Seoul Walking Tour: Gyeongbokgung Palace with Professional English Guide | South Korea
Explore the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace on a 2-hour walking tour with a professional English guide. Learn about the Joseon Dynasty and Korea’s royal history.
- Join a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour with an English-speaking expert
- Discover the stunning architecture and rich history of Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Learn about the lives of Korean royalty who once resided in the palace
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Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Take a 2-hour walking tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Explore the grand halls, chambers, and gardens that make up this historic landmark. Learn about Korea’s rich royal heritage and admire the intricate palace architecture. Book the only fully guided English walking tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace today!
— Important Information —
- Tour Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 am–11:30 am
- Meeting Time: 9:20 am
Meeting Point: Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5), by the stairs in front of the National Palace Museum of Korea - Group Size: Minimum 1 guest, maximum 10 guests
— Itinerary —
- Gwanghwamun Gate
- Heungnyemun Gate
Geunjeongmun & Geunjeongjeon (Main palace for state ceremonies)
Sajeongjeon (King's office) - Gangnyeongjeon (King's bed-chamber)
- Gyotaejeon (Queen's bed-chamber)
- Amisan Garden
- Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (Royal banquet hall)
- Sujeongjeon Hall
The itinerary may vary depending on the guide.
Admire the stunning view of Bugaksan Mountain behind Gyeongbokgung Palace
See visitors in colorful hanbok entering the south gate of the palace
Visit Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, where royal feasts were once held
Learn about palace architecture, history, and symbolic animal sculptures at Seoul’s main royal attraction
Purchase Notice
[Refund Policy]
- Refund policy will apply based on business days
- Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm (Off on weekends and public holidays)
- If you request for cancellation on an off-day, then the refund policy will be processed on the following business day
- Minor alert for outdoor tours affected by weather and unforeseen circumstances: Refunds are unavailable, reschedules are available
- Major alert for outdoor tours affected by weather and unforeseen circumstances: Refunds are unavailable, reschedules are available
Reminders
A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 2 day(s) before the departure date
If the tour is canceled due to the circumstances related to the organizer, we will inform you through email 1 to 2 days in advance
The tour will still proceed on rainy days. Refunds will not be granted for cancellation requests due to the weather during the tour
Since this tour is not a private tour, the participants may be comprised of different nationalities. However, the guide language will be in English
During the tour, audio and video recording of the guide's commentary is not allowed
Pets are not allowed. There will be no available space for pets
Please note that this tour is only available in the morning
Please note that reservation services are not available during weekends and public holidays
Ticket pricing is fixed and will be the same for all ages
This is a walking tour (there will be no transportation vehicles such as a bus)
⚠️All the itineraries of our company do not include personal travel insurance. There are certain risks and dangers in outdoor activities. Guests must evaluate their own health or ability.The company will not be responsible for any physical damage or casualty caused by accidents or unpredictable factors.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 3 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Gyeongbokgung Palace, meaning 'Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,' is the largest and most beautiful of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. It served as the main royal palace, housing the royal family and government offices. Its significance lies in its role as the heart of Joseon's sovereignty and culture, reflecting its history through impressive architecture like Geunjeongjeon Hall, and beautiful gardens.
Gyeongbokgung Palace generally requires an admission ticket for entry. A notable aspect of the entry policy is that visitors wearing traditional Korean hanbok can often enter for free, which is a popular cultural experience. The palace is typically closed on Tuesdays, so it's wise to confirm operating hours before your visit. Tickets can be purchased directly at the site.
The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a historical reenactment held multiple times a day at the Gwanghwamun and Heungnyemun gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It typically takes place at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, lasting about 20 minutes. There is no ceremony on Tuesdays, when the palace is closed. It's a colorful spectacle demonstrating traditional Joseon Dynasty military culture.
Visitors usually enter Gyeongbokgung Palace through its main gate, Gwanghwamun. After passing through Gwanghwamun, you'll reach the ticket office at Heungnyemun Gate. Tickets can be purchased on-site or pre-booked. Group tours often have a designated meeting point near the main entrance. It's recommended to arrive a bit early, especially for guided tours, to ensure a smooth entry.
To thoroughly explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and appreciate its historical significance and architecture, allocating at least 2 to 3 hours is recommended. This allows time to walk through the main halls, visit the National Folk Museum of Korea located within the grounds, and possibly watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. A guided tour typically lasts around 2 hours, offering a focused experience.
From Seoul Station, the most convenient way to reach Gyeongbokgung Palace is by subway. Take Line 1 (dark blue) from Seoul Station to Jonggak Station, then transfer to Line 3 (orange) and alight at Anguk Station (Exit 1). From there, it's about a 5-10 minute walk to the palace. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or bus.
From City Hall, Gyeongbokgung Palace is easily accessible via subway. Take Seoul Subway Line 3 (orange line) from City Hall Station directly to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5). This exit leads directly into the palace grounds. The journey is short, typically only one or two stops, making it a very convenient and direct option.
A guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace focuses on the Joseon Dynasty's royal history, sharing stories of kings, queens, and court life. You'll learn about the symbolic meanings behind the palace's stunning architecture, including the intricate details of Geunjeongjeon (Throne Hall) and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. Guides also explain the layout and function of different palace areas, providing a deeper understanding of Korean heritage.
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