Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are the two most important palaces for first-time visitors deciding which royal site to include in a Seoul itinerary. Gyeongbokgung is larger, more monumental, and easier to combine with Gwanghwamun and nearby museums. Changdeokgung is more intimate, follows the natural terrain, and offers access to the UNESCO-listed palace complex and its restricted-entry Rear Garden.
If you have only enough time for one palace, choose Gyeongbokgung for grand architecture and iconic photographs. Choose Changdeokgung if you value landscape design, quieter spaces, and the opportunity to reserve the Rear Garden. Travelers with a full day can visit both, but the route should be planned around closing days and the fixed garden entry time.
1. Gyeongbokgung vs Changdeokgung at a Glance
| Factor |
Gyeongbokgung |
Changdeokgung |
| Best for |
First palace visit, grand architecture, and iconic photographs |
Landscape, UNESCO heritage, and a more intimate atmosphere |
| Historic role |
Principal palace founded early in the Joseon dynasty |
Secondary palace that later served as the principal royal residence for long periods |
| Layout |
Formal, axial, spacious, and monumental |
Adapted to slopes and existing natural terrain |
| Garden |
Open palace grounds, ponds, and landscaped areas |
Restricted-entry Rear Garden requiring a separate ticket and timed entry |
| Typical visit |
Approximately 2–3 hours |
Approximately 1.5–2 hours without the garden; 2.5–3.5 hours with it |
| Regular closing day |
Tuesday |
Monday |
| Planning difficulty |
Low for ordinary daytime admission |
Moderate when reserving the Rear Garden |
Neither palace is universally better. The right choice depends on whether you prefer ceremonial scale or architecture integrated with nature.
2. Why Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung was established in 1395 as the principal palace of the newly founded Joseon dynasty. It stands against the backdrop of Bugaksan Mountain and faces the broad ceremonial axis extending through Gwanghwamun.
The palace is the strongest choice for visitors who want to understand the scale and structure of a Joseon royal complex. Its large courtyards, gates, halls, ponds, and restored residential areas make the difference between ceremonial and private palace spaces easier to see.
Main Areas to See
- Gwanghwamun Gate: The monumental main entrance and an important Seoul landmark
- Heungnyemun Gate: The transition into the central palace area
- Geunjeongjeon Hall: The principal throne hall used for important state ceremonies
- Sajeongjeon Hall: A working area associated with royal administration
- Gangnyeongjeon and Gyotaejeon: Royal residential quarters
- Gyeonghoeru Pavilion: A pavilion and pond used for royal banquets and diplomatic events
- Hyangwonjeong Pavilion: A smaller pavilion surrounded by a landscaped pond
- Geoncheonggung: A historically significant residential area connected with King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong
Who Should Choose Gyeongbokgung?
- First-time visitors to Seoul
- Travelers who want one representative palace
- Visitors wearing hanbok for photographs
- Families who prefer broad, easy-to-understand palace grounds
- Travelers combining a palace with Gwanghwamun and museums
- Visitors who do not want a timed garden reservation
Gyeongbokgung can feel crowded near Gwanghwamun, the throne hall, and major photography areas. Walking deeper into the northern and residential sections usually produces a quieter experience.
3. Why Visit Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung was constructed in the early 15th century as a secondary palace. After the royal palaces were destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century, it was reconstructed earlier than Gyeongbokgung and served as the principal royal residence for approximately 250 years.
Unlike Gyeongbokgung’s broad ceremonial axis, Changdeokgung follows the contours of the land. Buildings, courtyards, paths, trees, and slopes form a less rigid composition.
UNESCO describes Changdeokgung as an exceptional example of palace buildings integrated harmoniously with their natural setting. The palace complex was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
Main Areas to See
- Donhwamun Gate: The main entrance and one of the palace’s historic gateways
- Geumcheongyo Bridge: A stone bridge crossing the palace stream
- Injeongjeon Hall: The principal throne hall
- Seonjeongjeon Hall: A royal administrative space
- Huijeongdang: A royal living and working area altered over time
- Daejojeon: Residential quarters associated with the royal family
- Nakseonjae: A residential compound with a more restrained architectural character
Who Should Choose Changdeokgung?
- Travelers interested in UNESCO World Heritage
- Visitors who prefer natural landscape and smaller architectural details
- Repeat visitors who have already seen Gyeongbokgung
- Travelers visiting during spring foliage or autumn color
- Visitors who can reserve and attend the Rear Garden entry time
- Travelers combining the palace with Insadong or Ikseon-dong
4. Changdeokgung Rear Garden Reservations
The Changdeokgung Rear Garden, often called the Secret Garden or Huwon, is not included in ordinary palace admission. It requires a separate ticket and entry at a fixed time.
The official palace guidance states that online reservations open from 10:00, six days before the visit, and remain available until the day before the selected date when tickets remain. A limited number of same-day tickets are normally sold from 09:00.
The official capacity is currently divided between advance online reservations and same-day tickets. Popular periods such as April–May and October–November can sell out quickly.
Current Rear Garden Admission
| Ticket |
Adult price |
Important note |
| Changdeokgung palace admission |
KRW 3,000 |
Required to enter the main palace grounds |
| Rear Garden admission |
KRW 5,000 |
Separate timed-entry ticket |
| Combined adult cost |
KRW 8,000 |
Palace and garden prices can change |
Reservation Tips
- Create or test the reservation account before tickets open.
- Confirm whether your selected session is offered in English.
- Arrive at Changdeokgung early enough to enter the palace and reach the garden meeting point.
- Do not schedule another reservation immediately before the garden.
- Save the reservation confirmation offline.
- Bring identification when required by the booking procedure.
- Wear comfortable shoes because the garden includes slopes and uneven paths.
Do not arrive at Donhwamun at the garden start time. You still need time to purchase or verify palace admission, enter the grounds, and walk to the designated meeting location.
5. Opening Hours and Closing Days
Both palaces open at 09:00 under the regular daytime schedule, but closing time changes seasonally.
| Season |
Gyeongbokgung |
Changdeokgung |
| January–February |
09:00–17:00, last admission 16:00 |
09:00–17:30, last admission 16:30 |
| March–May |
09:00–18:00, last admission 17:00 |
09:00–18:00, last admission 17:00 |
| June–August |
09:00–18:30, last admission 17:30 |
09:00–18:30, last admission 17:30 |
| September–October |
09:00–18:00, last admission 17:00 |
09:00–18:00, last admission 17:00 |
| November–December |
09:00–17:00, last admission 16:00 |
09:00–17:30, last admission 16:30 |
Regular Closing Days
- Gyeongbokgung: Tuesday
- Changdeokgung: Monday
If a regular closing day falls on a public holiday or special opening date, a substitute closure may apply. Temporary closures, maintenance, ceremonies, weather, and special events can also change access.
Check the official Royal Palaces and Tombs Center notice immediately before visiting.
6. Admission Fees and Palace Combination Ticket
The standard adult daytime admission fee is currently KRW 3,000 for Gyeongbokgung and KRW 3,000 for Changdeokgung’s main palace grounds.
Individual Tickets
- Gyeongbokgung adult admission: KRW 3,000
- Changdeokgung adult palace admission: KRW 3,000
- Changdeokgung Rear Garden adult admission: KRW 5,000 in addition to palace admission
Integrated Palace Ticket
The official palace authority currently offers an integrated ticket for KRW 6,000. It provides one visit to the four major palaces and Jongmyo Shrine during the stated six-month validity period.
The integrated ticket does not include the Changdeokgung Rear Garden. A separate timed garden ticket is still required.
The combination ticket is worthwhile when you plan to visit several paid royal sites. It may not provide a meaningful advantage when visiting only Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
7. Hanbok Admission and Rental Planning
Visitors wearing hanbok that satisfies the official guidelines can receive free daytime admission to the major royal palaces. Simply wearing clothing advertised as “Korean style” does not automatically qualify.
Before Renting Hanbok
- Choose a rental shop close to the palace entrance.
- Ask whether the outfit complies with the official free-admission guidelines.
- Check the rental period and late-return charge.
- Confirm whether hair styling, accessories, lockers, and underskirts cost extra.
- Inspect the outfit and photograph existing damage.
- Choose shoes that remain comfortable for long palace walks.
- Check the rain, heat, cold, and wind forecast.
Gyeongbokgung has the largest concentration of nearby hanbok rental shops and is usually easier for a first hanbok experience. Changdeokgung can offer quieter photographs, but fewer rental options are located immediately beside the main entrance.
8. Photography, Weather, and Best Seasons
Gyeongbokgung Photography
Gyeongbokgung is better for:
- Grand gates and symmetrical courtyards
- Mountain-backed palace views
- Hanbok photographs near formal halls
- Reflections around Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
- Wide architectural compositions
Arrive near opening time for cleaner views around Gwanghwamun and the throne hall. Large tour groups commonly arrive later in the morning.
Changdeokgung Photography
Changdeokgung is better for:
- Architecture framed by trees
- Curved paths and changing elevation
- Smaller residential details
- Spring greenery
- Autumn foliage in the Rear Garden
The garden is not a private photography session. Visitors must remain with the permitted route or group procedure and follow instructions about movement and timing.
Seasonal Comparison
| Season |
Gyeongbokgung strength |
Changdeokgung strength |
| Spring |
Bright courtyards, flowering trees, and clear architectural views |
Fresh greenery and garden scenery |
| Summer |
Large grounds and pond views, but limited shade |
More wooded scenery, but high humidity and slopes |
| Autumn |
Mountain backdrop and colorful palace grounds |
Exceptional foliage, especially in the Rear Garden |
| Winter |
Formal architecture is easy to see; snow can be striking |
Quiet atmosphere and exposed landscape structure |
Rainy Days
Both palaces are mostly outdoor attractions. Stone surfaces can become slippery, and palace interiors generally cannot be used as ordinary rain shelters. Bring a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes, or combine a shorter palace visit with a nearby museum.
9. What to Combine with Each Palace
Best Route Around Gyeongbokgung
- Gwanghwamun Square
- National Palace Museum of Korea
- National Folk Museum of Korea
- Seochon
- Tongin Market
- Cheong Wa Dae area
- Optional Bukchon connection
A practical route is Gwanghwamun Square → Gyeongbokgung → palace museum or folk museum → Seochon or Bukchon.
Best Route Around Changdeokgung
- Changgyeonggung Palace
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Seoul Museum of Craft Art
- Insadong
- Ikseon-dong
- Jongmyo Shrine
A practical route is Changdeokgung → Insadong → Ikseon-dong. If you reserve the Rear Garden, organize the rest of the route around the fixed entry time.
10. How to Visit Both Palaces in One Day
Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are close enough to visit on the same day, but seeing both thoroughly can be tiring. The Rear Garden reservation must control the schedule.
Route Without the Rear Garden
- Enter Gyeongbokgung near opening time.
- Spend approximately two hours covering the main palace route.
- Walk, take a short bus, or use a taxi toward Changdeokgung.
- Eat lunch around Anguk or Insadong.
- Visit Changdeokgung’s main palace grounds.
- Finish in Insadong or Ikseon-dong.
Route With the Rear Garden
- Reserve the Rear Garden before planning the rest of the day.
- Visit Gyeongbokgung early only if enough transfer time remains.
- Arrive at Changdeokgung well before the garden entry time.
- Visit the main palace before or after the garden according to the schedule.
- Keep the evening flexible because the garden adds walking and fixed timing.
Do not attempt both palaces on Tuesday because Gyeongbokgung is normally closed. Do not attempt both on Monday because Changdeokgung is normally closed.
11. Which Seoul Palace Should You Choose?
Choose Gyeongbokgung If:
- This is your first palace in Korea.
- You want the largest and most recognizable palace.
- You plan to rent hanbok.
- You want broad courtyards and monumental photographs.
- You want to combine the visit with Gwanghwamun or museums.
- You prefer flexible daytime admission without a garden reservation.
Choose Changdeokgung If:
- You prefer architecture integrated with natural terrain.
- UNESCO World Heritage is a priority.
- You can obtain a Rear Garden ticket.
- You want spring greenery or autumn foliage.
- You have already visited Gyeongbokgung.
- You want to continue toward Insadong or Ikseon-dong.
Choose Deoksugung Instead If:
Deoksugung may be a better alternative when you need a smaller central palace, a later closing time, or an easy route near City Hall. Its regular grounds currently remain open into the evening, although individual buildings have separate hours and reservation procedures.
Choose Changgyeonggung Instead If:
Changgyeonggung is useful for a quieter palace walk, an evening visit, or a route connected with Changdeokgung. It generally receives fewer first-time tourists than Gyeongbokgung.
For most first-time visitors with only one palace slot, Gyeongbokgung is the stronger choice. For travelers who care more about landscape, UNESCO history, and seasonal scenery, Changdeokgung with the Rear Garden provides the more distinctive experience.
Information reviewed: August 2, 2026
Opening hours, closing days, admission prices, garden sessions, free-entry rules, guided tours, and night-opening events can change. Check the official Royal Palaces and Tombs Center before visiting.
Official information sources:
