Royal Palaces of Seoul: Which One Should You Visit?

Planning to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and be done with it? But friend, are you sure that Gyeongbokgung is the right palace for you when there are four other ones?

Yes, that’s right. There are five different palaces in Seoul, all from the Joseon-era! Each of them offer something different for travelers.

You want a dreamy Hanbok photo session? Gyeonbokgung and Changdeokgung are great for those. Didn’t think you would see marble columns in a Joseon palace? Deoksugung has surprises waiting. Hate the crowd? Gyeonghuigung’s got your back.

While you don’t have to see everything, knowing what you’re looking for helps a lot.

If you’re wondering which among the five palaces of Seoul you should visit, I’m here for you. I’ve been to each of them at least twice. AT LEAST twice.

Why Are There So Many Palaces in Seoul?

Good question. It started with one main palace at first, and then a secondary palace was built. Then one king wanted to build a palace for his mom and grandmother, so he did.

Then the main palace was demolished in a war, so the king moved his family into the secondary palace, and a different secondary palace was built to support that palace.

It’s getting confusing, isn’t it? I’ll stop.

The Five Palaces of Seoul: Broken Down by Highlights

Without further ado, let’s look at the five palaces and what each of them is about. Thank goodness they all have different vibes, otherwise we’d be here choosing forever!

1. Gyeongbokgung: The Photogenic Main Palace

Gyeongbokgung is probably the first palace you’ll see when searching for things to do in Seoul on Google. It was the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built right after its founding in 1395.

The most famous sights that set Gyeongbokgung apart from other palaces are the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and the main Gwanghwamun Gate, the only main gate built with concrete.

This is also the best palace to visit in a Hanbok dress if that’s what you want to do.

Most rental shops are around the area. Entry is uncomplicated, and you’ll find many other people in Hanboks posing in photo sessions on the grounds.

• Best For: First-time visitors to Seoul, Hanbok photo sessions
• Vibe: Grand, traditional, crowded (but not too bad)
• Highlights: Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Changing of the Guards Ceremony
• Skip if you want a quieter option or hate following the main tourist track

Learn How to Visit: Complete Visiting Guide to Gyeongbokgung Palace

2. Changdeokgung: For Both History and Nature

Originally built as a secondary palace for royal relatives, Changdeokgung became the main Joseon palace for nearly 300 years from 1600 to the late 1800s.

It is also the only palace of the five that’s been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for two main reasons.

One, it breaks the traditional architectural rules to complement the landscape, and two, the garden is so exquisitely designed that it’s considered the model of Korean landscape design.

Visiting Changdeokgung in a Hanbok is quite convenient and popular as well.

But since the Secret Garden is timed visits only, make sure you know the ticketing system and tour times well before deciding to do so.

Check this, the cluster of government offices to the left of the throne hall has nearly no people. You can get stunning shots of the empty palace buildings there! 🤫

• Best For: Those who want both history and nature in one go, UNESCO Sites chasers
• Vibe: Grand, unconventional, lively
• Highlights: Secret Garden, blue tiled roof, easiest to pair with Jongmyo Shrine

Learn How to Visit: Changdeokgung Palace Visiting Guide

3. Changgyeonggung: The Glass Greenhouse

Okay, there’s more to this palace than the glass greenhouse hidden in the innermost corner of its rear garden, but that’s what sets it apart from the other four.

Originally built to house three generations of queens, Changgyeonggung used to be a part of Changdeokgung, then called “The East Palace.”

Today, the palace has its own grounds and is easily accessible from Changdeokgung via a connecting gate.

The palace buildings in Changgyeonggung are not the grandest, and there are not many of them left, but the rear garden offers one of the most serene nature walks with fewer people.

It’s also home to the first-ever Western-style glass greenhouse in Korea.

• Best For: Those who prefer hidden gems and quiet walks in nature
• Vibe: Quiet, low profile, not many grand buildings to see
• Highlights: The rear garden and its glass greenhouse
• Tip: Pair the visit with Changdeokgung and Jongmyo Shrine. It’ll take you half a day at most.
• Skip if you’re not already visiting Changdeokgung.

Learn How to Visit: Changgyeonggung Palace Visiting Guide

4. Deoksugung: Korean Meets European Architecture

Yes! Finally, I’m visiting a real traditional Korean pa… Wait, are those brick columns?!

If that’s your vibe, head straight to Deoksugung and enjoy learning more about the Daehan Empire.

Thanks to Emperor Gojong’s efforts to raise Joseon’s status to match the Western powers, he not only upgraded its state status, but also the buildings inside his imperial palace.

Not only will you find grand Western-style palace buildings, but you can also enter one by joining the daily history tour in the afternoon.

Don’t miss out on the romantic Stone Wall Road outside the south wall of the palace. There are musicians playing at night, too!

• Best For: More modern history of Korea, architecture lovers
• Vibe: Modern, solemn, a little lively too
• Highlights: Daehan Empire History Tour, Stone Wall Road
• Tip: You need to put your name down for the history tour. Bring your passport

Learn How to Visit: Deoksugung Palace Visiting Guide

5. Gyeonghuigung: More Park Than Palace

It took me a few visits before I realized that I was missing one.

This once grand secondary palace to Changdeokgung was mostly demolished in the late 1800s, with its parts used to repair Gyeongbokgung to its former glory.

Today, it’s more of a public park where you can enjoy a quiet day with the locals (Tourists barely show up here. Surprised? 😅) and maybe walk around the three remaining buildings of the palace.

Here’s a fun feature you only get at this palace. There are wooden plaques along the corridors surrounding the throne hall, where you can learn more about Gyeonghuigung’s history.

It’s in Korean, though, so you might need your translator app!

• Best For: Solitude, slow travelers, a rest day during the trip
• Vibe: Quiet, humble, secluded
• Highlights: Peaceful corners, strange rock formations behind the palace
• Tip: Pair your visit with the Seoul Museum of History next door
• Choose another palace if you want to see grandiosity.

Learn How to Visit: Gyeonghuigung Palace Visiting Guide

Which Palace Is Best: A Quick Comparison

Want to Visit All? Get the Royal Palace Pass

If you’re in Seoul long enough to visit all the palaces, it’s much more economical to buy the Royal Palace Pass at the first one you visit. The pass grants you access to the following.

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Changdeokgung Palace (Secret Garden not included)
• Changgyeonggung Palace
• Deoksugung Palace
• Jongmyo Shrine

It costs 6,000 KRW and stays valid for 6 months after purchase, so you have plenty of time to go through all the heritage sites included.

Of course, Gyeonghuigung is free, so you can walk in there with or without the pass.

Renting a Hanbok? Go All In!

Since so many people visit these palaces, it’s a bit difficult to get a good photo of yourself, especially if you’re there alone.

I recommend booking a professional photo session. This way, you can leave with a nice memento of your time in Seoul. I it twice myself and have zero regrets.

Foodie? Make a list of typical dishes you gotta try and see how many of my favorite cafes you can cross off your list when you’re there!

Browse the rest of my South Korea guides for more ideas.

Helpful Travel Tips for South Korea

Most visa-free visitors to South Korea need a K-ETA in order to enter Korea. Check if you need one and apply about a week before you travel. This replaces the arrival form.

• Make sure you protect your trip with a travel insurance.
• Get this eSIM for local data without giving up your number.
• Must-have Apps: Papago AI Translator, Naver Maps, Kakao Metro

Read up on how to get from Incheon into the city, so you don’t run into surprises.

Don’t forget to learn some important dos and don’ts in Korean culture, as well as some useful Korean phrases, before you arrive!

Find a Place to Stay in Seoul

Looking for somewhere to stay? Use the map below! Feel free to refer to my guide on Seoul neighborhoods and figure out which area suits your needs best!

Grab My South Korea E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

FAQs: Visiting Joseon Palaces in Seoul

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