Must-Visit 5 Grand Palaces in Seoul: Top Attractions

The capital of Korea is the best for tourism. If anyone wants to explore Korean tradition, Seoul comes at the top. Not only the traditional architectural work in the 5 Grand Palaces in Seoul reflects the history of Korea, but the great Hanbok also steals the sight of the visitors. Furthermore, they are available as rentals for the photoshoot. The visitors can take as many selfies as they want in Korean traditional Hanbok.

Let’s explore the 5 Grand Palaces in Seoul. We will take you on the palace tour, which consists of the history of every palace, the proper address, and nearby facilities for tourists like shopping malls, restaurants, and comfortable accommodations. This will provide ease for the visitors.

Table Of Contents

The Guide for 5 Grand Palaces in Seoul

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The Guide for 5 Grand Palaces in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace 경복궁

It is the largest palace built in 1395 under the Joseon Dynasty and is commonly known as the Northern Palace because it is located towards the north. This palace is known as the best site for a photo shoot in Hanbok refers to the Traditional attire of Korea. Hanboks are available on rent and the entrance fee is free in case you are in Hanbok. It is a great experience for tourists to wear hanbok and take beautiful pictures at these traditional palaces. Moreover, Gyeongbokgung Palace was once destroyed during the Imjin war held in 1592-1598 by fire. Also, later reconstructed under the kingdom of King Gojong. The time the visitors can go for free Gyeongbokgung palace tour starts from 9 a. m. and the closing time is different according to the season. Check out more information on THIS POST.

Address & Open Hours

Address
- 161 Sajik-to, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Open
- January, February: 09:00 – 17:00
- March-May: 09:00 – 18:00
- June-August: 09:00 – 18:30
- September, October: 09:00 – 18:00
- November, December: 09:00 – 17:00

The last entry is about one hour before the closing time and the palace closes on Tuesdays. The other facilities available in the neighborhood of Gyeongbokgung Palace are described below.

Nearby Tourist Sites

Gwanghwamun Gate
National Museum (Modern and Contemporary Art)
Palais De Seoul
Africa Museum of Art
Gwanghwamun Square

Nearby Restaurants

Italyjae (western food)
The Hanok Smith Likes (Korean food)
Dugahun (western food)
Gogung Tteurak (bars, cafes, clubs)
Hwangsaengga Kalguksu (Korean food)

Nearby Markets

Tongin Market (Traditional local markets)
Cheongwadae Sarangchae Souvenir Shop (shops and malls)
Eunnamu (craft workshops)
Lee Seo-yun Hanbok (shops and malls)
Dongwha Duty-Free Shop (duty-free shops)

Changdeokgung Palace 창덕궁

Changdeokgung Palace built in 1405 and considered being the second largest in Seoul. This palace consists of the public Palace area, the residence building, and the rear garden. After visit Gyeongbokgung palace, you can reach here by foot as it is walking distance. It is another great palace, while walking, in between Bukchon Hanok Village attracting the sights of the tourists. The beautiful Changdeokgung palace’s garden was constructed under the kingdom of King Taejong. Go enjoy the authentic Korean charm garden.

Changdeokgung Palace cherry blossom image

Pavilions and Fountains in the Garden

Buyongjeong
Buyongji
Juhabru
Eosumun
Yeonghwadang
Bullomun
Aeryeonjeong
Yeongyeongdang

Address & Open Hours

Address
- 99 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Open
- February-May- 6:00 p. m.
- June-August- 6:30 p. m.
- September, October- 6:00 p. m.
- November, January- 5:30 p. m.
- Closed on Mondays.
Web
- http://www.cdg.go.kr/eng/

Nearby Tourist Sites

Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone
Changdeokgung Injeongmun Gate
Insa Art Space
Nakseonjae Hall
Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace

Note that these places can be reached by foot.

Nearby Restaurants

Baengnyeon Tojong Samgyetang (Korean food)
Luden Loquen Space (bars, cafes, and clubs)
Dining in space (western food)
Chanyangjip (Korean food)
Keungiwajip (Korean food)

HERE, you can check the list of the best Korean restaurants in Jongno-gu and Jung-gu, the center of the city, Seoul.

Shopping Streets

Jilsiru (rice cake Cafe)
Gogungmasil (shops and malls)
Saint James Boutique Samcheong
Jilkyungyee Uriot, Inc.

Comfortable Accommodations

Dajayon Guest House – Hanok
Ultari Hostel
The Place Seoul – Hanok
Cheong Yeon Jae Hanok Hotel – Hanok
Hanok B&B Mon Oncle à Seoul – Hanok

Changgyeonggung Palace 창경궁

This Palace located in the center of Seoul was built by the 4th ruler, King Sejong for King Taejong. This palace was initially named as Suganggung Palace. But after the renovation during the leadership of King Seongjong, the palace was renamed as Changgyeonggung Palace. In addition, there is an Okcheongyo Bridge, after the main entrance at Honghwa Gate. Myeongjeongjeon, the office of the king is situated near the Myeongjeongmun gate. And the highest building in the Changgyeonggung Palace was built for the queen as is referred to as Tongmyeongjeon.

Address & Open Hours

Address
- 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Open
- 09:00 – 21:00
- Closed on Monday
Web
- https://english.visitkorea.or.kr

Nearby Tourist sites

Nakseonjae Hall
Changgyeonggung Palace Honghwamun Gate
Yoo’s Family
Theatre Changdeokgung

Nearby Restaurants

Dining in space (western food)
Chanyangjip (Korean food)
Jirisan Restaurant (Korean food)
Nwijo (Korean food)
Nuri (Korean food)

Nearby shopping streets

Jilsiru (shops and malls)
Sewoon Electronics Department Store (shops and malls)
Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Jewelry District (shops and malls)
Gogungmasil (shops and malls)
Insta Art Plaza (souvenir shops)

Great Accommodations nearby

Dajayon Guest House – Hanok
Moon Guesthouse – Hanok
Hostel Tommy – Youth Hostel
The Place Seoul – Hanok

Deoksugung Palace 덕수궁

Located in the corner of Seoul’s business area. This palace was previously named as Gyeongungung Palace in 1611, and after 1907, it was named as Deoksugung Palace. Deoksugung refers to the palace of virtuous longevity. Besides, this palace is famous for its beautiful stone wall. When you enter the palace, you will see the Geumcheon stream bridge. The very first western-style building in this palace was the Jeonggwanheon Hall. Moreover, Seokjojeon Hall is another western-style building in this palace. Stone-wall is an attraction to it.

Address & Open Hours

Address
- 99 Sejong-daero, Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Open
- 09:00 – 21:00 (Visitors should try to reach 1 hour before closing time, as the entry closes at 8:00 p. m.)
- Closed on Monday
Web
- http://www.deoksugung.go.kr

Nearby Tourist sites

National Museum of modern and contemporary art
Deoksugung Doldam-gil (Deoksugung Stone-wall Road)
Jeongdong Theater
Jeongdong Observatory
Seoul Plaza

Nearby Restaurants

Dalgaebi (Korean food)
Jinju Hall (Korean food)
Luii (Chinese food)
Danube (Western food)
Great Shanghai (Chinese food)

Nearby shopping streets

Dongwha Duty-Free Shop (duty-free shops)
Lotte Duty-Free Shop- main branch
Saeran Glasses (shops and malls)
Namdaemun Market Mungu (stationary) Street (shops and malls)
Sungnyemun Imported Goods Shopping Center (shops and malls)

Comfortable accommodations

Koreana Hotel
Hotel The Plaza
Lotte Hotel Seoul
New Kukje Hotel
New Seoul Hotel

Gyeonghuigung Palace 경희궁

This Palace was considered as the secondary palace for the king of Joseon. Located in the western region of Seoul. In addition, Gyeonghuigung palace reflects the traditional beauty with it’s slanting architecture. For the king’s audience, Sungjeongjeon and Jajeongjeon building were taken under consideration and for sleeping and resting quarters, Yungbokjeon and Hoesangjeon buildings were there. A great palace and also consists of a Japanese school.

Address & Open Hours

Address
- 45 Saemunan-ro, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Open
- 09:00 – 18:00
- Closed on Mondays and January 1st.
Web
- http://english.visitkorea.or.kr

Nearby Tourists attractions

Seoul Museum of history
Korean national police heritage museum
Seoul Gyeonggyojang House
Sungkok Art Museum
Geumho Art Hall

Nearby food facilities

Yu Yuan (Chinese food)
Samjeon Hoejeon Chobap (Japanese food)
Halmaejip (Korean food)
Mijin (Korean food)
Sajo Tuna (Japanese food)

Shopping areas in the neighborhood

Larva town
Dongwha Duty-Free Shop
Lee Seo-Yun Hanbok

OPINION

We have discussed the 5 Grand Palaces in Seoul. All the necessities that are required by the travelers are listed. The tourists can consider this as a tour guide to Seoul. Furthermore, these 5 grand palaces in Seoul reflect the history of Korea and also acts as historical representations. These palaces are so old that the rulers/kings used to live in them. Tourists should visit them and tell the children about The Korean culture and the history behind these palaces.