Beautiful in all seasons, a trip to the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul gives a travel experience rich in South Korea’s history and culture.
Surviving massive destruction throughout history, the consistent drive to reconstruct the palace buildings for future generations paid off.
Flocked by millions of tourists each year, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Gyeonghuigung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung palaces effortlessly draw admiration from their visitors.
With its picturesque vistas, elaborated architecture and stunning landscapes, strolling on the palace grounds is surely an experience that will get you closer to Korean culture and nature.
While it is feasible to visit all the palaces in one day, opt to divide and conquer. That way, you get to take other interesting side trips that you can pair up with your palace visit.
K-Travel Tips
Ideally, set your palace visit from Wednesday to Sunday since Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesday and the other three palaces are closed on Monday.
Within the vicinity of Gyeongbokgung, head to National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum to learn more about relics and culture from the Joseon dynasty.
Alternatively, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Arts is also a stone’s throw away from the palaces.
Seal your day trip with a refreshing ride aboard Seoul City Tour Bus.
The hop-on-hop-off bus passes through major Seoul tourist attractions in various courses. Thus, you can use it to reach Seoul tourist spots that are near each other.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
As one of the grandest palaces in Seoul, it gives off a masculine vibe with its staggering structures and amazing in-house museums. Take advantage of wearing Korean traditional dress, hanbok, while strolling on the vast ground of the palace. Hanbok rental shops are sprawled within the vicinity of Gyeongbokgung.
Inside the palace, head to the National Palace Museum of Korea and awe at the Joseon-era royal relics displayed. Additionally, you can add a visit to the National Folk Museum of Korea which is also housed on the palace grounds. There, you can learn about historical artifacts used by Korean people in the past.
How to get there: Take a cab or Seoul Subway – (Gyeongbokgung Station Line 3 Exit 5)
Nearby Tourist Destination: Gwanghwamun Square, National Museum of Contemporary Arts, Samcheongdong
Changdeokgung Palace
The UNESCO World Heritage site palace boasts a less structured pattern, yet the architectural design complements the breathtaking nature enclosing it. Built in 1405, the palace grounds feature a rear garden that can still be threaded on by visitors to this date.
How to get there: Take a cab or Seoul Subway – (Anguk Station Line 3 Exit 3)
Nearby Tourist Attraction: Bukchon Hanok Village
Changgyeonggung Palace
Stunning in spring, Changgyeongung Palace withstood multiple destructions and has been once converted to a modern park during Japanese colonial period. Especially during spring, you can bundle Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung if you wish to see charming cherry blossoms.
How to get there: Take a cab or Seoul Subway (Anguk Station Line 3 Exit 3)
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Changdeokgung Palace
Deoksugung Palace
Like the rest of the palaces which were ruined in the course of Korea’s history, Deoksugung Palace survived and kept a quarter of its original structure.
Its key point is its fusion of modern and traditional elements. It is the designated palace of the Korean empire.
Coupling your visit to Deoksugung with Gyeongbokgung takes you on an immersing trip down Korea’s history lane.
How to get there: Take a cab or Seoul Subway – (City Hall Station Line 1 Exit 1, 2, or 3)
Nearby Attractions: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jeongdong Theater, Jeongdong Observatory
Gyeonghuigung Palace
Midway Joseon period, Gyeonghuigung served as the secondary palace for the Joseon King. Later, during the Japanese occupation period, a school was housed in the palace. Its impressive architecture fits in well with the oblique geography of the surrounding mountain.
How to get there: Take a cab or Seoul Subway – (Seodaemun Station Line 5 Exit 4)
Nearby Attractions: Seoul Museum of History, Sungkok Art Museum
Make sure to visit the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul when you intend to visit South Korea soon!
Photos: KTO
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