Gyeongbokgung Entrance Fee: Everything You Need to Know for 2025
Nestled in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace stands as a prime icon of Korea’s rich heritage and is a must-visit for locals and travelers alike. If you’re planning a trip to this historic landmark, understanding the current entrance fees, discount options, and ticketing details will help you make the most of your visit and avoid surprises at the gate. Here’s your definitive 2025 guide to the Gyeongbokgung entrance fee.
Essential Highlights
- Regular admission is 3,000 won for adults and 1,500 won for children (ages 7-18)[4][7].
- Free entry is available for children under 7, seniors 65+, and anyone wearing a traditional hanbok[1][4][7].
- Combo ticket for four major palaces and a shrine is 10,000 won for adults (valid for 3 months)[7].
- Cultural Day (last Wednesday monthly): Free entry for everyone[4].
- Online and on-site night tour tickets sell out fast, with special access for foreigners[1].
- Admission is also free for groups on guided tours, with multiple daily sessions in English, Japanese, and Chinese[4].
- For the most up-to-date ticket information, check the dedicated Gyeongbokgung Entrance Fee page or visit EntranceFee.co.za for broader pricing info.
Table of Contents
<a href="#section-1">Gyeongbokgung Entrance Fee Structure for 2025</a>
<a href="#section-2">Free Entry and Discounts</a>
<a href="#section-3">Night Tours, Special Sessions & Combo Tickets</a>
<a href="#section-4">How to Purchase Tickets (On-site & Online)</a>
<a href="#section-5">Visitor Tips and Practical Info</a>
<a href="#section-6">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)</a>
Gyeongbokgung Entrance Fee Structure for 2025
The standard entrance fee gives you access to Korea’s most iconic palace, with clear pricing tiers for different age groups and visitors.
- Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won per person[4][7].
- Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won per person[4][7].
- Children under 7 & Seniors 65+: Free[4][7].
- Hanbok Wearers: Anyone wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) gains free entry[1][4][7].
- Tickets can be purchased directly at the main entrance or reserved online through select portals.
Combination Ticket:
– 10,000 won for adults, 5,000 won for children (valid for 3 months), covers Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung (with Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Jongmyo Shrine[7].
– More details on combo tickets and other attractions are available at Entrance Fee’s combo page.
Free Entry and Discounts
Several special offers and exemptions can help you save on entry fees, especially if you fit certain categories or visit on select days.
- Children under 7 years: No ticket required.
- Seniors (65 and above): Free admission.
- Wearing Hanbok: Experience Korean culture and save—wear a hanbok for free entry.
- Culture Day: On the last Wednesday of every month, all visitors are admitted free[4].
- Group Discounts: Available for parties of 10 or more; inquire at the ticket office for rates.
- Special Needs & Handicapped Visitors: May be eligible for free or discounted admission—ask at the counter.
- For eligibility details, check official guidelines and Gyeongbokgung official site.
Night Tours, Special Sessions & Combo Tickets
Nighttime access and packaged tickets offer unique experiences—and require advance planning.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Tour
- Tickets cost: 3,000 won (adults), 1,500 won (children 7-17).[1]
- Limited availability: Only 2,700 tickets issued per night; sessions sell out quickly, especially during the popular spring and autumn events (May 8 – June 15, 2025 for spring)[1].
- Night session tickets: Best reserved online as soon as they become available.
- On-site night tickets: Set aside for non-Korean passport holders (up to 300 per night, passport required). Each foreign passport holder can buy 2 tickets on-site[1].
- Combo tickets: Includes entry to four palaces and Jongmyo Shrine—A great value for itinerary planners[7].
Guided Tours
- Free guided tours available in English (11am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm), Japanese, and Chinese at set times[4].
- Tours begin at the information center, inside Heungnyemun Gate, and last about 90 minutes.
- Audio guides are available for self-guided tours.
How to Purchase Tickets (On-site & Online)
Make sure you know your options for obtaining tickets, especially during peak seasons.
- On-site: Tickets can be purchased at the palace ticket booth at Gyeongbokgung’s main gate. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
- Online: For night tours and special events, pre-booking is highly recommended due to high demand. Tickets go on sale via platforms like Ticketlink at set release dates. Check the Gyeongbokgung Entrance Fee page for real-time updates.
- Combo tickets: Buy at any participating palace or the main ticket booth.
- On-site night tour tickets for foreigners: Passport or alien registration card required[1].
Visitor Tips and Practical Info
Avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your Gyeongbokgung visit with these essentials:
- Operating Hours:
- March–May, September–October: 9am–6pm
- June–August: 9am–6:30pm
- November–February: 9am–5pm
- Closed Tuesdays. Last admission is one hour before closing[4].
- Location:
- Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5) – 3 min walk
- Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2) – 7 min walk[7]
- Changing of the Guard:
- Held at the main Gwanghwamun Gate several times daily.
- Parking:
- First two hours: 3,000 won (small vehicles), 5,000 won (large). Additional 10 minutes: 800 won[4].
- Dress Code:
- No strict code, but wearing a hanbok is encouraged for cultural immersion (and free entry!).
- Nearby Attractions:
- Combine your visit with Deoksugung, Changdeokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong for a full day of culture.
- For detailed entrance fees across Korea, explore EntranceFee.co.za.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to the most common questions about Gyeongbokgung Palace entrance fees:
1. Is Gyeongbokgung Palace free on certain days?
Yes, entrance is free for everyone on Culture Day—the last Wednesday of each month[4].
2. How much is the entrance fee for adults and children?
Adults pay 3,000 won, children aged 7–18 pay 1,500 won, and children under 7, seniors 65+, and hanbok wearers enter free[4][7].
3. Where can I buy tickets for the night tour?
Purchase online in advance (recommended) or at the gate (on-site tickets for foreigners available; bring your passport)[1].
4. What is included in the combination ticket?
This ticket covers Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung (with Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Jongmyo Shrine, valid for three months from purchase[7].
5. Can I visit with a large group?
Yes, groups of 10+ receive discounts. Advance registration is required for guided tours[4].
6. Do I have to book in advance?
For standard daytime entry, you can buy tickets at the gate. For night tours and peak seasons, advanced booking is strongly advised[1].
7. Are there English-language tours?
Yes, free English tours are available three times daily. Audio guides can also be rented for self-guided experiences[4].
Plan your visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace with confidence—know the latest entrance fees, take advantage of free entry opportunities, and enjoy one of Seoul’s greatest historical treasures.
For more information or to check real-time updates, visit the official Gyeongbokgung Entrance Fee page, browse all entrance fees in Korea, or start at the EntranceFee.co.za homepage.
External Resources:
– Visit Korea: Gyeongbokgung Official Info
– KoreaToDo: Palace Overview
– Agoda Travel Guide
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