Journey Through Gyeongbokgung Relive the Royal Tales of Korean

As the year winds down, everyone's dreaming of escaping to somewhere romantic with crisp, cool air. If you're searching for the perfect destination that checks all the boxes, Korea is your answer!

Beyond the cozy winter vibes, you'll find incredible shopping, mouthwatering food, and those stunning locations that K-drama fans absolutely cannot miss—especially Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest and most beautiful royal palace in Korea. It's that dream photo spot that'll have your social media followers absolutely swooning!

Planning an international trip involves juggling flights, hotels, and activities, but don't worry! Gother makes everything easier with price comparison services, booking the best deals on flights to Korea, plus comprehensive accommodation and activity packages—all in one place. We help you prepare stress-free and guarantee an unforgettable trip!

Let's dive into what makes Gyeongbokgung Palace so special and which activities you absolutely shouldn't miss.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the ultimate must-see when visiting Seoul. This is the main palace—the largest and most magnificent of the five palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, dating back to 1395. Although it suffered damage during wars, it has been beautifully restored to its former glory, letting you experience the magic and prosperity of Korean history firsthand.

This iconic location serves as the backdrop for countless period K-dramas we all know and love—from sweet romantic scenes to intense political intrigue and grand ceremonies. It makes you want to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters at least once! And what makes visiting this royal palace even more special? Renting a hanbok for those picture-perfect moments!

Gyeongbokgung Palace isn't just about magnificent ancient architecture for photo ops—there are tons of fun activities and interesting spots to explore that'll keep you entertained all day!

Get your camera ready and embark on a journey through history!

1. The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (Spectacular & Unmissable!)

One activity you absolutely cannot skip at Gyeongbokgung Palace is the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, the palace's main entrance. This ceremony genuinely transports you back to the Joseon era!

The performance is filled with elegance, vibrant colors, and perfect timing. You'll witness guards in colorful traditional uniforms marching in perfect formation to traditional Korean music, creating an enchanting and memorable atmosphere.

Schedule: Twice daily (except Tuesdays when the palace is closed)

• 10:00 AM
• 2:00 PM

We recommend arriving a bit early to secure a prime photo spot—this is a moment you won't want to miss!

2. Hanbok Rental at Gyeongbokgung: Picture-Perfect Like You Walked Out of a K-Drama

As many know, the highlight of visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is wearing a hanbok—Korea's stunning traditional dress that transforms you into a princess or prince straight out of a period drama! Here's what you need to know:

• Special Perk: If you wear a traditional hanbok to the palace, you get FREE ADMISSION! (normally 3,000 won for adults). This is a great budget-saving tip that gives you the full Korean experience!
• Plenty of Rental Shops: Around the palace, you'll find numerous hanbok rental shops offering everything from traditional styles to modern interpretations, and even the luxurious royal outfits seen in popular dramas. Rental prices start around 10,000–30,000 won for 2-4 hours. Many shops include light hair styling and petticoats to make your hanbok look picture-perfect. Talk about value!
• Photo Tips: Choose brightly colored hanboks that contrast beautifully with the palace's ancient wooden architecture—your photos will absolutely pop! Or if you want that luxurious royal drama look, go for a king or queen style outfit and strike a pose among the palace's grand scenery. Trust us, you'll get premium-quality photos that'll make people stop scrolling!

3. Explore Key Buildings and Architecture

Gyeongbokgung Palace isn't just impressive for its size—it's filled with stunning buildings rich in fascinating historical stories. Architecture lovers, don't miss these spots!

• Geunjeongjeon Hall: Korea's largest wooden structure and the heart of the palace. Used for coronations and major royal ceremonies, this building features a magnificent traditional Korean roof design with intricate artistic details.
• Gyeonghoeru Pavilion: A two-story pavilion over a serene pond—one of tourists' favorite photo spots! The pavilion's beauty reflecting on the water is absolutely perfect, especially in the evening when the lights come on. Pure romance!
• Jibokjae Library: King Gojong's personal library, featuring a harmonious blend of Korean and Chinese architectural styles—both simple and elegant. It's a quiet corner full of charm worth discovering.

For Gen Z and anyone who loves taking trendy, aesthetic photos, besides hanbok shots inside the palace, there are activities and photo spots near Gyeongbokgung Palace you shouldn't miss—the surrounding locations are just as Instagram-worthy!

4. Stroll Through Bukchon Hanok Village

Located near both Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, this village is another must-visit! Bukchon Hanok Village is an ancient neighborhood that beautifully preserves traditional hanok houses.

Wander through small alleyways on the hillside and discover gorgeous rows of traditional Korean rooftops contrasting with Seoul's modern high-rises in the background—a stunning blend of past and present. Perfect for wearing your hanbok for aesthetic photos, or mix and match with modern Korean fashion against the vintage atmosphere. Either way, you'll capture that authentic Korean vibe wherever you shoot!

5. Street Art & Trendy Cafés in Samcheong-dong

After experiencing the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace, don't rush back! Just a short walk away, you'll find the super chic Samcheong-dong neighborhood—completely different vibes from the palace. This area is packed with small art galleries, quirky handmade craft shops, and minimalist Korean-style cafés perfect for coffee breaks and chill photo sessions.

Operating Hours:

• March–May & September–October: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• June–August: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• November–February: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission 1 hour before closing)
• Closed: Every Tuesday
• Admission: Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won

Getting There (Most Convenient): Subway Line 3: Get off at Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5) Or Anguk Station (Exit 1), then a short walk

Special Tip: During certain times of the year (especially spring and autumn), the palace opens for evening visits with beautiful lighting—incredibly romantic! If you want those magical nighttime palace photos, check announcements from Korean tourism authorities and book early because spots fill up fast!

So, what do you think of this Gyeongbokgung Palace itinerary we've shared today? We're sure it'll appeal to travelers, photography enthusiasts, and K-drama fans alike! Whether you're planning your palace review adventure solo, hunting for the perfect hanbok from rental shops around the palace, or just want to leisurely soak in the romantic year-end atmosphere, this place promises unforgettable memories.

Start your dream trip with Gother today! We're here to help from your first step until you return home, with comprehensive services all in one place: comparing the best flight prices to Seoul, booking everything from luxury hotels to boutique accommodations or budget-friendly guesthouses, plus exclusive deals on activities like tours, admission tickets, and hanbok rental packages. Let Gother ensure your trip is smooth, worthwhile, and ready for you to fly off and create romantic memories at Gyeongbokgung Palace!