Seoul Palaces & Hanbok: A Day Among the Joseon Courts

Seoul wears its 600-year history lightly, but a day of palaces and hanbok brings the Joseon dynasty right back to the surface. Here is how to pair Gyeongbokgung's changing of the guard with a rented hanbok, the lanes of Bukchon and the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung — plus the best-rated tours and experiences to book for each.

At a glance

1Gyeongbokgung guard ceremony
2Hanbok rental near the palace
3Bukchon Hanok Village lanes
4Changdeokgung Secret Garden

Morning: Gyeongbokgung and the changing of the guard

Start at Gyeongbokgung, the grandest of Seoul's five Joseon palaces, timed for the changing of the royal guard — a costumed ceremony staged at the main Gwanghwamun gate around 10am and 2pm daily except Tuesdays, when the palace closes. Standard entry is a modest ₩3,000, and it is waived entirely if you arrive dressed in hanbok. Allow at least ninety minutes to walk the throne hall, the pavilion on the lotus pond and the on-site palace museum.

Dressing the part: hanbok rental

Palaces & hanbok — FAQ

Is hanbok rental worth it in Seoul?

For a palace day, yes. Rentals start from around ₩15,000 for four hours, and wearing hanbok gets you free entry to all four main palaces and Jongmyo Shrine — so it frequently costs less than paying separate admissions, on top of the photos.

When is the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung?

The ceremony runs at the main Gwanghwamun gate around 10am and 2pm daily, weather permitting, except on Tuesdays when Gyeongbokgung is closed. Arrive a few minutes early for a spot near the front.

Do I need to book Changdeokgung's Secret Garden in advance?

Yes. The Secret Garden (Huwon) can only be seen on a timed guided tour with a capped group size, and the English-language slots sell out on busy days, so reserve ahead rather than turning up on spec.