Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon 3Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheong-dong
Photo: KTOGyeongbokgung, the main palace of the Joseon dynasty, and Bukchon Hanok Village with its traditional houses form Seoul's historic heart. Wearing hanbok gives free palace entry. Bukchon is a residential area — visit quietly, and note the visiting-hour limits in parts of the village.
Gyeongbokgung closes on Tuesdays (Changdeokgung on Mondays). Bukchon's restricted zone is open to visitors 10:00–17:00 only — plan this area for the morning.
Plan a trip with Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon
Main spots
- Gyeongbokgung PalaceMain palace of the Joseon dynasty. Closed Tuesdays. Adults ₩3,000 (free in hanbok). A fee increase is under review (date not yet set).
Photo: KTO
Bukchon Hanok VillageA residential hanok neighbourhood. The restricted zone is open to visitors 10:00–17:00 only; violations can be fined.Photo: KTO
Samcheong-dongA calm street of galleries and cafés.Photo: KTO
Gwanghwamun SquareStatues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, in front of the palace gate.Photo: KTO
Changdeokgung PalaceUNESCO-listed palace. Closed Mondays. Adults ₩3,000 (Secret Garden extra, limited entry).
Best time to visit
First thing in the morning. Gyeongbokgung is quietest right after opening, and Bukchon must be visited within its 10:00–17:00 window, so plan this area for the morning.
Half-day route
- 9:00 Enter Gyeongbokgung (free in hanbok)
- 10:00 Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
- Exit by the east gate to Samcheong-dong
- Explore Bukchon's lanes (before 17:00)
- Lunch or coffee around Anguk Station
Gyeongbokgung closes Tuesdays, Changdeokgung Mondays. Bukchon's red zone is off-limits after 17:00. Expect hills — wear comfortable shoes.
Getting there
Nearest: Gyeongbokgung Stn / Anguk Stn (Line 3)
| From | Route | Time | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport | AREX all-stop train → change at Seoul Station → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~82 min | 6,300 KRW |
| Gimpo Airport | AREX (all-stop) → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~43 min | 1,750 KRW |
| Seoul Station | Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~15 min | 1,550 KRW |
From Incheon you can also take the AREX Express to Seoul Station (~43 min, ₩13,000) or an airport limousine bus (₩16,000–18,000).
Nearby areas
| To | Route | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | Line 3 → change at Chungmuro to Line 4 | ~15 min | 1,550 KRW |
| Ikseon-dong · Insadong | Walk | ~15 min | Walk |
| Dongdaemun | Line 3 → change at Chungmuro to Line 4 | ~15 min | 1,550 KRW |
| Gangnam · Sinsa | Line 3 | ~20 min | 1,550 KRW |
Fares are adult transit-card estimates as of 2026-10.
FAQ
What is the nearest station to Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon?
Gyeongbokgung Stn / Anguk Stn (Line 3).
How long from Incheon Airport to Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon?
About 82 minutes by AREX and subway, roughly ₩6,300 (AREX all-stop train → change at Seoul Station → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3).
How much time do I need in Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon?
For the main spots, allow about 3 hours. Gyeongbokgung closes on Tuesdays (Changdeokgung on Mondays). Bukchon's restricted zone is open to visitors 10:00–17:00 only — plan this area for the morning.
Are any spots in Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon closed on certain days?
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Tue closed. Changdeokgung Palace: Mon closed.