Experience 500 years of Joseon Dynasty history through Seoul’s magnificent palaces! Here are curated tour courses blending culture, architecture, and hidden gems.
🏯 Course 1: The Grand Introduction (Full Day)
Route: Gyeongbokgung → Bukchon Hanok Village → Changdeokgung + Secret Garden
Highlights:
- Gyeongbokgung (Main Palace): Witness royal guard changing ceremony (10am/2pm daily except Tue)
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses between palaces (perfect photo spot in hanbok!)
- Changdeokgung UNESCO World Heritage Site: The “Secret Garden” with 300-year-old trees (book tour in advance)
Pro Tip: Rent hanbok (traditional clothing) for FREE palace entry! Rental shops near palace gates.
🌿 Course 2: Nature & Architecture Half-Day
Route: Changgyeonggung → Jongmyo Shrine
Why Choose This?
- Changgyeonggung: Most tranquil palace with botanical garden vibe
- Jongmyo Shrine: UNESCO-listed ancestral ritual site (guided English tours Sat/Sun)
- Walkable distance – less crowded than main palaces
💫 Course 3: Evening Magic & Modern Contrast
Route: Deoksugung → City Hall → Seoul Plaza
Unforgettable Experience:
- Deoksugung: Unique blend of traditional and Western architecture
- Catch the sunset palace lighting (open until 9pm)
- Night guard ceremony (special Friday/Saturday events)
- Contrast ancient walls with modern City Hall’s digital displays
🎫 Essential Visitor Info
| Palace | Hours | Fee | Closed | Nearest Subway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung | 9am-6pm (until 5pm Nov-Feb) | 3,000 KRW | Tuesday | Gyeongbokgung Sta. (Line 3) |
| Changdeokgung | 9am-5:30pm | 3,000 KRW | Monday | Anguk Sta. (Line 3) |
| Deoksugung | 9am-9pm | 1,000 KRW | Monday | City Hall Sta. (Lines 1/2) |
| Integrated Pass: 10,000 KRW for 4 palaces + Jongmyo (valid 3 months) |
🌟 Insider Recommendations
-
Best Photo Spots:
- Gyeongbokgung’s Gyeonghoeru Pavilion reflection
- Changdeokgung’s Buyongji pond
- Deoksugung’s stone-wall road at dusk
-
Cultural Enhancers:
- Free English tours (check official websites)
- Download “Palace Guide” app for AR reconstructions
- Try royal cuisine at Tongin Market lunchbox cafe
-
Seasonal Specials:
- Spring: Cherry blossoms at Changgyeonggung
- Fall: Golden gingko trees in Secret Garden
- Winter: Snow-dusted palace rooftops
Final Advice: Wear comfortable shoes – palace complexes span vast areas! Combine palace visits with nearby attractions like Insadong for souvenirs or Samcheong-dong for cafes. Allow minimum 2 hours per major palace.
Produced with reference to Korea Tourism Organization’s palace guides. Image sources: Wikimedia Commons (CC license).