Gyeongbokgung vs Changdeokgung: Which Palace Should You Visit?
✓Quick Summary
- Gyeongbokgung is larger, more grand, and iconic; Changdeokgung is more natural and historic.
- Gyeongbokgung is closed Tuesdays, Changdeokgung on Mondays. Check hours before you go.
- Hanbok wearers get free entry to both palaces.
☰In this post
- Gyeongbokgung Palace vs Changdeokgung Palace: Quick Comparison
- Why Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace? (경복궁)
- Why Visit Changdeokgung Palace? (창덕궁)
- Which Palace Should You Choose?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Seoul Palaces
- FAQ: Your Palace Questions Answered
- Pro Tips for a Smooth Palace Visit
- Sources & References
- Related Posts
Many travelers wonder if they should visit Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace. For a first-time visitor seeking grand scale and iconic photo opportunities, Gyeongbokgung is the top choice, while Changdeokgung is ideal for those who prefer natural beauty and a deeper historical feel. This guide helps you pick the best palace for your visit, explaining what makes each one special. Every place below has a card you can show your taxi driver.
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It was built in 1395 and is known as the 'great blessings palace.' It is the largest and most beautiful of Seoul's five grand palaces. The palace was rebuilt and restored many times, especially after it was burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598). Today, the Korean government continues to restore it. You can Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace on Visit Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace vs Changdeokgung Palace: Quick Comparison
Here's a quick look at how Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung stack up, focusing on what matters most to visitors.
| Feature | Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) | Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Draw | Grandest, largest, most iconic royal palace | Beautiful gardens, UNESCO site, more "original" feel |
| Architecture | Grand, formal, symmetric, many reconstructed buildings | Blends with natural landscape, more authentic Joseon era style |
| Key Attractions | Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, Guard Ceremony | Huwon (Secret Garden), Injeongjeon Hall, Nakseonjae |
| Crowds | Can be very crowded, especially during guard ceremony | Generally less crowded, Huwon needs timed ticket |
| Best For | First-time visitors, history buffs, hanbok photos | Nature lovers, those seeking quiet beauty, deeper history |
| Closed Day | Tuesdays | Mondays |
| Admission (Adult) | 3,000 KRW (approx. $2-3 USD) | 3,000 KRW for palace, 5,000 KRW for Huwon (approx. $2-3 / $4-5 USD) |
Why Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace? (경복궁)
Gyeongbokgung Palace is often the first palace people think of when visiting Seoul. It was the first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395. It served as the main palace and is sometimes called Bukgwol, or "North Palace."
It is the largest and most visually striking of the palaces. If you want to see the grand scale of Joseon royalty, this is the place. Much of it has been rebuilt, but it still shows the impressive power of the old kingdom.
What to see and do:
- Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony: This colorful ceremony happens twice a day. It shows the Joseon Dynasty's royal guard culture. It is a great photo opportunity.
- Gyeonghoeru Pavilion: A beautiful pavilion set on a pond, used for royal banquets. It's one of the original structures.
- Hyangwonjeong Pavilion: Another picturesque pavilion on an island in a pond, also an original structure.
- National Palace Museum of Korea: Located on the west side, outside Heungnyemun Gate. It displays royal artifacts.
- National Folk Museum of Korea: Found on the east side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. It shows traditional Korean life.
Practical tips for Gyeongbokgung Palace:
- Nearest Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (경복궁역), Line 3, Exit 5.
- Hours: Generally 09:00 to 17:00 or 18:00. Last entry is one hour before closing. Check the exact daily hours before you go, as they change by season.
- Closed: Every Tuesday.
- Admission: 3,000 KRW for adults. If you wear a hanbok (traditional Korean dress), entry is free. Many shops near the palace rent hanboks.
- English Tours: Available daily at 11:00, 13:30, and 15:30 (except Tuesdays).
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Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
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Why Visit Changdeokgung Palace? (창덕궁)
Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁) is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for how well it blends with the natural landscape. Unlike Gyeongbokgung, which follows strict rules of design, Changdeokgung was built to fit into the existing terrain. This gives it a more natural, peaceful feel. It was also favored by many Joseon kings.
If you prefer beautiful gardens and a more "original" feel, Changdeokgung is a great choice. The buildings are less grand than Gyeongbokgung but feel more lived-in and authentic.
What to see and do:
- Huwon (Secret Garden): This is the main reason many people visit Changdeokgung. It is a stunning, beautifully preserved royal garden with ponds, pavilions, and ancient trees. Access to Huwon requires a separate timed ticket and a guided tour.
- Injeongjeon Hall: The main throne hall, where state affairs were conducted. It is a beautiful example of Joseon architecture.
- Nakseonjae: A simpler residential complex, known for its elegant design and quiet beauty, without colorful paint.
Practical tips for Changdeokgung Palace:
- Nearest Subway: Anguk Station (안국역), Line 3, Exit 3.
- Hours: Generally 09:00 to 17:00 or 18:00. Last entry one hour before closing. Huwon tours have specific times. Always check current schedules before you go.
- Closed: Every Monday.
- Admission: 3,000 KRW for the palace grounds. Huwon (Secret Garden) costs an additional 5,000 KRW and requires a timed ticket and tour. Hanbok wearers get free entry to the palace grounds.
- English Tours: Available for both the palace and Huwon. Book Huwon tours in advance, especially during peak season, as spots are limited.
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Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁)
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If you only have time for one, here's my advice:
- Choose Gyeongbokgung Palace if:
- It's your first time in Seoul and you want to see the most famous, grandest palace.
- You want to take photos in a hanbok with a majestic backdrop.
- You are interested in the Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony.
- You are traveling with family and want wide-open spaces for kids to explore.
- Choose Changdeokgung Palace if:
- You prefer natural beauty and peaceful gardens over grand architecture.
- You want a deeper dive into Joseon history and prefer a more authentic feel.
- You've already seen Gyeongbokgung and want a different palace experience.
- You want to visit Huwon, the stunning Secret Garden.
Combining your visit: Both palaces are relatively close to each other, making it possible to visit both in one day if you start early. They are also near Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village that offers great views of both palaces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Seoul Palaces
Visiting Seoul's palaces is a highlight for many, but a few common mistakes can impact your experience.
- Visiting on the wrong day: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday, and Changdeokgung Palace is closed every Monday. Always check the official website for current hours and closed days before you go. Nothing is worse than arriving at a closed gate!
- Missing the Changing of the Guard: At Gyeongbokgung, the Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony is a must-see. Many visitors arrive too late or leave too early and miss it. Plan your visit around the ceremony times (check current times, usually twice daily) to ensure you catch it.
- Underestimating size: Gyeongbokgung is very large. It takes more time than you think to walk through all the grounds properly. Don't rush; plan at least 2-3 hours to explore Gyeongbokgung fully, especially if you visit the museums inside.
- Not booking Huwon: For Changdeokgung's Secret Garden (Huwon), you need a separate, timed ticket and a guided tour. These tickets can sell out quickly, especially on weekends or during peak season. Book online in advance if you really want to see Huwon.
- Ignoring hanbok rental: Wearing a hanbok gets you free admission to both palaces. Many rental shops are located around Gyeongbokgung Station and Anguk Station. Renting one for a few hours can be a fun way to explore and save money on entry fees. Prices typically range from 15,000-30,000 KRW for a 2-4 hour rental.
FAQ: Your Palace Questions Answered
Which palace is better for photography: Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung?
For grand, iconic shots with wide open spaces and impressive architecture, Gyeongbokgung Palace is better. The scale and formal layout make for stunning photos. For more natural, intimate, and scenic shots, especially in gardens or with traditional Korean eaves against lush greenery, Changdeokgung Palace (especially Huwon) is the winner.
How much time should I allocate for visiting Gyeongbokgung versus Changdeokgung?
For Gyeongbokgung, plan at least 2 to 3 hours to see the main halls, pavilions, and potentially the museums. If you want to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, add another 30-40 minutes. For Changdeokgung, allocate about 1.5 to 2 hours for the palace grounds. If you include the Huwon (Secret Garden) tour, which is highly recommended, that adds another 1.5 hours, making it 3 to 3.5 hours total for Changdeokgung.
Are there any combined tickets or passes available for visiting multiple Seoul palaces?
Yes, there is a "Combination Ticket for Palaces" available. This ticket lets you enter Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace (excluding Huwon), Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine. It costs 10,000 KRW for adults and is valid for three months from the purchase date. This ticket is a good deal if you plan to visit at least three of these sites. You can buy it at any of the palace ticket booths.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Palace Visit
To make your visit to Seoul's palaces as enjoyable as possible, consider these additional tips:
- Check the weather: Seoul weather can be unpredictable. A sudden downpour or extreme heat can significantly impact your experience, especially since much of the visit is outdoors. Dress in layers and carry an umbrella or hat.
- Expect queues: During peak seasons (spring and autumn) or weekends, ticket booths and Huwon tour entry points can have long lines. Arrive early or consider purchasing tickets online in advance where possible to save time.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially at Gyeongbokgung. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast grounds.
- Stay hydrated: Especially in warmer months, carry water to stay hydrated. There are often limited shops inside the palace grounds.
Sources & References
Thanks for reading! If you have a question about your Korea trip, leave a comment — I answer as a local who actually goes to these places.
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