The principal royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, first constructed in 1395 as the seat of the newly established dynasty and rebuilt between 1865 and 1872 following its destruction during the Japanese invasions of the 1590s and centuries of neglect. Gyeongbokgung is the largest of Seoul's five grand palaces, occupying 40 hectares in the northern heart of the city with the North Mountain (Bugaksan) rising directly behind it as a natural backdrop that was deliberately chosen according to pungsu (Korean geomancy) principles. The palace complex contains over 300 buildings arranged along a central north-south axis, from the Gwanghwamun main gate through a sequence of progressively more intimate courtyards to the throne hall (Geunjeongjeon), the king's quarters, the queen's quarters, and the rear garden. Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall used for coronations and audiences, is a two-storey wooden structure on a raised stone platform surrounded by carved stone markers indicating where officials stood according to rank. The National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea are both located within the palace grounds, adding museum visits to the architectural experience. The Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a grand wooden banqueting hall raised on 48 granite pillars above an artificial lake, is considered one of the finest examples of Korean pavilion architecture and appears on the 10,000-won banknote. The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun gate is performed multiple times daily in historical Joseon-era military costume and is one of Seoul's most popular free spectacles. Visitors wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) receive free admission, and hanbok rental shops clustered around the palace entrances do brisk business. Gyeongbokgung Station on Metro Line 3 provides direct access.

Type: Tourist Attraction

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea, 03045

Website: https://www.royalpalace.go.kr/

Opening Date: 01/01/1395