Gyeongbokgung Palace

About this place

The largest and best known of Seoul's five royal palaces, and the first one the Joseon dynasty built when it made Seoul its capital. It was founded in 1395 and flourished under King Sejong the Great, in whose reign the Korean alphabet, Hangul, was created. The whole palace burned down in the war of 1592 and lay in ruins for almost three centuries, until it was rebuilt in the late nineteenth century. You enter through Gwanghwamun, the main gate facing the great square, and cross a series of courtyards to Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall with its double roof and stone-paved court. Behind it, Gyeonghoeru pavilion stands on stone pillars in a wide pond, where royal banquets were held. At the far north, the small Hyangwonjeong pavilion sits on an island reached by a wooden bridge. The changing of the royal guard takes place at 10:00 and 14:00 in the court before Heungnyemun gate, except on Tuesdays. Entry is free for anyone wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, which many shops around the palace rent out. Two free museums stand inside the walls: the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum. Allow at least two hours and come in the morning, before the tour groups. The palace is closed on Tuesdays.