Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

12.3Km 2025-06-19

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, the future King Taejo and founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because of its location to the north, comparied to Changdeokgung Palace in the east and Gyeonghuigung Palace in the west. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces. Many Joseon kings were crowned here. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a prime example of Joseon architecture, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond. The sculptures in the Geunjeongjeon Hall exemplify Joseon-era sculpture techniques. The west side of the area outside Heungnyemun Gate is occupied by the National Palace Museum of Korea, while the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion within the Gyeongbokgung Palace is occupied by the National Folk Museum of Korea.

Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

12.3Km 2024-07-17

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2295

The Royal Culture festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

12.3Km 2025-07-11

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-1645

In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Jagyeongjeon Tea Ceremony (경복궁 자경전 다례체험행사)

12.3Km 2020-03-12

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3210-4683

This traditional tea ceremony experience takes place at Jagyeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace every Saturday and Sunday. Participation is by reservation on a first come, first serve basis.

The ceremony includes a tea culture demonstration and experience, making honey cakes, traditional etiquette introduction, and lectures related to tea culture. To participate in the tea ceremony, download the application form from the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website and submit the form through email.

Wangdaebak Jijimichon (왕대박지지미촌)

12.3Km 2021-03-29

62-1, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-3337

A great store to visit on a rainy day. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is three-colored pancake.

Cheonggye Pharmacy - Cheonggyecheon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (청계약국 청계천)

12.3Km 2024-04-17

14, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Western Dom Jungang Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 웨스턴돔중앙)

12.3Km 2024-04-22

24, Jeongbalsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

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Goyang Street Arts Festival (고양호수예술축제)

12.4Km 2024-10-16

595 Hosu-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-1577-7766

Goyang Street Arts Festival provides festival-goers with a chance to see various performances all in one place. From street performances to citizen participation programs, there is plenty to see and enjoy at this street festival.

Good Morning Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (굿모닝안경)

12.4Km 2024-04-22

61, Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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L’Escape Hotel (레스케이프 호텔)

12.4Km 2022-06-08

67 , Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-317-4000

L’Escape Hotel has multiple branches in Seoul and is a boutique hotel by Josun Hotel and Resort. It was listed on Forbes Travel Guide recommended hotels for three years in a row since 2020. The guest rooms were designed by world famous interior designer Jacques Garcia. Facilties include a fitness center, spa, and small banquet hall. The hotel is located a quick two minute walk from Shinsegae Mall.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) - Area information - Korea travel information