How to get free admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace wearing Hanbok and enjoy the Guard Changing Ceremony

As you walk through Gwanghwamun Square, you'll often encounter people wearing colorful hanboks. It almost seems like there are more foreigners than Koreans, and there's a good reason for that. When you wear a hanbok, Gyeongbokgung Palace Because the admission fee is free.

Thanks to this policy, implemented in 2013, Gyeongbokgung Palace has become a holy ground for “life shots” in Hanbok. Hanbok rental shops line the streets in front of Gyeongbokgung Station and near Insadong-gil, and you can rent one for around 5,000 won per hour. While admission is possible without wearing a Hanbok, most people who try wearing one end up wearing it again on their next visit.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is special for more than just its photogenic beauty. As the primary palace of the Joseon Dynasty, its sheer scale is incomparable to other palaces, from its grand structures like Geunjeongjeon and Gyeonghoeru to the living quarters of the king and queen. If you take your time exploring, half a day will easily pass.

The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony, featuring over 70 performers, is a renowned spectacle that has become so popular through word-of-mouth among foreign visitors that some say you haven't truly experienced Seoul if you miss it.

The Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony, held daily in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, is more than just a performance. About 70 actors, dressed in historically accurate armor, carry on the ritual for nearly 30 minutes to the beat of drums and music. Even just taking a single photo makes you feel as if you've stepped onto the set of a historical drama.

The Gatekeeper Changing Ceremony in Daejeon takes place at 10 AM and 2 PM and lasts for about 20 minutes, which is the most recommended time. The Gwanghwamun Guard Changing Ceremony is shorter, about 10 minutes, and is held at 11 AM and 1 PM. However, the ceremony does not take place on Tuesdays as it is a day off, so be sure to check the schedule when planning your visit.

🚇 Directions

If you exit at Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3, exit 5 will get you to the main gate, Gwanghwamun, the fastest. You can also easily walk from Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5, exit 2.

🕒 Operating Hours & Admission Fees

Operating hours vary slightly by season. From March to May and September to October, we are open from 9 AM to 6 PM. From June to August, we extend our hours until 6:30 PM. From November to February, we close at 5 PM. We are closed every Tuesday. The admission fee is 3,000 won for adults, but admission is free if you wear a hanbok.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is a worthwhile place to visit, not just for colorful hanbok photos, but also to simply stroll and experience a Joseon Dynasty palace. Just avoid Tuesdays when planning your itinerary.