Photo: Seoul Metropolitan Government (KOGL)
Gyeonghuigung Palace
경희궁
Historic site · Jongno-gu
A designated historic site, Gyeonghuigung served as a secondary palace in the late Joseon period.
Open in a map app
Source: museum.seoul.go.kr
Nearby in Jongno-gu
Seoul Museum of History
FreeMuseum · Gwanghwamun Stn. / Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)
A free museum on Seoul's transformation from the Joseon era to the present. The old Tram No. 381 outside is a photo favourite.
Donuimun Museum
FreeMuseum · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)
A restaurant turned museum.
Donuimun Museum Village
FreeMuseum · Seodaemun Stn. / Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5)
A modern-era alley village recreating the old Saemunan neighbourhood. Free entry to retro tearooms, comic book rooms and a cinema, and a great spot for vintage photos.
National Weather Museum
FreeMuseum · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)
Joseon-era rain gauges and more than a century of Seoul weather records. Far more rewarding if you book the free guided tour.
Gyeongagjang
FreeCulture space · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)
Where Kim Gu worked and was assassinated. Restored to its original form inside Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, free to visit.
Hong Nan-pa House
FreeHistoric site · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)
Located in Hongpa-dong, Jongno-gu, this house is where composer Hong Nan-pa, who left behind beloved Korean art songs and children's songs, spent his final years, living here for six years from 1935.
Other historic sites in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3) Exit 5
Joseon's foremost royal palace. Free on the last Wednesday of the month or in hanbok. The changing of the guard ceremony (10:00 and 14:00) is always free.
Changdeokgung Palace
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 3
A UNESCO World Heritage site famed for autumn foliage. Free entry applies to the main palace only; the Secret Garden requires a separate booking.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Hyehwa Stn. (Line 4) Exit 4
A palace with a Grand Greenhouse and the Chundangji pond. Linked internally to Changdeokgung, and beautifully lit during night openings.
Deoksugung Palace
Free if eligibleJung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2) Exit 2
A downtown palace where Seokjojeon sits alongside traditional halls. Open until 9pm, it's popular for evening strolls and the stone wall road; the changing of the guard is free.
Jongmyo Shrine
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Jongno 3-ga Stn. (Lines 1, 3, 5) Exit 11
A World Heritage shrine housing the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens, with a meditative path through dense woods. Self-guided visits on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays are the most relaxed.