Experience the Hidden Beauty of Gyeongbok Palace: Special Access to Exclusive Sites

Gyeongbok Palace, an integral part of Seoul’s heritage and a testament to the country’s revered historical legacy, will be allowing visitors to explore two of its sites for the very first time in years, during the period of October 15 to 31, 2025. Within Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong, two of the essential buildings situated within the palace’s most innermost section, visitors will have the rare opportunity of exploring their interiors. These buildings are a part of the sprawling royal complex that lies in the heart of Seoul, and have been standing since the 14th century, but are normally inaccessible to the public in order to preserve their age-old structures.

Traditionally known as the Joseon royal dynasty, the complex is currently the focus of a special program sponsored by the Korean government that aims to preserve and promote the country’s enduring cultural and historical sites. Managed by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Centre of the Korea Heritage Service, the sites have today been opened to the public for the very first time. This provides an unparalleled experience for tourists to grasp the legacy of the Korean Joseon Dynasty and explore parts of the palace that have rarely been opened to the public.

The Significance of Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong

Geoncheonggung is one of the most distinguished edifices within the palace premises and was occupied by a significant Joseon dynasty king. His use of this building when he was not yet crowned was when he was still referred to as the 26th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Gojong. Per the courtiers and the surrounding populace, the interiors of this building eloquently portray the magnificence and the complete glamour of the royal architecture and artistry during the latter years of the Joseon dynasty.

Another hallmark is Hyangwonjeong, a smaller pavilion that sits on a gentle lake in the palace grounds. This too is a member of the ‘highlights of this year’ list; the pavilion is a thing of beauty and architectural prowess, the small island on which it squats serving to increase its mystique. The pond in the centre of the palace is beautifully set and affords the pavilion a most charming background. This pavilion underwent, and was the honoured setting of, many important royal assemblies and celebrations, and as such it is a most respected structure in terms of history.

In order to conserve such precious reminders of the Joseon Dynasty, both of the sites mentioned above are under a limit which tourists freely access and are able to see. During this set time, people can freely engage in and interact with the premises of the palace, its Joseon dynasty history, as well as the royal architecture.

This program is aimed at tourists who come to Seoul during the month of October. Unlike other parts of Korea, Seoul has a history that can only be understood through the complicated lens of the separating Joseon Province. The Gyeongbok Palace is the jewel of the Joseon Province, built in the heart of Seoul during the year 1395 as the main palace, which was a crucial point in the divided history of Korea. Like most of the provinces, Gyeongbok Palace is one of the most visited tourist sites in Korea, and the majestic beauty that surrounds Gyeongbok Palace turns the skyline of Korea into a reflection of the Joseon Dynasty.

Apart from the magnificent sites, the stillness of the palace, along with its gardens and courtyard,s makes the most majestic parade of nature. For taking photographs, muddy shoes and a placid top layer of the palm, the tour is a reliable source of information and inspiration.

For those who enjoy trekking around these genres, Gyeongbok Palace is the starting point that offers the rest of the sites as you go along. Just like the rest of the provinces, Gyeongbok Palace is also at a central position of the city and simplifies the transportation hassle.

As well as those two, the Gyeongbok Palace area includes the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea, providing ample distractions while you are still at the palace itself. A visit to the palace can last for several hours, given that the area is multiple hectares in size and there are numerous pavilions, gates, and historical artefacts.

As with any visit to sites of historical importance, it is advisable to get there well in advance of the opening of these sites, as the special access will likely mean they are very popular. Along with the special access, there will be a range of tours and guides to explain the history of the sites, as well as the importance of the Geoncheonggung and the Hyangwonjeong.

Festivals & Other Activities in Seoul

Like other historical sites in the city, Gyeongbok Palace has been complemented with a range of cultural and historical activities. So, too, do the other parts of the city. These include cultural festivals and events, with offerings of traditional performances and the opportunity to explore art exhibitions relating to Korea’s history and modern culture. Other sites of interest, including the Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong, are nearby and offer the opportunity to engage with traditional Korean arts and crafts.

Tips For Travellers

Details about visiting any of these locations, including opening and closing times, can be found from the Korea Heritage Service’s Royal Palaces and Tombs Centre.

It’s recommended that visitors reserve their tickets and tours early, as special access to Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong during the event is likely to be sought after.

With the special opening of Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong, Korea’s flourishing tourism industry adds an extra dimension to the cultural attractions of Gyeongbok Palace. It makes visiting Seoul this autumn an even stronger proposition.

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