A Weekend Day in Bukchon and Seoul’s Palaces

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

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.