Full dayJongno, Seoul

Gwanghwamun & Gyeongbokgung

The square, the palace, and the museum beside it. All three are adjacent, so there's almost no travel between them.

Getting to the start

Take Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) Exit 2 and you're on the square. Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) Exit 5 puts you at the palace first instead.

1
Gwanghwamun Square
Gwanghwamun · 30m
Seoul's civic square, with statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi. From the far end you get the palace gate and the mountain behind it in one shot.
Official site →
Walk6m
Walk to the north end of the square and through Gwanghwamun gate. The changing of the guard is usually at 10am and 2pm in front of the gate.
2
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung · 2h
The largest of the five palaces and the main one of the Joseon dynasty. Wearing hanbok gets you in free. The changing of the guard happens twice a day at the main gate.
Official site →
Walk7m
Leave the palace by the west gate and the museum is right there. You don't need another palace ticket — the museum is separately free.
3
National Palace Museum
Gyeongbokgung · 1h 30m
Attached to the west side of the palace grounds, so it follows on naturally. Free admission — and a welcome escape from the heat or cold.
Official site →

Admission prices and opening hours change often. Check the official site before you go.