Seoul palace guide: closing days, fees and free entry in hanbok
Seoul has five Joseon-dynasty palaces plus Jongmyo, the royal shrine. Each closes on a different day, so check them together before you plan.
Closing days and fees
| Site | Closed | Adult fee |
|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung | Tuesdays | ₩3,000 |
| Changdeokgung | Mondays | ₩3,000 (Huwon +₩5,000) |
| Changgyeonggung | Mondays | ₩1,000 |
| Deoksugung | Mondays | ₩1,000 |
| Jongmyo | Tuesdays | ₩1,000 |
If a closing day falls on a public holiday, the site may open and close on a later day instead. Fees are as of October 2026; an increase is under review but no date has been set.
Free entry in hanbok
Wearing hanbok gets you into the palaces and Jongmyo for free. Rental shops around Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon rent by the hour, and photos in hanbok with a palace backdrop are a favourite Seoul memory.
This policy is under review, so check the latest conditions on the official site.
Combination ticket
A ₩6,000 combination ticket covers the four palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung) and Jongmyo — worth it if you visit three or more. Changdeokgung's Huwon is included but needs a separate reservation.
Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung
Gyeongbokgung closes on Tuesdays and Changdeokgung on Mondays, so one is always open. My Trip Plan suggests the alternative palace when you hit a closing day.
The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is held at Gyeongbokgung at around 10:00 and 14:00. Enter at opening, watch the ceremony, then exit by the east gate and walk to Samcheong-dong and Bukchon.
Bukchon visiting hours
To protect residents, visitors may enter the area around Bukchon-ro 11-gil only between 10:00 and 17:00. Entering outside those hours can result in a fine.
If you are combining palaces and Bukchon, do the palace in the morning and finish Bukchon by early afternoon.
Night openings
Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung hold seasonal night openings. The illuminated palaces feel completely different, but tickets are by reservation and sell out quickly, so check the official site early.
Fares and times are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Check official sources for the latest information.
FAQ
How long does a palace visit take?
Allow 1–2 hours for Gyeongbokgung and about 1.5 hours for Changdeokgung (plus 1.5 hours for Huwon).
Are there guided tours in English?
Free tours in English (and Japanese) run at set times at Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Jongmyo. Check times on the official site.
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