GYEONGBOKGUNG | Creatrip Locals' Guide
List of things to eat, drink, see and do around Gyeongbokgung and Seochon
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a classic must-visit for travellers in Seoul. With traditional palace architectures surrounded by water and greens, it boasts a unique, atmosphere not available elsewhere in the nation. Aside from touring around the palace, there are lots of fun-filled activities you can do in the area like renting a hanbok for the day, walking around the hanok village to experience a different kind of traditional Korean architecture or museum/gallery hopping.
MAP OF GYEONGBOKGUNG AREAS
Gyeongbokgung is located on the Northern end of Seoul. The closest subway station is Gyeongbokgung Station exit 5 on Seoul Metro Line 3. As you can see on Map 2 below, Gyeongbokgung and areas worth seeing can be divided into Seochon, Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Samcheongdong. Check out the links below to find out more about the areas:
Map 1: Main Areas of Seoul
Map 2: Breakdown of Gyeongbokgung and Surrounding Areas
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
You'll find lots of cafes with unique characters in this area from hanok cafes and teahouses to a place that sells Gyeongbokgung-shaped pastries. Check out Cafes Around Gyeongbokgung for more information.
You'll find lots of restaurants in the area, both touristy and local. You can indulge in steamy chicken soup served in a hot pot to cheap ramyeon noodles that locals stop by for a quick meal. Check out Food Around Gyeongbokgung for a full list.
THINGS TO DO
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Touring around this historic palace is a definite must. Check out their website before your visit as their hours differ by season. You'll also find the schedule for their free guided tours in English.
Gyeongbokgung National Palace Museum Tour
Book this 2-hour small-group tour of the National Palace Museum and the main architectures of Gyeongbokgung including Gwanghwamun and Gyeonghoeru for just ￦30,000.
You'll be able to hit all the major attractions in the comfort of a pedicab while listening to the history and story behind each attraction. (Starting at ￦45,000)
Rent Hanboks
Palaces in Seoul waive admission fees for visitors in hanboks! Spend a day walking around Gyeongbokgung in a colourful hanbok for a full palace experience. Check out our list of hanbok rental venues below:
- Hanbok Plus
- Palace Fox
- Haewadal Hanbok
- Princess Hanbok
- In Korea Hanbok
- Hanbok Girls
- Seohwa Hanbok
- Ohneulharu Hanbok
- Hanboknam
- YES Hanbok
- Seochon Nadri
Bukchon Hanok Village
An area where you can experience traditional architecture, Bukchon Hanok Village is another place to walk around in hanboks next to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
- Address: 서울 종로구 계동길 37
Customize your dosirak (lunchbox) here for just ￦5,000! In the centre of the market, you'll see a set of stairs. Go up the stairs, purchase the little tokens that work as currency and walk around picking and choosing what to put on your dosirak.
- Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로15길 18
- Hours: Weekdays 11:00-15:00; Weekends 11:00-16:00; Closed on the third Sunday of every month
Museums
- National Folk Museum of Korea
- National Palace Museum of Korea
- Seoul Education Museum
- World Jewellery Museum
- Bukchon Asian Cultural Art Museum
- Bukchon Museum
Art Galleries
<Art Sonje Center>
- Daelim Museum
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art - Seoul
- Art Sonje Center
- Kumho Museum of Art
- Hanbyeokwon Gallery
- Seoul Metro Art Center
If you want little bits of your travel memories to take home, head on over to Cheese Smile Studio for a private photoshoot (Price starting at ￦45,000).
We continuously add up-to-date information to this blog, so be sure to check back before your trip to Gyeongbokgung. If you have questions or comments, please leave them down below or email us at help@creatrip.com.
Happy travels!
