Seoul Palaces Tour 2026: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung & Jongmyo Shrine

Exploring Seoul's Royal Palaces

Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, & Jongmyo Shrine

With such beautiful blue skies these days,

it's the perfect weather for a palace tour in Seoul!

I spent a whole day strolling through these ancient royal grounds and felt completely refreshed.🍃

Operating Hours & Closure Days

[Regular Closures]

If you're planning to visit Changdeokgung, Gyeongbokgung, and Jongmyo Shrine,

it's best to avoid Mondays and Tuesdays, as some sites are closed.

[Operating Hours]

Gyeongbokgung / Changdeokgung / Changgyeonggung

Jongmyo Shrine

(General Viewing Days: Sat, Sun, Public Holidays, Culture Day

/ Yulgok-ro North Gate Open)

(Guided Tour Days: Mon, Thu, Fri)

On these days, entry is at specific times,

and you'll enjoy a 50-minute tour with a guide.

Guided tours have limited entry per language,

with a maximum of 200 visitors per session.

This is split between 100 online reservations

and 100 on-site tickets.

General admission is not available on guided tour days.

Royal Palaces and Tombs Centerroyal.khs.go.kr

You can find more detailed information on viewing hours,

event reservations, and recommended courses on the website above.

Your Royal Palace Walking Course

One might assume that a path walked by deities and kings would be wide, straight, and majestic.

However, Jongmyo Shrine's "Sindo" (Spirit Path) is surprisingly narrow, with a rough surface, and even takes a turn midway.

This unique Sindo at Jongmyo is an integral part of the Jeongjeon (Main Hall) architecture's design.

It subtly reflects the solemn yet un-intimidating atmosphere of the ancestral rites, which involve music, song, and dance.

The path of Jongmyo is considered as profound as the Jeongjeon itself and the ancestral music performed there.

- Excerpt from 'Ode to Jongmyo' in My Cultural Heritage Exploration, Vol. 9

It's said that visiting Jongmyo Shrine is particularly beautiful on a late autumn Saturday morning or a snowy winter morning.

For those planning a palace walk,

we highly recommend starting with Jongmyo Shrine on a weekend morning.

Recommended Order: Jongmyo → Changgyeonggung → Changdeokgung → Gyeongbokgung

There are three main reasons why we recommend this order:

Jongmyo Shrine's last entry in September-October is 17:00,

making it the earliest closing site. Starting there ensures you don't miss it.

What if visiting all four in one day feels too ambitious?

○ Royal Guard Changing Ceremony

- This grand ceremony, featuring approximately 70 royal guards and 15 traditional musicians, takes place twice a day.

The ceremony involves a military salute by the guards, inspection of Gwanghwamun Gate's security, and the changing of shifts.

- Event Times: 10:00, 14:00 (Approx. 20 minutes)

○ Gwanghwamun Gate Guard Ceremony

- The Gwanghwamun Gate Guard Ceremony also occurs twice daily, featuring around 15 gate guards and traditional musicians.

This ceremony includes a "Jeokgan" (inspection) to check the guards' weapon management and duty posture, followed by a shift change.

- Event Times: 11:00, 13:00 (Approx. 10 minutes)

※ Schedules may change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

※ No reservations are required; simply follow on-site guidance to enjoy the viewing.

If your timing is right, you can catch these magnificent spectacles!

Check the schedules for the Changing Ceremony and traditional music performances, and plan your visit accordingly for an even more special day.

At Changgyeonggung Palace, I particularly love Haminjeong Pavilion, located right in the heart of the inner court.

This was once a place where kings and their officials discussed scholarship, but today, it's a peaceful spot where visitors can sit and relax.

With its open sides offering expansive views,

sitting there and observing your surroundings is truly serene.

Visitor Tips

① Comfortable shoes are a must!

② Always check closure days and event schedules before you go.

③ On sunny days, bring a hat, umbrella (or parasol), and water to stay hydrated.

On an autumn afternoon, the sun can be quite strong, so a hat or parasol is definitely a good idea.

I saw so many people wearing Hanbok (traditional Korean attire), and it truly complemented the palaces, making for fantastic photo opportunities!

It made me think I should try wearing one next time, too. Haha.

My legs were a bit tired after exploring all the palaces in one day,

but visiting on such a beautiful, clear-sky day was absolutely worth it!

If you're considering a palace outing in Seoul,

make sure to go on a day with gorgeous autumn weather – you won't regret it!^^

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