Free if eligiblePhoto: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Gyeongbokgung Palace
경복궁
Historic site · Jongno-gu
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.
Open in a map app
Source: royal.khs.go.kr
Nearby in Jongno-gu
Sujeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace
FreeHistoric site · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3)
Sujeongjeon stands west of Geunjeongjeon, with Gyeonghoeru Pavilion to its north.
Gwanghwamun Citizens' Open Square
FreePark · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3)
A rest spot for Seoul's citizens created on the site of the old Yukjo Street at Gwanghwamun. It takes in Yukjo Madang to the northeast, a modern re-creation of Yukjo Street, a citizens' rest area to the southwest, and the open space at the center
National Palace Museum of Korea
FreeMuseum · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3)
Joseon royal treasures displayed at the entrance to Gyeongbokgung. Free and indoors, it pairs well with the palace on a rainy day.
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
FreeMuseum · Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5) Exit 2
A free modern history museum facing Gwanghwamun Square. Insider tip: the rooftop viewpoint takes in Gyeongbokgung and the square at a glance.
Sejongno Park
FreePark · Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5)
A green space along Sejong-daero, the nation's central axis (Gyeongbokgung Palace–Gwanghwamun–Sejong Center–Cheonggyecheon–Seoul Plaza). Once run-down and closed off with limited public access, it was reborn as an open park linked to Gwanghwamun Square, creating a new
Gallery Hyundai
FreeArt gallery · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)
A gallery specialising in fine art, founded in April 1970, it has played a pivotal role in developing Korean contemporary art and bringing it to the world, representing Korean art for over 30 years.
Other historic sites in Seoul
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.
Jogyesa Temple
FreeJongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 6, Jonggak Stn. (Line 1) Exit 2
Head temple of the Jogye Order in the heart of the city. Shade from centuries-old scholar trees, seasonal lanterns and chrysanthemum displays. A quiet place to rest, close to Insadong.