3 West Seoul Palaces Guide: Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Gyeonghuigung

Hello, travelers!

This Seoul Palaces Guide continues from the eastern royal complexes and leads you into the western side of Seoul’s historic core — home to Gyeongbokgung (경복궁), Deoksugung (덕수궁), and Gyeonghuigung (경희궁).
Unlike the garden-focused eastern cluster, the western royal palaces sit in the heart of the modern city, surrounded by government buildings, museums, and cultural streets. Here, you’ll find grand ceremonial spaces, stone-wall paths, and a blend of traditional and Western-influenced architecture that reflects Korea’s transition into the modern era.

These three palaces offer a completely different atmosphere and are perfect for travelers who want to see how royal history connects with today’s Seoul.

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Quick Comparison of the 3 Seoul Palaces Guide

This section of the Seoul palaces guide helps you choose quickly at a glance.

Gyeongbokgung – The Main Royal Court

Why you should go

Gyeongbokgung is the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty and usually the first royal site people think of when they picture Seoul. It is large, photogenic, and surrounded by other famous spots such as Bukchon Hanok Village and Gwanghwamun Square.

Highlights

• Gwanghwamun Gate & Guard Changing Ceremony
  A colorful traditional ceremony with drums and guards in bright uniforms. It is easy to enjoy even if you do not speak Korean.
• Geunjeongjeon
  This is where official state ceremonies took place. Standing in the courtyard, you can imagine lines of officials bowing to the king.
• Gyeonghoeru
  A stunning pavilion over a pond, used for royal banquets. On a clear day, it is one of the most beautiful spots for photos.

Visiting tips

• Plan around 1.5–2.5 hours for a comfortable visit.
• Arrive near opening time to avoid heavy crowds and harsh midday sun.
• Check the official website for current opening hours and closing days (it is often closed one day a week, usually Tuesday).

Who will enjoy Gyeongbokgung the most

• First-time visitors to Korea
• Travelers who want classic palace photos, especially in hanbok
• Anyone who likes big, open palace courtyards

If you can only visit one palace, Gyeongbokgung is usually the safest recommendation in any Seoul palaces guide.

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Deoksugung – Stone Walls and Night Lights

Why you should go

Deoksugung is loved for its stone wall road, one of the most romantic walking paths in Seoul, with a calm atmosphere that feels different from other royal sites. Inside the palace, you’ll also find Seokjojeon, a Western-style neoclassical building built during Korea’s modernization period. Designed by a British architect and made of stone (“seokjo”), it adds a unique contrast to the traditional wooden halls and shows how the Korean Empire blended tradition with modern influences.

Highlights

• Seokjojeon
  A neoclassical stone palace built for Emperor Gojong, designed by British architect J. Harding. It symbolizes Korea’s modernization era, with grand reception rooms, imperial living quarters, and balcony-lined facades.
• Deoksugung Doldam-gil (Stone Wall Road)
  A romantic walking path along the palace wall. It is lovely in all seasons, but especially in autumn with yellow leaves.

Who will enjoy Deoksugung the most

• Travelers who enjoy a mix of traditional palace halls and Seokjojeon’s Western-style architecture
• History lovers interested in Korea’s early modernization period

Plan around 1–1.5 hours here. Deoksugung often makes a perfect last stop in your day after other sightseeing, and many Seoul palaces guide itineraries use it as the evening highlight.

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Gyeonghuigung – Quiet and Underrated

Why you should go

Gyeonghuigung is less famous than the other palaces and usually much quieter. Parts of it are restored, while other parts feel more like ruins.

Highlights

• Calm courtyards with fewer tourists
• A good place for reflection and slow photography
• A must-visit nearby museum: Seoul Museum of History

You can see the main areas in about 30 minutes, so it is an easy add-on if you are already in the area. And since the Seoul Museum of History is free to enter, it’s definitely worth stopping by right after your visit.

Who will enjoy Gyeonghuigung the most

• Travelers who want a quiet, crowd-free palace
• Anyone visiting the Seoul Museum of History

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West Seoul Palaces Guide: Operating Hours

Use the timetable below or visit the website to plan your visit easily. Each palace has different hours depending on the season and tour type, so check the details before you go.

Palace	Month	Operating Hours
Gyeongbokgung	Jan-Feb, Nov-Dec	09:00-17:00 (Last Entry 16:00)
	Mar-May, Sep-Oct	09:00-18:00 (Last Entry 17:00)
	Jun-Aug	09:00-18:30 (Last Entry 17:30)
Deoksugung	Jan-Dec	09:00-21:00 (Last Entry 20:00)
Gyeonghuigung	Jan-Dec	09:00-18:00 (Last Entry 17:30)

• Gyeongbokgung is closed every Tuesday.
• Deoksugung is closed every Monday.
• Gyeonghuigung is closed on January 1 and every Monday.

West Seoul Palaces Guide: Admission Fees

Palace	Age	Admission Fee
Gyeongbokgung	0 – 18 or 65+	Free
	19 – 64	KRW 3,000
Deoksugung	0 – 18 or 65+	Free
	19 – 64	KRW 1,000
Gyeonghuigung	All Age	Free

• Always Free Admission for Hanbok wearers.
• Free Admission on Culture Day (Last Wednesday of every month).

Exploring the western royal palaces gives you a completely different perspective on Seoul’s history — one that blends grand state halls, modern cityscapes, and traces of Korea’s shifting political eras. From Gyeongbokgung’s sweeping courtyards to Deoksugung’s unique mix of traditional and Western-style buildings, and the quieter remains of Gyeonghuigung hidden within the city streets, each site reveals a distinct chapter of the royal narrative. With the opening hours and fees above, you can easily explore the entire western palace zone in a single day — and appreciate why this district remains a favorite for travelers who want a deeper look at Seoul’s evolving royal heritage.

→ Read more guides on My First Korea Guide
→ Start planning today and uncover the royal landmarks shaping the heart of Seoul!