Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Introduction 
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces. 

The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919). 

Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond, have remained relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculptures of contemporary art. 

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong.

Current Status 
Historic Site No.117 (Designated on January 21, 1963)

Closed 
Tuesdays

Operating Hours 
November-February 09:00-17:00
March-May 09:00-18:00
June-August 09:00-18:30
September-October 09:00-18:00

* Last admission: 1 hr before closing
* Operating hours are subject to change depending on conditions or circumstances.

Parking Facilities 
Parking lot is located on the left-hand side on the road toward Samcheong-dong from Gwanghwamun Gate.
- Cars: 240 parking spaces
- Buses: 50 parking spaces

Admission Fees 
[Korean Citizens]
Adults (ages 25-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won 

[International Visitors]
Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won
Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Group (10 people or more): 1,200 won

[Integrated Palace Ticket]
- Four Palaces (Changdeokgung Palace (including Huwon, Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Jongmyo Shrine 
- Ticket is 10,000 won and may be used within a month after purchase.
- Refund unavailable upon visiting at least one place.

* Visitors may take a combined tour of Changdeokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace. (Additional ticket must be purchased at Hamyangmun Gate) 
* The Jongmyo Shrine tour will be offered only at specific times during the day, except on Saturdays, when visitors may tour at their leisure. The passage connecting Jongmyo Shrine and Changgyeonggung Palace will be closed to the public. 

* Closed Mondays: Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace
* Closed Tuesdays: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine

Facilities for the Handicapped 
* Wheelchair rental service available at Geunjeongmun guard post. * Parking spaces and restrooms (near outside entrance by parking lot) available for people with disabilities. * The main entrance has a wheelchair ramp for easy access.

Restrooms 
Available

Interpretation Services Offered 
Tours depart in front of the information center at Heungnyemun Gate (흥례문). 
- Duration: About 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min
- Tour Schedule
English: 11:00, 13:30, 15:30
Japanese: 10:00, 12:30, 14:30
Chinese: 09:30, 11:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30

* Reservations are required for groups of 10 to 30
* Group reservation: +82-2-3700-3904 

Detail info => http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264337