Gyeongbokgung Palace

The first and largest palace in Korea

Mar 18. 2022

Internship report by Rand

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest royal palace in South Korea. It is an important historic site in South Korea where you can learn more about Korean culture and its history. The weather during Spring is perfect to visit the palaces!

Even though the entrance cost is only W3,000 (W1,500 for children), I chose to enter Gyeongbokgung Palace with a Hanbok (Korean traditional cloth) to blend into the culture of Korea, which enabled me free entrance at the same time. Many other women and girls did the same, so don't hesitate to do it too! You can rent a hanbok from any hanbok store around the palace, but compare the prices! They all have different prices, rental duration, styles, and services.

About the visit

Gyeongbokgung Palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. You have the option of touring on your own or paying for a guided tour, which is available in English, Japanese, or Chinese. I went with a friend, and we chose to go alone so that we could take our time exploring and photographing.

Many rooms can be identified within the palace: the room where the king receives guests, the various pavilions that comprise the palace, lakes, bedrooms, and many more.

The guards

Moreover, you should definitely go during the hours when guards switch places! The guards take their jobs seriously; they stand motionless, don't speak, and they perform flawlessly (to take turns). When I went, the guards took turns watching the main door, and whenever they switch, they walk symmetrically, with some guards at the end playing drums (buk) in a ceremonial-like sound. Really interesting!

Beautiful pictures can be taken

You can visit Gyeongbokgung Palace with a relative or friend to snap some self-portraits! For the people alone, don't worry! Depending on the hanbok rental store, you can request a professional photography service at various prices. So choose the package (hanbok + photography session + duration) that best suits your needs.