A Weekend Day in Bukchon and Seoul’s Palaces
A one-day walking route from Gyeongbokgung to Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung and Insadong/Ikseon-dong. Closing days, free entry in hanbok, Bukchon etiquette and budget tips for students.
In Jongno, central Seoul, royal palaces from the Joseon era and old hanok lanes are close together. You can walk most of the way, so it works well as a one-day trip. Start at Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 and finish around Anguk Station.
The route at a glance
- 1
Morning: Gyeongbokgung
Walk in from Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3). Enter through Gwanghwamun Gate and see Geunjeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. The royal guard changing ceremony follows a set schedule, so check the official information.
- 2
Next: National Folk Museum area
It is on the east side, inside the palace grounds, so it is easy to visit next. It shows how Korean people lived in the past. Check the opening hours before you go.
- 3
After lunch: Bukchon Hanok Village
A hillside neighborhood of traditional houses between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. The lanes are narrow and often steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
- 4
Afternoon: Changdeokgung
A UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace was built to follow the natural landscape, so it is lovely for a walk. The rear garden (Huwon) is visited separately, so check how to book in advance.
- 5
Evening: Insadong and Ikseon-dong
Insadong is known for traditional crafts and tea houses. Ikseon-dong, near Jongno 3-ga Station, has small restaurants and cafés in narrow hanok lanes.
Bukchon etiquette and photo manners
- Bukchon is a place where people live, not only a tourist spot. Keep your voice down.
- Don’t enter gates or knock on doors. Don’t sit on the steps or walls of houses.
- In some lanes, visitor hours are restricted. Follow the signs at the lane entrance.
- Don’t photograph inside homes or residents’ faces. Ask before you take photos of other people.
- Don’t set up a tripod or stand for a long time in narrow lanes and block the way.
- Take your trash with you and throw it away in a proper bin.
Budget tips for students
| Item | How to save |
|---|---|
| Transport | Use Gyeongbokgung or Anguk Station on Line 3, and walk between the stops on the route. |
| Tickets | Palace tickets are not expensive. If you plan to see several palaces, check whether a combined ticket is available. |
| Food | Simple dishes like Korean snack food or noodles in the lanes of Insadong and Ikseon-dong keep costs low. There are many convenience stores too. |
| Hanbok | Rental prices differ by shop. Compare 2–3 shops and check what the price includes. |
| Water and snacks | Carry a water bottle. It helps on a day with lots of walking. |
Best time to go
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking. In spring, flowers bloom in the palaces, and in autumn, the leaves change color. Summer is hot and winter is cold, but there are fewer people. Weekend afternoons are busy, so start early in the morning.
Official sources
Written by KOVIA 편집팀
