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Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the 'Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,' is the primary and largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul. Established in 1395 by King Taejo, it stood as the main royal residence and the seat of government for much of the dynasty's early history. The palace's design adheres strictly to Confucian principles and traditional Korean aesthetics, harmonizing the sprawling wooden structures with the surrounding mountain landscape. Its history is marked by periods of destruction, most notably during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century, after which it lay in ruins for nearly 270 years until its grand restoration in 1867. Key highlights include the Geonjeongjeon Throne Hall, where official ceremonies were held, and the iconic Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which rests elegantly on stone pillars in the middle of a lotus pond. Today, the palace remains a central symbol of Korean national pride, attracting millions of visitors who come to witness the colorful Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and explore the onsite National Folk Museum.
- Location: South Korea
- Top sights: Savina Museum of Contemporary Art · Memories road · Château Baekmiwon Site
- Nearby: Uijeongbu (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 4 | 10 | 16 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 20 | 14 | 7 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 20 | 31 | 37 | 72 | 84 | 116 | 361 | 260 | 138 | 53 | 47 | 22 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The palace was significantly dismantled during the Japanese occupation in the early 20th century.
- The Geonjeongjeon Throne Hall is the largest wooden structure in South Korea.
- The Gyeonghoeru Pavilion is famous for being one of the best locations for traditional banquets.
- The palace complex originally had around 7,700 rooms at its peak in the 19th century.
- Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, located in a quiet pond, was used by the royal family for relaxation.
- The National Folk Museum of Korea is located within the palace grounds on the eastern side.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Gyeongbokgung Palace (10)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the changing of the guard ceremony?
Can you visit the palace for free?
Which day is the palace closed?
How much time is needed for the visit?
Is eating allowed inside the palace?
Gyeongbokgung Palace: where is it located?
Gyeongbokgung Palace: what is there to see?
Gyeongbokgung Palace: when is the best time to visit?
Gyeongbokgung Palace: why is it worth visiting?
History & landmarks
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