Palaces in South Korea: 5 Must-See Royal Residences in Seoul

Kicking off the list of must-see Seoul palaces is Deoksugung Palace—the grand name translates as the Palace of Virtuous Longevity. East meets West in the palace’s elegant mix of architectural features, which serve as a photogenic backdrop to the Changing of the Guard ceremony that takes place three times a day. This 50-minute colorful display of pomp and pageantry unfolds in front of the Daehanmun Gate and features elaborate costumes, flag-waving, and musical instruments—it’s an absolute romp.

Deoksugung Palace is particularly stunning when illuminated, and it’s a great place to visit in the evening—it closes at 9pm, with last admission at 8pm. Once you’ve seen the highlights on a walking tour, such as the 15th-century Gwangmyeongmun Gate with its cannon and bronze bell, explore the surrounding area’s dark history on an evening tour that reveals the haunted history of the landmark.

insider tip: There's no Changing of the Guard performance on Mondays, so plan accordingly to see the ceremony.

As the official palace of the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most important historic sites in Seoul. It boasts accolades aplenty: It’s the largest of the five grand palaces and was the first residence to be built by the Joseon founder in 1395. Highlights include the impressive Gyeonghoeru pavilion, supported by 48 stone pillars overlooking a lake flanked by trees that bloom pink during the spring cherry blossom season. It’s also home to the National Folk Museum of Korea at the eastern gate, where you can admire 10,000 exhibits related to domestic, spiritual, and agricultural life.

Thanks to its prime location in central Seoul, this palace is nearly always on sightseeing tours that cover the top attractions in Seoul. Get your bearings on a highlights tour that combines Gyeongbokgung Palace with the Namsan Tower—home to an observation deck with panoramic city views—or hone on local culture on a tour that visits the palace as part of an attraction-packed itinerary which also features Insadong, an artistic hub home to markets and artisan craft stores. Or, enhance your vacation shots even more with a hanbok photo shoot at the palace.

Although it was built as a secondary residence to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace is often touted as the most impressive of the Korean palaces in Seoul. And that's not just because of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status: This magnificent complex features vibrant interior decor and is home to the famous Secret Garden, a horticultural marvel designed according to Confucian principles. Admission tickets to the palace don’t include the garden (you can buy separate or combo passes), but they do include a guided tour.

Out of all the palaces, this one is the best explored with a guide who can explain exactly what makes it so special. It also looks particularly majestic in the fall, when its foliage erupts into orange, yellow, and red. Plus, sandwiched between Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung is Bukchon Hanok Village, a cultural hub comprising hundreds of traditional hanok houses, art galleries, and tea shops—opt for a tour that combines it with Gwangjang Market, where you can pick up some first-class souvenirs.

One of the more compact palaces in Seoul, Changgyeonggung Palace shares a garden with the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace and boasts the oldest surviving hall of all five royal residences. The throne hall, Myeongjeongjeon, is a shining example of 17th-century Joseon architecture, making it a must-see spot for history buffs. Nature lovers will love the surrounding forest, which is home to 50,000 trees; in spring, the blossoms of apricot, cherry, and peach trees are particularly fragrant.

If you’ve only seen the other palaces in daylight, be sure to visit Changgyeonggung on a night tour that covers the illuminated attractions of the Jongno district, including Jogyesa Temple, the center of Buddhism in Korea, and Ikseon-dong Hanok Street, where fairy-lit boutiques sell snacks and souvenirs late into the evening.

Built in the early 17th century, Gyeonghuigung Palace has risen from the ashes of several fires—but today it’s still as resplendent as it ever was. Must-see features include the grand Heunghwamun Gate, comprising three arches reserved for kings, princes, and crown officials, and the richly decorated Sungjeongjeon Hall, accessible via stone stairs adorned with mythical creatures.

But the palace won’t only appeal to those interested in the Joseon era; it houses the SeMa Gyeonghuigung Museum of Art, a branch of the Seoul Museum of Art, so it’s a must for arty types, too. Here, you can admire rotating themed exhibitions that showcase everything from traditional ink drawings to modern installations. If this whets your appetite for more of the capital’s art scene, head to the super sleek Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art or take a tour of the nearby hipster district of Gangnam, home to outdoor sculptures and street art. Tailor a culture-focused itinerary on a private tour that lets you customize your day.