Gyeongbokgung Palace

경복궁

The main Joseon palace, with Mt. Bugaksan behind it

⚠ Closed Tuesdays

Hours

About 9am–6pm, closing earlier in winter; closed Tuesdays

Tickets

Adult ₩3,000; free in hanbok

Address

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

King Taejo built it in 1395 as the first palace of Joseon Hanyang. It burned down in the Japanese invasions and was rebuilt in the 1860s. Walk through Gwanghwamun to the Geunjeongjeon courtyard and the ridge of Mt. Bugaksan stands behind the roof like a folding screen. Gyeonghoeru, the pavilion over the pond, looks best near sunset. The grounds are big, so plan two hours; the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum sit inside the walls.