When going to Gyeongbokgung Palace, you can make the route more stable by deciding on the subway route, station, and exit before the bus route. This article focuses on the order of starting from the station, walking to the site, and returning to the subway, based on information on night view attractions released at Seoul Open Data Plaza.
For Gyeongbokgung Palace, check the subway route first.
In the original Seoul Open Data Plaza, the subway access information here is listed as “Walking from Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Palace on Subway Line 3.” When going to see the night view, use this guide as a reference point from the departure station, and check the relevant route and exit signs first while inside the station.
At night, even at the same station, the pedestrian flow at each exit and the location of the crosswalk significantly change the perceived travel time. Entering the address rather than the place name as the destination in the map app and then checking the subway stop, exit, and walking route on one screen makes it easier to plan than relying on bus transfers.
Gyeongbokgung Palace as seen through public information in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395 (the 4th year of King Taejo's reign) after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392. Gyeongbokgung Palace was located on a wide terrain with Baekaksan Mountain (Bukaksan Mountain) as its main mountain, and was the center of Hanyang with a wide Yukjo Street in front of Gwanghwamun, the main gate. The name of Gyeongbok carries the meaning that the new dynasty will enjoy great fortune and prosper, and it was here that Hunminjeongeum was created and promulgated during the reign of King Sejong. Gyeongbokgung Palace was destroyed by fire during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 (the 25th year of King Seonjo's reign), and was unable to be restored after that. It was rebuilt about 270 years later in 1867 (4th year of King Gojong's reign). During the reign of King Gojong, Geoncheong Palace, Taewonjeon, and Jibokjae were built, and in particular, Okhoru of Geoncheonggung Palace was the tragic location where Empress Myeongseong was assassinated in the Eulmi Incident in 1895. After the establishment of the Gyeongsul National Rule in 1910, Gyeongbokgung Palace began to be deliberately damaged. In 1915, most of the pavilions were demolished under the pretext of holding the Joseon Product Exhibition, and in 1926, the Joseon Government-General Building was built, damaging the scenery of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Afterwards, restoration work on Gyeongbokgung Palace began in earnest in the 1990s, and the Joseon Government-General building was demolished from 1995 to 1997, and the Heungnyemun area, the settlement area, Geoncheonggung Palace, Taewonjeon, and Gwanghwamun were restored to the present. (Source: Palace Site Headquarters website of Cultural Heritage Administration)
The night view is an itinerary to experience the lighting and surrounding walking environment after the sun sets. Rather than just looking at the viewpoint and moving quickly, you can reduce having to retrace your steps at the site by deciding in advance where you will stay after arrival, where you will take pictures, and the station you will return home from.
Look at the address and exit from the station to the site.
The published address is “161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul”. After getting off, rather than just memorizing the exit number, open this address again to start walking directions. Even in the same station area, the entrance to the park, the north and south ends of the bridge, and the actual entrance to the cultural facility may be different.
Before exiting the exit, check the station's electronic signboard and exit map first, and check the main street direction and crosswalk once more on the ground. Traveling at night is much easier if you choose a road with wide sidewalks and lights rather than taking unreasonable shortcuts.
Please check operating hours and entrance fees on the day of departure.
The published operating hours are “January to February, November to December 09:00 to 17:00, March to May, September to October 09:00 to 18:00, June to August 09:00 to 18:30.” The paid/free category is registered as “paid.” The usage fee information is “Paid 3,000 won for adults, free for Hanbok wearers.” Nighttime operations, admission deadlines, and event date controls may vary from time to time, so please check the official website and on-site notices on the day of your visit.
In particular, access to some areas of parks, squares, and waterfront spaces may be restricted depending on weather, events, and facility inspections. It is a good idea to first decide on the end time of the tour based on the last subway train, and leave enough walking time to return home after arriving at the site.
Plan your way home around the subway.
The exit you used to come in is not always the best exit to get home. After finishing the tour, check again the nearest station entrance and the direction of the line you want to board before moving on. If the last train is close, compare routes with fewer transfers first, and within a station, select a platform based on the actual destination on the electronic display rather than the route color.
The subway access information in this article is a compilation of information registered in Seoul's open data. Train operations, exit openings, and pedestrian control may change in real time, so please use the Seoul Transportation Corporation and on-site guidance as the final guideline just before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
At which subway station do I get off at Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Public data from the Seoul Metropolitan Government states, “Walk from Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Palace on Subway Line 3.” Please check the map and station signs on the day of your visit for the actual exit and walking route.
Is it better to take the subway rather than the bus?
This guide focuses on how to first determine the subway route, station, and exit. However, if you are traveling after the last train, accompanying a vulnerable person, or in a situation where there is on-site control, compare taxis and other means as well.
Where can I check operating hours and admission fees?
Please check the original operating hours and usage fee information of Seoul Open Data Plaza and the official website of each location. Nighttime operations and admission deadlines are announced on the day of visit.
Check Official Information Before You Go
Operating hours, fares, exits, and facility information may change. Check the official information and station signs below before travelling.