The capital of South Korea is not only ultramodern metropolis but also city with rich historical architecture. During often turbulent history several stunning palaces where either preserved or reconstructed. Seoul has five beautiful palaces. In this blog we present you (mainly in photos) four palaces of Seoul that we have visited 🙂
Deoksugung palace, Seoul
Probably our most favorite palace. It lies near the City Hall in the centre of Seoul. Deoksugung, built in the 15th century by Joseon dynasty (1392-1897). Served as royal residence at the turn of the 20th century. Unfortunately, the bigger part of the palace was destroyed during colonial time. The part that remained is worth to visit! 🙂
How to get here
Take subway blue line to station City Hall. Entry to the subway is only 2 minutes from the palace.
Admission: The entrance fee is 1 000 KRW (less than 1 EUR) which is unbelievably affordable price for such beautiful sightseeing. Generally, the prices in South Korea for sightseeings are bargain. Price/performance ratio is excellent for tourists.
Time for visit: Reserve at least 2-3 hours for visit as you will love just to stroll around historical palace buildings and gardens. Closed on Mondays.
Bell
Deoksugung palace
Contrast between old and modern, Deoksugung
Deoksugung, Seoul
Changdeokgung palace, Seoul
Built as all Five Grand Palaces by Joseon dynasty in 14th century. This palace is registered in UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. Second palace in historical importance after Gyeongbokgung palace. You can find in this palace “Secret Garden” or Biwon. Tickets to the Secret Garden are sold separately and only as guided tours. So check times for tours. If you don’t have time to wait for a tour, go to the rear garden called Huwon that is part of the palace. It’s so quiet and peaceful place with various flora and a pond.
How to get here
This palace lies eastwards from the Gyeongbokgung palace. Take orange subway line and get off at Anguk station.
Admission: 3 000 KRW (2,5 EUR)
Time for a visit: Reserve at least 1-2 hours
King’s throne
Changgyeonggung palace, Seoul
Literally, neighboring palace to the Changdeokgung palace. You can get from one palace to another. However you have to buy tickets to both. Or you can do it like we did – buy a combo tickets to 4 palaces and Jongmyo shrine. It cost only 10 000 KRW (8 EUR).
Admission: 1 000 KRW (less than 1 EUR)
Time for visit: 1 hour
King’s building, Changgyeonggung palace
King’s premises, Changgyeonggung
Changyeonggung palace
Gyeongbokgung palace, Seoul
Historically the most important of all Grand Palaces of Seoul. Read more information about this palace in our blog Gem of Seoul – Gyeongbokgung palace.
Gyeongbokgung palace
Gwanghwamun gate to the Gyeongbokgung palace, Seoul
Courtyard in Gyeongbokgung palace
Main hall, Gyeongbokgung palace
Hope you enjoyed photos in this blog. If you want to see more photos from our journeys make sure you follow us on our Instagram account and Facebook account 🙂
Thank you for sharing this blog. It’s a big help. I’ve been looking for info such like this that can be my guide on my trip to Seoul this October 2018. I’m so glad I found your blog.
One question though, if i will purchase the integrated ticket (combo ticket) and it says Huwon is included, does it mean the Huwon Tour is included on the package? Or it only pertains to admission to Huwon? I am a bit confused with the integrated ticket and info about Huwon. The site says that in order to enter the Huwon is through guided tour. But if the combo ticket includes the Huwon, does it mean rhe guided tour? Hope you can advise.
Thanks in advance!