🏛️ Culture

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul, South Korea

About Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul's grandest palace, built in 1395 by King Taejo, founder of the Joseon dynasty, beneath Bugaksan mountain. Don't miss Gyeonghoeru, the two-storey banquet pavilion floating on a lotus pond, or the royal guard changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate at 10am and 2pm. Entry is free if you're wearing hanbok, and the palace is closed on Tuesdays.

guardsiconicjoseonpalace

📍161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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Why it works for solo travelers

✓ Comfortable to visit on your own.
✓ Budget-friendly ($).

More solo-friendly culture in Seoul →Seoul solo travel guide →

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More Culture in Seoul

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Changdeokgung & Secret Garden

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and often called the loveliest of Seoul's Joseon palaces, laid out to follow the hills rather than a strict grid. Its rear Secret Garden (Huwon), with pavilions and ponds, can only be seen on timed guided tours — some in English — and online tickets open six days ahead and sell out, so book early. The palace is closed on Mondays.

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Bukchon Hanok Village

A hillside neighbourhood of preserved hanok homes between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, with sloping lanes and rooftop views over old Seoul. People still live here: since March 2025 tourists may only enter the core 'Red Zone' around Bukchon-ro 11-gil between 10am and 5pm, with fines outside those hours. Go in the morning, keep your voice down, and enjoy a lovely solo wander.

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N Seoul Tower (Namsan)

The broadcast tower on top of Namsan, with observation decks close to 480m above sea level for 360-degree views over the city. Reach it on foot through Namsan Park or by the Namsan cable car, then find the love-lock terraces at the base. It's most rewarding at dusk, when you can watch the whole city switch on its lights below you.

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