Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide (2026): Free Admission & Hours

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Seoul in November: Must-Visit Spots

Gyeongbokgung Palace Free Admission Period & Hours Guide

ⓒ Choe Choi

If you're looking for places to visit in Seoul this November,

make sure to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace during its free admission period.​

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You can enjoy free admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁), along with the other Four Grand Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine (종묘), and the Joseon Royal Tombs (조선왕릉), until November 15, 2026.

However, please note that regular closing days are excluded, and the **last admission for Gyeongbokgung Palace in November is 4:00 PM**, so be sure to double-check your visit date and time.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace Free Admission: How Long Does It Last in November?

This special free admission period coincides with the Korea Grand Festival.

The **entire free admission period runs from Thursday, October 29, 2026, to Sunday, November 15, 2026.**

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Korea Grand Festivalxn--2i0bs4klockyciufozlkwe0my1nh7ub.kr

If you're planning a November outing, **aim to visit between November 1st and 15th, avoiding the palace's regular closing days.**

Combining a leisurely palace stroll with a meal and coffee at a nearby cafe makes for a perfect half-day outing in Seoul.

If you're traveling with parents, we recommend exploring one palace thoroughly rather than rushing through several.

2. Gyeongbokgung Palace Visiting Hours & Closing Days in November

Starting in November, **Gyeongbokgung Palace's closing time and last admission are both moved up by an hour.**

Please note that visiting hours and last admission are different, so you **must check the last admission time before you go!**

If you plan to take photos and explore thoroughly, it's best to arrive well before the last admission.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) is regularly closed every Tuesday. During the free admission period, **it will be closed on November 3rd and 10th.**

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3. Other Free Attractions to Explore

Beyond Gyeongbokgung Palace, choose other free attractions that fit your itinerary:

Since each palace has different closing days, **if you plan to visit on a Monday or Tuesday, it's crucial to confirm the specific venue's schedule first.**

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Also, please note that **special tours of Changdeokgung Palace's Huwon (Secret Garden) are excluded from this free admission period.**

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If the Huwon is your primary interest, you'll need to check the separate admission fees and reservation information.

During this period, Jongmyo Shrine (종묘) will switch to general admission, allowing visitors to explore freely without a guided tour.

4. Don't Miss the Cheopjong Event on November 1st

If you're visiting on **Sunday, November 1st, consider watching the 'Royal Guard Military Review: Cheopjong' event.**

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This event recreates a Joseon Dynasty military ceremony where the King inspects the formations and martial arts skills of his royal guards.

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You can either watch the morning event before exploring the palace, or visit after lunch to catch the afternoon performance.

However, please note that **from October 29th to November 1st, the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony will not be held and will be replaced by the Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문) Guard Ceremony.**

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Events may be altered or canceled due to weather conditions, so be sure to check daily announcements.

National Heritage Promotion Agencywww.kh.or.kr

5. Key Takeaways

① Palace Free Admission until November 15th

This applies to the Four Grand Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and Joseon Royal Tombs.

② Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on November 3rd & 10th

Special tours of Changdeokgung Palace's Huwon (Secret Garden) are not included in the free admission.

③ Gyeongbokgung Palace's last admission in November is 4:00 PM

The palace closes at 5:00 PM.

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If you're planning an overnight trip to Seoul, don't forget to check out accommodation options.

If you're visiting from out of town and planning to stay for a day or two, consider combining your Gyeongbokgung Palace visit with a stroll around Gwanghwamun (광화문) and Seochon (서촌).

When choosing accommodation, it's a good idea to consider factors like proximity to Gyeongbokgung Palace, room configurations, and cancellation policies.

Check the link below for hotels near Gyeongbokgung Palace and compare room rates for your travel dates.

👉 Book Hotels Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

Agoda Official Site | Free Cancellation & Discount Deals | Over 2 Million Accommodations3ha.in

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Make the most of this November's free admission period and enjoy a relaxing time at the palaces! :)