A Day at Gyeonghuigung Palace
The smallest of the Seoul palaces, discover Gyeonghuigung!
Gyeonghuigung, also known as Gyeonghui Palace, is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" in Seoul and was built over a long period of time during the 12th year of the reign of Gwanghaegun. At this time, Changdeokgung was being used as the residence of the king, so Gyeonghuigung was built as a detached palace. When the palace was first built, it had nearly 100 halls, most of which burnt down at various points in history, but now it is the smallest of the five palaces located in Seoul. Depsite its size, we still recommend you visit the palace, nonetheless!
Information
Address: 서울 종로구 새문안로 45
45 Saemunanro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 9am - 6pm (Mondays and New Year's Day OFF)
Price: Free
Directions: Take subway Line 5 to Seodaemun Station (서대문역) and take Exit 4. It's about 10 minutes away.
Our Visit
As we mentioned before, Gyeonghuigung is the smallest of the five palaces so there wasn't very much to see in comparison to the other palaces. But what we saw was an opportunity to notice the finer details without the grounds of visitors surrouding us. We walked to the entrance, the Heunghwamun, to the palace and slowly made our way to see what there was to offer.
Heunghwamun Gate
Upon entering, we were met by a small park. The main entrance was a short walk from the remainging halls of the palace, but we enjoyed the nature that made us feel out of the city. We walked through Sungjeongmun and were greeted by Sungjeongjeon, the main hall. The original Sungjeongjeon was moved to the Jogyesa Temple to avoid harm from the Japanese in 1926 and now serves as the Hall of Righteous Enlightenment, the Jeonggakwon, at Dongguk University. Because it is not too old to move again, a replica was built here at its original location in 1989. 
Sungjeongjeon Hall
We looked around Sungjeongjeon as and took in the architecuture of the space. We thought to ourselves, this would be the perfect place to take photos since there wasn't many people around. We could easily see the aspects we wanted to without having to wait and since the palace is so small, time was not really an issues.
As we made our way back further into the palace, we realized that there wasn't much else, but we were able to see the areas where the palace met the trees and nature. Not only that, but when we turned around, we could see modern day Seoul just beyond the palace walls. It's an effect that really adds to the palace experience.
Taeryeongjeon Hall
We moved on to see the Taeryeongjeon Hall which was a small building, but it had a picture of King Yeongjo sitting inside, preserved in a glass case. It really helped add the human element to the palace that now nobody lives in.
Jajeongjeon Hall
After finishing with Jajeongjeon Hall, we realized we were done! Since not much time had passed, we went see more details that interested us such as the characters on the buildings and the pillars. It was nice to practically have the palace to ourselves.
How to Get There
Ride subway Line 5 to Seodaemun Station (서대문역) and take Exit 4.
Walk straight and follow the road and walk straight for about 400m.
Gyeonghuigung will be to your left.
Attractions
Explore the largest palace of them all! Enjoy the views that people from all over the world travel to come experience.
Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden (창덕궁/후원)
Arguably the most beautiful of the palaces is Changdeokgung with its Secret Garden. Explore the grounds and see the garden so beautiful, the royals kept it all to themselves.
Experience the wonderful nightview of the Changgyeonggung Palace without the need for any reservation. Located next to Changdeokgung so you can make a day out of visiting the two.
Come explore the past home of King Gojong, where you can see a unique combination of traditional Korean architecture and buildings with modern influence!
Whether you visit during the day or at night, Cheonggyecheon provides a peaceful environment where you can enjoy the view, find a nice cafe and take it all in!
Things to Do in the Area
Rent Hanbok
Since the palace is so small, you may want to fill your time with other ventures. Maybe it's the first stop on your way to other palaces, so why not prep by getting the full experience. Book with Creatrip to get exclusive deals with one of our partners:
- Hanbok Girls (한복소녀)
- Haewadal Hanbok (해와달한복)
- InKorea Hanbok (인코리아한복)
- Today's Day Hanbok (오늘하로한복)
- Yes Hanbok (예스한복)
- Hanboknam Seochon (한복남 경복궁 서촌점)
Get a view of the area with no effort on your part and get all the local secrets from the driver as you ride around!
Thing to Eat in the Area
If you're craving something spicy after a day of palace adventures, then we recommend visiting Masan Agujim. There you can enjoy a large plate of nutricious fish steamed with bean sprouts, minari (Korean parsley), and gochuchang (red pepper paste). Enjoy 10% off with a Creatrip coupon.
Have some diet restrictions but not sure where they can be accomodated? Try Maji, where you can enjoy a traditional style meal with vegetarian-friendly options. All Creatrip members can enjoy 5% off when they show this coupon.
Mugyodong Yoojung Nakji (무교동유정낙지)
Feeling adventureous? Try fresh octopus at Mugyodong where you can get the delicious and large 'nakji'. It'll be a meal expereince you won't forget. Present this coupon to get a free drink!
Beans Bins | Shinhan Bank Branch (빈스빈스 신한은행점)
If you love waffles, then you'll love Beans Bins. Enjoy delicious waffles with as a sweet treat to follow your meal!
We hope you enjoyed coming along with us to Gyeonghuigung. We definitely recommend that everyone visits at least one palace during their time in Korea. If your short for time or even money, then Gyeonghuigung is the perfect option.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at help@creatrip.com or join our Facebook group, the South Korea Travel Guide, where you can ask questions freely. Also make sure you're following us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to get all the latest Korea content.
