun gate entrance was reopened, further improving accessibility to the Seochon area.
Visitor Tips
Gyeongbokgung is closed on designated days, and admission fees and operating hours may be adjusted depending on the season, so it's advisable to check the latest information on the official website before visiting. Note that admission is free if you visit wearing a hanbok. The Gatekeeper Changing Ceremony, held daily at set times, is one of the palace's signature attractions, allowing visitors to watch up close as guards in traditional attire perform the ceremony in the open space in front of Gwanghwamun. English guided tours are also available for small groups without reservation, which can be helpful for travelers who want a deeper understanding of the palace's history and architecture. We recommend walking slowly along the route connecting Geunjeongjeon, Gyeonghoeru, and Hyangwonjeong to feel the traces of the Joseon Dynasty's 600-plus years.
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1Touring in the order of Gwanghwamun → Geunjeongjeon → Gyeonghoeru → Hyangwonjeong allows you to efficiently grasp the overall layout of the palace. Please check the official website before your visit for operating hours, closed days, and admission fees.
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