How to Beat the Crowds at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung costs 3,000 won for adults, and it's free if you wear a hanbok. It's closed on Tuesdays. Arrive at 9 am opening, before the tour groups and hanbok photo crowds, and catch the changing of the guard at 10 am. Hours are 9 am to 6 pm (5 pm in winter), with special night openings in some seasons.
- Adults
- 3,000 won
- In hanbok
- Free
- Hours
- 9 am to 6 pm (Mar-Oct), 9 am to 5 pm (Nov-Feb)
- Closed
- Tuesdays
- Changing of the guard
- Usually 10 am and 2 pm
- Night openings
- Some seasons, book ahead
- Best time
- 9 am on a weekday
- Time to allow
- 2 hours
How busy is Gyeongbokgung?
Seoul's largest palace is busy from late morning, with tour groups, school trips and visitors in rented hanbok. The throne hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion are the busiest photo spots. Night openings sell out fast.
Before you go, check how busy Gyeongbokgung Palace is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for Korean holidays, school trips and weather.
Check today’s crowds at Gyeongbokgung Palace →Best (and worst) times to go
- 9 am: quiet courtyards.
- Late afternoon: softer light and fewer groups.
- Worst: midday at weekends and in spring and autumn.
- Tuesdays: closed.
Our hourly forecast for Gyeongbokgung shows how busy each hour is expected to be on your date.
Check today’s crowds at Gyeongbokgung Palace →