Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea

5Karina K 5:00 PM Mar 14, 2023

Unmissable
Be sure to check the opening hours and it's not open every day. Entry price is incredibly reasonable at 3k (free if you're wearing a hanbok), there are audio guides (I imagine at an additional cost - I'd recommend getting one, as we didn't and I felt like I missed out). There are free guided tours on offer as well with a timetable available when purchasing your tickets. Highly recommend ensuring you are there for the change of guard ceremony (10am & 2pm) as it's unique. There are maps available, take one - the place is huge!

5Ryan B 5:00 PM Aug 16, 2022

Amazing palace!
I was in Seoul for only 5 days on a business trip and got 1 free morning and afternoon to enjoy the city before an evening flight and I was so glad I visited this palace! I stayed at the Plaza Hotel and it was about a 20 minute walk to the impressive front gates. There were guards dressed in period costumes you could take pictures next to and in the front you could purchase guided tours or get a free map to walk around. There are kiosks where you can buy tickets in any language which was helpful for me as an English speaker. They also rent period dress outfits you can wear and they waive the entrance cost (which was very cheap) and that was popular with the kids. I spent the better part of 2 hours walking the property and seeing the sites of this almost 700 year old complex. The pictures were beautiful, especially the gazebos on the water. There was also a small cafe and gift shop on the grounds to get out of the sweltering heat. If you only have a day to visit the city I recommend not missing the palace!