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Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide 2026: Tickets, Hours, Hanbok Free Entry & Guard Ceremony

Last verified: October 2026

If you only have time for one palace in Seoul, make it Gyeongbokgung (경복궁). Built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, it sits at the head of a grand avenue with Bukhansan mountain rising behind its rooftops — and in autumn, the courtyards and the pond pavilion of Gyeonghoeru are some of the most photographed spots in the whole country. This guide covers everything a foreign visitor actually needs in 2026: how much a ticket costs, when the palace is open, why wearing hanbok gets you in free, and how to time your visit around the changing-of-the-guard ceremony.

Quick facts (2026): Adult admission 3,000 KRW (roughly US$2) · Open 09:00, closed Tuesdays · Free entry if you wear hanbok · Guard ceremony at 10:00 and 14:00.

How much is admission?

Gyeongbokgung is one of the cheapest world-class attractions you will ever visit. Standard tickets are bought on-site at the main Gwanghwamun ticket office, and card payment is accepted.

Ticket	Price (KRW)	Notes
Adult (19–64)	3,000	Roughly US$2
Visitors in hanbok	Free	Korean or foreign; traditional dress worn correctly
Children (under 7) & seniors (65+)	Free	Bring ID / passport for seniors
Integrated Palace Ticket	10,000	Covers 4 palaces + Jongmyo Shrine, valid 3 months

If you plan to visit Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Jongmyo as well, the Integrated Palace Ticket (10,000 KRW) pays for itself quickly and skips the separate ticket lines. Many travellers also visit for free on Culture Day, held on the last Wednesday of each month at major cultural sites — worth confirming on the day, as participation can vary.

Opening hours & closed days

The palace opens at 09:00 year-round, but the closing time shifts with the season. Last admission is one hour before closing. The single most important thing to remember: Gyeongbokgung is closed every Tuesday. If Tuesday is your only free day, head to Deoksugung instead, which closes on Mondays.

Season	Hours
March – May	09:00 – 18:00
June – August	09:00 – 18:30
September – October	09:00 – 18:00
November – February	09:00 – 17:00
Every Tuesday	Closed

Why wear hanbok? (It's free entry)

Anyone wearing hanbok, Korea's traditional dress, enters Gyeongbokgung for free — no reservation needed. This applies to foreign visitors too, and it is the single best travel hack at the palace. Dozens of hanbok rental shops cluster around the palace walls and Gyeongbokgung Station; a standard 2–4 hour rental runs about 15,000–25,000 KRW (roughly US$11–18), often with hair styling for a little extra. You save the 3,000 KRW ticket, get far better photos, and the rental shop usually lets you store your bags while you explore. Wear the outfit properly (the full set, not just a sash) so staff recognise it at the gate.

Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony

The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony is free and happens at the main Gwanghwamun Gate twice a day, usually at 10:00 and 14:00, each lasting around 20 minutes. Guards in full Joseon-era uniform march, drum, and rotate posts — it's a great photo moment and you don't need a palace ticket to watch, since it takes place at the outer gate. The ceremony does not run on Tuesdays (when the palace is closed) and can be cancelled in rain or extreme heat, so aim for the 10:00 slot to be safe.

Night opening & autumn tips

Gyeongbokgung holds special evening opening sessions a few times a year, when the lit-up courtyards and the Gyeonghoeru pavilion reflecting on the pond are stunning. These sessions are seasonal, sell out fast, and release a limited daily quota for foreign visitors through the official NOL Ticket platform (around 3,000 KRW). The autumn 2026 evening session ran through early October; check the Korea Heritage Service or the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline for the next session's dates before you plan around it. Good news for last-minute visitors: wearing hanbok gets you free on-site entry to many of these night sessions too.

For an autumn visit, go early (right at 09:00) to beat tour groups, and pair the palace with a short walk to Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong, both within 15 minutes on foot.

Getting there

Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (경복궁역), Exit 5 — it comes out right beside the palace wall. Line 5's Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2 is a pleasant 10-minute walk up the main plaza past the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Tap in and out with a T-money card for the cheapest fare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gyeongbokgung Palace really free if I wear hanbok?

Yes. Any visitor wearing traditional hanbok enters for free, with no reservation required, and the rule applies to foreign tourists. A hanbok rental near the palace costs roughly 15,000–25,000 KRW, so you get photos and free admission in one.

What day is Gyeongbokgung Palace closed?

Gyeongbokgung is closed every Tuesday. If your Seoul day lands on a Tuesday, visit Deoksugung Palace instead, which closes on Mondays.

What time is the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung?

The free ceremony runs at the main Gwanghwamun Gate at 10:00 and 14:00, roughly 20 minutes each. It does not take place on Tuesdays and may be cancelled in bad weather.

How long should I spend at Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main halls, Gyeonghoeru pavilion and the rear garden at a relaxed pace, or longer if you add the National Folk Museum on the grounds.

Planning a Seoul trip?

Bookmark KRTAXPOLICY.COM for more up-to-date 2026 guides on Korea travel, transport, entry rules and tax refunds for foreign visitors.

Sources & verification

Admission, hours and closed-day details cross-checked against Korea travel guides and the Korea Heritage Service in October 2026. Night-opening details from the official evening-program announcements (NOL Ticket) and VisitKorea. Prices and schedules can change seasonally — always confirm on the day via the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline or english.visitkorea.or.kr.

• Korea Tourism Organization — english.visitkorea.or.kr
• Korea Heritage Service (Royal Palaces) — royal.khs.go.kr
• Gyeongbokgung night opening 2026 program announcements

This article is general travel information, not an official notice. Figures are approximate and subject to change; USD conversions are rough and vary with exchange rates.