Visiting a Royal Palace in Seoul

Expect a mix of impressive architecture, changing of the guard ceremonies, and large crowds. The palaces are restored wooden halls set in spacious grounds with some gardens and small museums. You'll spend most of your time walking outdoors on stone paths, so wear comfortable shoes. Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most popular; others like Changdeokgung feel quieter and have more natural landscaping. Plan on 2–3 hours per palace if you want to see it properly rather than just tick it off.

The best time is spring (late March to April) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October) for fall colors. Avoid midsummer unless you like brutal heat and humidity, and steer clear of weekends and national holidays when the grounds get packed. Entry is cheap: expect to pay around $2–6 USD per palace. Combo tickets or a city-wide heritage pass can bring the total for two or three palaces down to roughly $10–15.

Pick Gyeongbokgung if you want the classic photo-op experience with the big gate and guards; choose Changdeokgung for a more peaceful walk through secret gardens. Skip the audio guide if you're short on time—information boards are decent and you can always look things up later. Go early in the morning to beat the tour groups.