Seoul's Royal Palaces

The biggest and grandest of the five palaces, built in 1395 and rebuilt after the Japanese invasions. Walk through Gwanghwamun, across the huge throne-hall courtyard to Gyeonghoeru, the pavilion floating on its lotus pond, with Bugaksan rising behind.

Good to know: Closed Tuesdays. Free in hanbok. The changing of the guard runs at the main gate most days at 10:00 and 14:00. Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), exit 5.

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The most beautiful palace, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its halls follow the slope of the hills instead of a grid, and behind them lies the Secret Garden, a wooded valley of ponds and pavilions once reserved for the royal family.

Good to know: Closed Mondays. The Secret Garden (Huwon) is by guided tour only — book online a few days ahead, especially in autumn. Anguk Station (Line 3), exit 3.

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Quieter and greener than its neighbours, with a lovely pond and a Victorian-style glass greenhouse. It's connected to Changdeokgung, so you can walk between them.

Good to know: Closed Mondays. Open into the evening, when the halls are lit — a good late visit. Hyehwa Station (Line 4), exit 4.

A small palace in the middle of City Hall's office towers, where traditional halls stand next to Western-style stone buildings from the last days of the empire. The stonewall road outside is a famous autumn walk.

Good to know: Closed Mondays. Open until 21:00, so it fits into an evening. City Hall Station (Lines 1, 2), exit 2.

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The royal ancestral shrine and a UNESCO site: one of the longest wooden buildings in Asia, stretched along a vast stone courtyard. Calm, austere and unlike any palace.

Good to know: Closed Tuesdays. Weekdays are by guided tour (English tours run at set times); on Saturdays and some holidays you can walk in freely. Jongno 3-ga Station, exit 11.

The former home of King Gojong's father, a compact set of hanok halls between Insadong and Bukchon. Small, free and usually empty — a peaceful break between busier sights.

Good to know: Closed Mondays. Free. Anguk Station (Line 3), exit 4.

Royal treasures of the Joseon dynasty — thrones, seals, robes and the royal astronomical clock — right beside Gyeongbokgung. The best way to understand what you've just walked through.

Good to know: Free. Open daily. Next to Gyeongbokgung's main gate; Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), exit 5.

The temporary palace inside Suwon's fortress walls, where King Jeongjo stayed on royal visits. Rebuilt, but beautifully done, with martial-arts shows in the square outside on some days.

Good to know: A day trip: see our Suwon guide. Small fee, very cheap.

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