Gyeongbokgung Night Viewing 2026: Tickets, Schedule, & Fall Tips
Discover the enchanting Gyeongbokgung Palace under the stars! Plan your 2026 night visit with our guide to tickets, schedule, and essential tips for a magical Seoul fall experience.
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Discover the enchanting Gyeongbokgung Palace under the stars! Plan your 2026 night visit with our guide to tickets, schedule, and essential tips for a magical Seoul fall experience.
Experience the tranquil ambiance of a Joseon royal palace on an autumn night!
Gyeongbokgung Palace Nighttime Viewing will be held from
September 2 to October 2, 2026.
Admission is ~$2, and visitors wearing hanbok
and some eligible individuals can enter for free,
making it a highly recommended autumn outing in Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Nighttime Viewing Schedule
Location
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office
Viewing Period
September 2 (Wednesday) ~ October 2 (Friday), 2026
Opening Hours
7:00 PM ~ 9:30 PM
Last Admission
8:30 PM
Closed Days
Every Monday and Tuesday
Estimated Viewing Time
Approximately 150 minutes
Please note that there are no viewings on Mondays and Tuesdays,
so if you're planning a weekend visit,
it's best to secure your tickets right after reservations open.
Unlike visiting Gyeongbokgung during the day, at night, you can
slowly admire the palace buildings and ponds
under the soft glow of illumination.
The special charm of Gyeongbokgung's nighttime opening
lies in the opportunity to enjoy traditional architecture
and the autumnal evening atmosphere together, right in the heart of Seoul.
How to Reserve Tickets & Prices
Admission tickets can be reserved through NOL (놀), the official vendor.
Reservations are open until 11:59 PM the day before your visit.
However, same-day reservations are not possible,
so it's important to decide your date in advance.
Category | Details |
General Admission Ticket | Ages 7-64, ~$2 per person |
Online Sales | 3,000 tickets per day |
Purchase Limit per Person | Max 4 tickets |
On-site Sales for Foreigners | 300 tickets per day, max 2 tickets per person |
Reservation Period | August 26, 2026, 10:00 AM ~ 11:59 PM the day before viewing |
Cancellation Deadline | Until 5:00 PM the day before viewing |
Book 2026 Gyeongbokgung Nighttime Viewing Here
Tickets require the entire group of the reservation holder to enter together;
individual entry is not permitted.
If you're visiting with family or friends, it's recommended
that your entire party gathers
before heading to the entrance gate.
Free Admission Eligibility
While the general admission fee for Gyeongbokgung Nighttime Viewing is quite affordable,
free entry is possible for certain eligible individuals.
Those eligible for free admission do not need a separate reservation,
but must bring identification documents such as an ID card, passport, or resident registration card
for verification upon entry.
✔︎ Children aged 6 and under (guardians must make advance reservations)
✔︎ Individuals aged 65 and over
✔︎ Visitors wearing hanbok
✔︎ National merits and recipients of veterans' compensation (the individual and their spouse)
✔︎ Holders of national merit bereaved family certificates (the individual)
✔︎ Severely disabled individuals (the individual and one companion)
✔︎ Mildly disabled individuals (the individual)
✔︎ For foreigners: aged 6 and under,
aged 65 and over, or wearing hanbok
If you're planning to visit in hanbok,
please note that not all hanbok styles are recognized for free admission.
The eligibility for free entry based on hanbok attire is verified on-site according to specific guidelines,
so it's safest to review the official hanbok criteria linked on the reservation page
in advance.
Category | Attire Eligible for Free Admission | Attire Not Eligible for Free Admission |
Women's Hanbok | Hanbok consisting of a jeogori (top) and chima (skirt), or a traditional outer garment like a dangui or durumagi worn together. | Short skirts, overly revealing designs, or outfits with only partial hanbok elements. |
Men's Hanbok | Hanbok consisting of a jeogori (top) and baji (trousers), or including a vest, magoja (jacket), or durumagi (overcoat). | Outfits like a hanbok vest worn over a t-shirt and jeans. |
Common Criteria | Attire that maintains the form and aesthetic of traditional hanbok. | Reformed or fusion hanbok that does not resemble traditional hanbok, or costume/stage attire. |
Viewing Route and Highlights
During this nighttime viewing, you'll get to explore
Gyeongbokgung's most iconic areas.
Starting from Gwanghwamun Gate, the open areas include Heungnyemun Gate, Geunjeongjeon Hall, Sujeongjeon Hall,
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Sajeongjeon Hall, Gangnyeongjeon Hall, Gyotaejeon Hall,
and the Amisan Garden area.
Especially if it's your first visit, we recommend following this route
to leisurely explore:
Gwanghwamun Gate, Heungnyemun Gate
These are the starting points for your Gyeongbokgung night stroll,
perfect for commemorative photos before and after entry.
Geunjeongjeon Hall
As the main hall where official ceremonies of the Joseon royal court were held,
it offers a magnificent sight with the nighttime illumination.
It's perfect for feeling the majesty of the palace.
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
A prime spot to capture the stunning reflection of the pavilion
on the pond at night.
Gangnyeongjeon Hall, Gyotaejeon Hall, and Amisan Garden
Take a leisurely stroll around the living quarters of the King and Queen
and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
If photography is your main goal, try entering around 7 PM rather than just before closing.
This gives you time to capture shots from when the sky still has a beautiful blue glow
until it's completely dark.
For portrait shots, the brightly lit areas around Gwanghwamun Gate and Heungnyemun Gate are ideal.
And for stunning palace nightscapes, the area near Gyeonghoeru Pavilion is fantastic.
Pre-Visit Checklist
Since the night viewing is an outdoor event, you'll want to consider the weather
and ease of movement.
According to official announcements,
the event proceeds as scheduled even in case of rain.
Cancellations or refunds due to severe weather conditions may not be possible.
✔︎ Tickets cannot be purchased on the day of the visit, so
make sure to book by the day before.
✔︎ Entry closes at 8:30 PM.
Arrive with plenty of time.
✔︎ If rain is forecast, prepare an umbrella or a raincoat.
✔︎ Parts of the palace interior can be dark, so
wear comfortable shoes.
✔︎ Strollers and wheelchairs are not available for rent at night, so
prepare any necessary equipment in advance.
✔︎ Free admission recipients and foreign visitors should
bring proof of eligibility, such as ID or passport.
✔︎ If you plan to enter for free while wearing Hanbok,
check the official dress code criteria.
Ticket Cancellation and Refunds
Ticket cancellations are possible until 5 PM on the day before your visit.
If you cancel before midnight on the day you made the reservation,
both the ticket cancellation fee and booking fee will be refunded. Additionally, if you cancel within 7 days of your reservation,
the full ticket amount will be refunded.
However, it's always a good idea to double-check the detailed conditions
based on your booking time and individual reservation details.
MellowTrip's Overall Review
If you're looking for a special autumn night date in Seoul,
a lovely outing with your parents,
or a historical experience with your kids,
we highly recommend the Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Viewing.
As it's a chance to enjoy the palace nightscape for just ~$2,
if you have a specific date in mind, be sure to secure your tickets
as soon as bookings open.
The Gyeongbokgung Palace Nighttime Tour in 2026 will run from Wednesday, September 2nd to Friday, October 2nd. Opening hours are from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with last admission at 8:30 PM. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed days.
Tickets can be reserved through the official vendor, NOL. Reservations are possible until 11:59 PM the day before your visit and cannot be made on the day of the visit. General admission tickets for ages 7-64 are ~$2.
While visitors wearing Hanbok can enter for free, not all outfits are recognized. Eligibility for free admission based on Hanbok guidelines will be checked on-site, so it is recommended to review the official Hanbok standards linked on the reservation page in advance. Short skirts, excessive exposure, or modified/fusion Hanbok may not be eligible for free admission.
According to official announcements, the Gyeongbokgung Palace Nighttime Tour will proceed normally even in case of rain. However, cancellations and refunds due to severe weather conditions may be difficult, so it is advisable to prepare an umbrella or raincoat. Strollers and wheelchairs are not available for rent during nighttime hours, so please prepare them in advance if needed.
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