Gyeongbokgung, Joseon royal palace in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
The complex encompasses 7700 rooms across 500 buildings on 99 acres (40 hectares) of land, featuring traditional Korean architecture, multiple throne halls, residential pavilions, and ornamental gardens.
Built in 1395 as the primary royal residence of the Joseon Dynasty, the structure was destroyed during the Imjin War and reconstructed in the 19th century under Prince Regent Heungseon Daewongun.
The National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum within the complex present exhibitions about Korean royal heritage and traditional daily customs.
The site operates seasonal schedules with extended hours from June through August and shorter visiting times during winter months, accessible via Gyeongbokgung subway station on Line 3.
The changing of the guard at Gwanghwamun Gate takes place twice a day, not hourly. The ceremony revives Joseon-era court protocol, and the palace also opens at night for part of the year, when the illuminated gate and halls draw evening visitors.
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