Royal palace Seoul — How to visit 5 grand palaces in Seoul?

If you are planning to travel to Seoul, do not forget to visit the five palaces – 5 grand and impressive palaces in the heart of the modern city. Very few countries have many palaces in the same city as Seoul. Each palace has its own mark on the history of formation and development of the land of Kimchi. Today I will review the details of these 5 palaces so you have more options for your Seoul trip. The names of these 5 palaces (five palaces of Seoul, five grand palaces in Seoul) are: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung, Deoksugung. So, how to visit 5 grand palaces in Seoul (5 palaces Seoul). Let’s check it out our royal palace Seoul blog (royal palace Seoul south korea blog) to discover 5 palaces in Seoul from how to get there, what to do… to find the best answer.

Gyeongbokgung (경복궁)

This is the largest palace in Seoul, built in 1395. It is the place of official dynastic activities of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace has many separate areas such as the King’s working area, the area of courtiers, the royal residence area, the entertainment area.

What to do at Gyeongbokgung?

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문) – The main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace has 3 arched gates. It was built in 1395 under the reign of King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest and highest middle arched gate is the passage for the King. The two side arched gates are for the mandarins (bureaucrats) and servants. It’s the story of the old days, and now you only need an entrance ticket and raise your head to walk through the biggest gate like the king, LOL.

Before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, you should rent a traditional Korean costume of Hanbok in advance for your virtual living needs, it’s will very beautiful when dress up and take photos.

Inside there are about 300 “big hall, small mall” (as true expected of Seoul’s largest palace) and they have the quite similar architecture. However, each palace has its own “function” to serve the royal family and imperial daily activities. The center of Gyeongbokgung is the main throne hall Geunjeongjeon (근정전), where the Joseon dynasty activities take place.

The girls remember to visit the Gangnyeongjeon Hall (강녕전), this is the living and resting area of the King. If it’s too sunny outside, come here, have a king waiting, Lol.

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (경회루) is the most beautiful building and also the symbol of the palace. This place is used to organize big banquets in the palace. I really be amazed because I can’t imagine that the 2-storey architecture has existed since ancient times. The first floor is for low-rank mandarins. As for the King, Queen, the royal concubines, the royal family, the high-rank mandarins (primary mandarins), they will sit on the second floor to attend the banquet.

Other places such as Gyotaejeon Hall (교태전), which is the residence of the Queen, the smaller halls are the residences of the royal concubines, or the kitchen, the viewing tower is also extremely magnificent.

Inside the grounds of the palace, there also are two large museums: The National Palace Museum of Korea (국립 고궁 박물관) displays the relics, legacy and treasures of the Joseon royal family. And the The National Folk Museum of Korea (국립 민속 박물관) showcases the traditional Korean lifestyle and artifacts from ancient times. After visiting the palace, coming here you will understand more about culture, tradition, Joseon royal family in particular and Korea in general.

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 9AM – 6PM (March to October); 9AM – 5PM (November to February). Closed: Tuesdays
Admission: Adults: 3.000 won ($2.48) / Children: 1.500 won ($1.24)
Url: http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/
Getting there:
Subway: Take the Seoul Subway Line 3 get off at Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5 or get off at Anguk Station, Exit 1
Bus: Take the bus No. 1020, 7025,109, 171, 172, 601 or 606, get off at the bus stop of Gyeongbokgung Palace

Changdeokgung (창덕궁)

This is a palace recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage, so it is quite strictly protected. I don’t know if it’s because Changdeokgung has fewer tourists than Gyeongbokgung when I come here or not, but I prefer Changdeokgung. The space inside is very quiet. Taking photo at any corner is also beautiful for you, guys.

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