Five Royal Palaces

What to see and do

Start with Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung. Save Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung and Gyeonghuigung for another walk instead of rushing all five.

A route to plan from Seoul

Use the Seoul metro to Gyeongbokgung, Anguk or City Hall according to the palace you choose.

This is a route suggestion, not a live timetable. Confirm the departure, final connection and return service for your travel date.

Regional transport guide · How to buy tickets

Choose a practical base

Look for accommodation in or around Jongno and Jung-gu, Seoul. Compare its distance to the arrival station or terminal and your first sightseeing stop. A rural attraction may be easier to visit from a town base with an arranged transfer.

For a hanok stay, ask about bed or floor bedding, private bathrooms, steps, check-in and luggage storage. For a hotel, compare access to the local transport you plan to use.

Hanok stays and hotels · Local accommodation guide

A taste of Seoul

Seolleongtang — A gentle, milky ox-bone soup served with beef and rice. This Seoul classic makes a comforting meal between palace visits and neighbourhood walks.

Typical ingredients: Ox bones and beef, Rice, Spring onion, Salt and pepper. Mild, savoury and creamy in texture, with a clean beef flavour. Usually not spicy until you add seasoning.

This regional food example is associated with Seoul; availability near this attraction varies. Ingredients and ordering tips

Make it part of your trip

Choose your main stop from Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung. Check the map before adding another: places grouped in one selection may have separate entrances and require a local transfer.

Keep time for lunch, the local journey and a return connection. These are suggested activities, not a timed tour or a promise of current access.

Explore the seoul itinerary

Plan before you go

Each palace has its own closure days and ticket arrangements. Check separate garden tours and evening programmes before planning around them.

The 2025–2026 selection was checked on 2026-09-09. Opening times, prices, reservations and transport must be confirmed with the venue or operator for your date.

Official Korea Tourism Organization selection