Seoul’s royal palaces offer a breathtaking journey through 600 years of Joseon Dynasty history. For foreigners visiting Korea, this optimized one-day course balances iconic sights, cultural immersion, and practical logistics. Here’s your perfect itinerary:
Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Traditional Culture
⏰ 9:30 AM – Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Why visit: The grandest palace (1395), symbol of royal power.
- Key highlights:
- Gwanghwamun Gate: Watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony (10:00/14:00 daily except Tue).
- Geunjeongjeon Hall: Coronation throne under a double-eaved roof.
- Hyangwonjeong Pavilion: Picture-perfect pagoda over a lotus pond.
- Pro tip: Rent a hanbok (traditional dress) near the palace for free entry and stunning photos.
⏰ 11:30 AM – Bukchon Hanok Village
- Walk 10 mins northeast to this 600-year-old neighborhood.
- Experience: Wander alleys lined with hanok (wooden homes), visit craft workshops, and snap cityscape shots with palaces in the distance.
Lunch Break: Insadong Culture & Cuisine
⏰ 12:30 PM – Insadong Street
- 5-min walk south from Bukchon.
- Eat: Try galbijjim (braised ribs) at Tosokchon or bibimbap at Gogung.
- Explore: Browse antique shops and tea houses. Must-buy: handmade hanji paper crafts.
Afternoon: UNESCO Treasures & Secret Gardens
⏰ 2:00 PM – Changdeokgung Palace
- Why visit: UNESCO-listed masterpiece (1405), famed for architectural harmony with nature.
- Must-sees:
- Injeongjeon Hall: Ornate throne room with dragon-painted ceilings.
- Huwon Secret Garden: Book the mandatory guided tour (English at 1:30 PM daily except Mon). Stroll through 78 acres of ancient trees, pavilions, and lotus ponds.
- 💡 Booking essential: Reserve Huwon tickets online (₩5,000 extra) via [www.cdg.go.kr].
⏰ 4:00 PM – Optional: Deoksugung Palace
- Short taxi ride or 20-min walk from Insadong.
- Unique appeal: Blend of Korean and neoclassical architecture. Evening lighting creates a magical atmosphere.
- Time-saver tip: Skip if short on time; prioritize Changdeokgung.
Practical Information for Foreign Visitors
- 📅 Closed days:
- Gyeongbokgung: Tuesday
- Changdeokgung: Monday
- Jongmyo Shrine (alternative): Tuesday
- 🎟️ Tickets: Buy the Integrated Palace Pass (₩10,000) for 90-day access to 4 palaces + Jongmyo Shrine. Sold at all palace gates.
- 🚇 Transport:
- To Gyeongbokgung: Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5).
- To Changdeokgung: Line 3, Anguk Station (Exit 3).
- 🚫 Etiquette:
- Avoid touching palace structures.
- Bow slightly when passing through gates (traditional respect).
- Photography allowed, but no tripods in halls.
Why This Course Works
- Efficiency: Palaces are clustered north of downtown (map link: [bit.ly/seoul-palace-map]).
- Cultural depth: Combines architecture (Gyeongbokgung), nature (Huwon), and local life (Bukchon).
- Flexibility: Add Jongmyo Shrine (ancestral rites) or skip Deoksugung for a tea ceremony in Insadong.
Final Tip: End your day at Jogyesa Temple (near Insadong) at dusk—lanterns and chanting create a serene finale. Seoul’s palaces aren’t just relics; they’re living narratives of resilience. Walk these stone paths, and you’ll feel history breathe. 👑✨