Seoul's Five Grand Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine

Seoul packs five Joseon-era palaces and the royal ancestral shrine of Jongmyo into its historic center. Each was built for a different purpose and era, so visiting several gives you a real sense of five centuries of Korean history. One key tip: the palaces close on different weekdays, so check before you go.

The five palaces at a glance

The Five Grand Palaces are Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung. Gyeongbokgung, founded in 1395, was the Joseon dynasty's first and main palace, while Changdeokgung, built in 1405, served as the de facto main palace for centuries after the 1592 Japanese invasion.

Changgyeonggung was expanded and renamed in 1483 from a residence King Sejong built for his father, and Deoksugung (originally Gyeongungung) was the main palace of the Korean Empire (1897–1910). Gyeonghuigung dates to the early 1600s but was largely dismantled in the 19th century; only part of it has been restored.

Gyeongbokgung and the changing of the guard

Gyeongbokgung flourished under King Sejong but burned in 1592 and wasn't rebuilt until the late 19th century under King Gojong. Most of its buildings were torn down during Japanese colonial rule, and large-scale restoration has been underway since the 1990s.

A reenactment of the royal changing of the guard takes place at Gwanghwamun, the main gate, and is one of Seoul's most popular free sights. Visitors wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) can enter free; check the official site for the current dress requirements.

Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden

Changdeokgung, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is celebrated for buildings laid out in harmony with the natural terrain. It was the favorite residence of many Joseon kings, and the last emperor, Sunjong, lived here.

Access to the rear garden (Huwon, often called the Secret Garden) is by timed tour with limited capacity, so booking ahead is recommended. Tours are offered in English, Japanese, and Chinese at set times.

Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung

During the colonial period, Changgyeonggung was turned into a zoo and botanical garden; the zoo moved to Seoul Grand Park in 1983 and the palace was restored. Deoksugung mixes traditional halls with Western-style buildings such as Seokjojeon, reflecting Korea's turn-of-the-century push to modernize.

Gyeonghuigung, once known as the “West Palace,” has a restored main gate (Heunghwamun) and throne hall area. It's small but usually quiet.

Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo is the Confucian shrine holding the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Its royal ancestral rite and ritual music were proclaimed a UNESCO Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage in 2001, and the grand rite (Jongmyo Daeje) is held on the first Sunday of May each year.

Depending on the day of the week, Jongmyo is visited either on a timed guided tour or freely, so check the official site for the format on your visit date.

Before you go: regular closing days

According to the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung are closed on Mondays, while Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo are closed on Tuesdays. If a closing day falls on a public holiday, the site opens and closes on the next non-holiday instead.

Opening hours and admission fees vary by season and can change, so we don't list them here. Check the official website for the latest details.

• Closed Mondays: Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung
• Closed Tuesdays: Gyeongbokgung, Jongmyo
• Gyeonghuigung is managed separately; check its own notice

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