Gyeongbokgung Palace

The place in a few words

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal residence of the Joseon dynasty. Today, it's one of Seoul's most iconic historical sites. Its vast courtyards, traditional pavilions and gardens are framed by mountains in the background. The palace has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history, but it still offers a fascinating glimpse into Korean royal architecture.

What we loved

What we particularly enjoyed was seeing so many visitors walking around in hanbok, traditional Korean clothing. And there's a reason for it: admission is free for visitors wearing a hanbok that meets the palace's rules, which encourages plenty of people to join in! All those colourful outfits among the historic pavilions create a special atmosphere and bring the visit to life. We also loved being able to wander freely through this huge complex.

Our tip

After exploring the palace, we recommend stopping at the I Got Everything café on the third floor for a coffee and an elevated view over the traditional rooftops. It's a lovely way to finish your visit and see Gyeongbokgung from a different...