(A Korean traditional-culture experience guide for international visitors)
[Document type] Traditional-culture travel guide / Seoul's Five Grand Palaces
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Introduction
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At the heart of Seoul, 500 years of Joseon-dynasty palaces are still
alive. Dressing in hanbok and strolling through the palaces has become a
signature moment of any Seoul trip.
With the global K-drama boom, palace visits have surged. Last year about
2.07 million people visited Seoul's five grand palaces and Jongmyo Shrine
— many times more than just a few years ago.
Here's the best part: simply wearing hanbok grants free entry to all five
palaces. Walking past colorfully painted pavilions and stone walls in
traditional dress makes for unforgettable photos — the best-value
traditional-culture experience in Korea.
This guide clearly explains the hanbok palace tour international visitors
should know, centered on Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
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How to start your palace tour
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1) Rent hanbok first
Hanbok rental shops cluster around the palaces (especially
Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Insadong). Prices are usually KRW
15,000–25,000 for 2 hours and 25,000–40,000 for 4 hours, and many
include hairstyling and accessories. Wearing hanbok makes entry to all
five palaces free.
2) The magic of free entry
Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung charge
admission, but hanbok wearers enter free. Gyeonghuigung is always free,
and all palaces are free on the last Wednesday of every month.
3) Integrated ticket
A combined ticket covering the four paid palaces plus Jongmyo costs
KRW 10,000 and is valid for 3 months — great value if you'll see several.
Key point: rent hanbok → Gyeongbokgung guard-changing ceremony →
Changdeokgung & Secret Garden. This route fills a half to full day nicely.
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TOP 10 must-do palace tour spots & experiences
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No.1
Gyeongbokgung (Guard-Changing Ceremony)
Purpose Joseon's foremost main palace, the grandest experience
Best for Every first-time palace visitor
Note Largest, built 1395; ceremony 10:00 & 14:00 (closed Tue); free with hanbok
No.2
Changdeokgung & Secret Garden (Huwon)
Purpose The most beautiful palace, in harmony with nature
Best for Those who want a UNESCO site and garden stroll
Note UNESCO 1997; Secret Garden needs reservation (+KRW 5,000), closed Mon
No.3
Hanbok Rental
Purpose Traditional-dress experience + free entry to all five palaces
Best for Everyone planning a palace tour (essentially a must)
Note 2h/4h options, hair & accessories included, unforgettable photos
No.4
Deoksugung (Stone-Wall Road, Seokjojeon)
Purpose A palace blending traditional and Western architecture
Best for Those wanting the stone-wall walk and night views
Note Latest closing hours, royal guard ceremony, closed Mon
No.5
Changgyeonggung (Chundangji Pond)
Purpose A cozy, serene palace with a beautiful pond
Best for Those who want a quiet stroll and photos
Note Connected to Changdeokgung; Chundangji pond is the highlight, closed Mon
No.6
Gyeonghuigung (Free & Quiet)
Purpose A calm palace stroll without crowds
Best for Those who want to enjoy a palace at leisure
Note Always free; next to the Seoul Museum of History
No.7
Palace Night Openings (Moonlight Tour, etc.)
Purpose Special night views of illuminated palaces
Best for Those wanting a different atmosphere from daytime
Note Seasonal; popular programs are best booked in advance
No.8
Guard-Changing Ceremony
Purpose Watch a colorful traditional honor-guard event
Best for Those who love traditional rites and photos
Note Held at Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung, free to watch
No.9
Jongmyo Shrine (World Heritage)
Purpose Joseon royal shrine, a solemn traditional space
Best for Those wanting deeper history and culture
Note UNESCO World Heritage, included in the integrated ticket
No.10
Integrated Ticket & Last-Wednesday Free Day
Purpose See several palaces economically
Best for Those planning two or more palaces
Note KRW 10,000 (3 months); all palaces free on the last Wednesday monthly
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How to plan your route
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[Half-day route (~4 hours)]
Rent hanbok → Gyeongbokgung (10:00 ceremony) → stroll nearby Bukchon and
Samcheong-dong. The most iconic and photogenic route.
[Full-day route (~7–8 hours)]
Morning Gyeongbokgung (ceremony) → Changdeokgung & Secret Garden
(reserved) → Changgyeonggung (connected) → afternoon Deoksugung
(stone-wall road, night view). Allow ample walking and meal time.
[Where to reserve]
Changdeokgung's Secret Garden (Huwon) has limited spots — book online 2–3
days ahead. Foreign-language guided tours run at set times.
[Watch the closing days]
- Gyeongbokgung: closed Tuesdays
- Changdeokgung / Changgyeonggung / Deoksugung: closed Mondays
- Adjust your route to your visit day.
Important:
- Palaces are large and involve a lot of walking; wear comfortable shoes.
- Summers are hot and winters cold; dress for the season.
- Return hanbok on time to avoid extra charges.
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FAQ
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Q1. Does wearing hanbok really give free entry?
A. Yes. Wearing hanbok gives free entry to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung,
Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung. Gyeonghuigung is always free.
Q2. Can I just walk into Changdeokgung's Secret Garden?
A. It has limited spots, so reservation is recommended. There's an extra
fee (about KRW 5,000 for adults) and it runs as timed guided tours.
Q3. Can I see all five palaces in one day?
A. Possible but tight — start at 9:00 and allow 7–8 hours. For a relaxed
pace, two or three palaces are recommended.
Q4. How much is hanbok rental?
A. Usually KRW 15,000–25,000 for 2 hours, 25,000–40,000 for 4 hours, often
including hairstyling and accessories.
Q5. When is the guard-changing ceremony?
A. At Gyeongbokgung usually 10:00 and 14:00 (except Tuesdays). Deoksugung
also holds a ceremony.
Q6. Is there interpretation or a guide?
A. Major palaces run foreign-language guided tours (English, Chinese,
etc.). PrettyKeep helps with scheduling, reservations and interpreters.
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Travel tips
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1. See the Gyeongbokgung ceremony in the morning, then move to
Changdeokgung & Secret Garden in the afternoon — an efficient route.
2. The last Wednesday of each month ("Culture Day") is free at all
palaces — plan around it.
3. If seeing two or more, the integrated ticket (KRW 10,000) is worth it.
4. Rent hanbok in the morning to enjoy the day, and return it on time.
5. Combine with nearby Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheong-dong and Insadong
for a richer traditional-culture experience.
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About PrettyKeep
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PrettyKeep is a travel and medical-tourism guide platform for
international visitors to Korea.
- Guidance on palace routes, hanbok rental and Secret Garden reservations
- Interpreters (English, Chinese, etc.) and cultural-experience matching
- Cultural courses linked to your recovery/travel schedule after
procedures or checkups
- Curation of traditional experiences: palaces, hanok, traditional markets
A special day in Korea — enjoy the beauty of tradition with PrettyKeep.
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