Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun
Palace gates, museums and the Seochon lanes
This is the formal centre of Seoul. Gyeongbokgung sits at the top of Sejong-daero, with Gwanghwamun Square in front and a cluster of free museums around it. Seochon, the grid of small streets to the west, has Tongin Market and a few cafes.
Start at Gyeongbokgung when it opens at 09:00. It's closed on Tuesdays, unlike Changdeokgung and the other palaces, which close Mondays. The ticket is ₩3,000, and you walk in free if you wear hanbok. Inside the grounds, the National Folk Museum and the National Palace Museum both have free entry.
The Seoul Museum of History and Gyeonghuigung are on the west side of Gwanghwamun, and both are free. The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is near the square and stays open to 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Deoksugung, in front of City Hall, is open to 21:00 and fits an evening stop.
Seochon is quieter. Tongin Market sells its yeopjeon dosirak, where you buy ₩500 brass coins and fill a lunch box from the stalls. Tosokchon, near the market, serves samgyetang until 22:00.
Getting there
Gyeongbokgung (Line 3, exit 5) is the closest stop for the palace and museums. Gwanghwamun (Line 5, exits 2 and 9) reaches the square and the history museums. City Hall (Line 1 or 2) is the stop for Deoksugung and the start of Cheonggyecheon.
What to see
Spend the morning at Gyeongbokgung and the folk museum, then walk south to Gwanghwamun Square. If you've got an evening, Deoksugung is open until 21:00. Pavement works in front of the folk museum run to 16 October 2026.
Where to eat and drink
Gwanghwamun Jip serves kimchi jjigae for about ₩10,000, close to exit 8. In Seochon, Tailor Coffee opens at 08:00, an hour before the palace.
Nearby neighbourhoods
The best of Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun
Things to do in Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun
What's on in Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun
Local events in the next 30 days, read from the ward, park and organiser pages each one links to.
English guided tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace Exhibition
Daily except Tuesdays. Next: Mon 2 Nov · Gyeongbokgung Palace
English tours run at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30 every day except Tuesdays, and groups under 10 can join without a reservation. Palace admission is KRW 3,000 for foreign adults and free in hanbok.
Palace admission KRW 3,000 for foreign adults; free in hanbok · 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30 · Map · Source: Visit Seoul (Seoul Tourism Organization)
Gwanghwamun Gate Guard Ceremony Performance
Daily except Tuesdays, 11:00 and 13:00. Next: Mon 2 Nov · Gwanghwamun Gate, Gyeongbokgung
Short guard ceremony of about 10 minutes at Gwanghwamun, held at 11:00 and 13:00 every day except Tuesdays and palace closing days. The Korea Heritage Service page says no advance booking is needed and lists no fee. Weather or institutional reasons can change the schedule.
11:00 and 13:00 · Map · Source: Korea Heritage Service, Royal Palaces and Tombs Center · 광화문 파수의식
Gyeongbokgung Royal Guard Changing Ceremony Performance
Daily except Tuesdays, 10:00 and 14:00. Next: Mon 2 Nov · Gwanghwamun Gate, Gyeongbokgung
Held in front of Gwanghwamun, the main gate, at 10:00 and 14:00 every day except Tuesdays. Heavy rain or snow can cancel the ceremony, and on days at or below -10C or at or above 30C the full ceremony runs with fewer guards on watch duty. The Visit Seoul page lists no fee for watching.
10:00 and 14:00 · Map · Source: Visit Seoul (Seoul Tourism Organization) · 경복궁 왕궁수문장 교대의식
Lee Kwangyoung: Civilization Landscape Exhibition
2 to 16 Nov · Hakgojae Art Center
Exhibition by Lee Kwangyoung on the first floor of Hakgojae Art Center.
Map · Source: Hakgojae Art Center · 이광영 | 문명산수 文明山水
O'ngo Food Korean cooking class Activities
Weekdays, 10:30. Next: Mon 2 Nov · O'ngo Food Communications
Two dishes, taught in English, in Bukchon.
USD 81 · 10:30, about 2 hours · Map · Source: O'ngo Food Communications
The Painters at Kyunghyang Art Hill Performance
Daily until 31 December 2026. Next: Mon 2 Nov · Kyunghyang Art Hill, 3 Jeongdong-gil
A non-verbal performance with dance, live drawing and media art, shown daily at 14:00, 17:00 and 20:00 until 31 December 2026. The page says the schedule can change depending on the organiser.
VIP 70,000 won, R 60,000 won, S 50,000 won · 14:00, 17:00 and 20:00 · Map · Source: Visit Seoul (Seoul Tourism Organization)
Tongin Market Market
Daily. Next: Mon 2 Nov · Tongin Market, Seochon
Open daily from 07:00 to 21:00, and hours and closing days vary by store.
07:00 to 21:00 (hours vary by store) · Map · Source: Visit Seoul (Seoul Tourism Organization) · 통인시장
Curtain Call Garden, autumn season at Sejong Center Performance
Tuesday to Sunday, 15 October to 8 November 2026. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Art Garden
An evening garden at the Sejong Center open 17:00 to 23:00, closed Mondays. Live jazz curated by the club Janus runs Wednesday to Friday 18:30 to 19:20 and Saturday 17:00 to 17:50. Runs 15 October to 8 November 2026.
Free · 17:00 to 23:00 · Map · Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government (Fun Seoul) · 세종문화회관 야간 문화정원 커튼 콜 가든 가을
Deoksugung Palace English Guided Tour Exhibition
Tuesday to Sunday. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Deoksugung Palace
English tours start at 10:45 and 13:30, Tuesday to Sunday, at the information map just inside Daehanmun Gate. Each lasts about 45 minutes.
Admission 1,000 won · 10:45 and 13:30 · Map · Source: Cultural Heritage Administration, Royal Palaces and Tombs Center · 덕수궁 영어 해설
Deoksugung Royal Guard Changing Ceremony Performance
Daily except Mondays, 11:00 and 14:00. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung
Held in front of Daehanmun, the main gate, at 11:00 and 14:00 every day except Mondays. The ceremony can be cancelled in bad weather, and there is no parking, so use public transport. The organiser's page lists no fee for watching.
11:00 and 14:00 · Map · Source: Seoul Royal Guard Ceremony (Seoul Metropolitan Government) · 덕수궁 왕궁수문장 교대의식
Show all 39 events
Evening Opening at Deoksugung Palace Exhibition
Tuesday to Sunday. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Deoksugung Palace
The palace is open until 21:00 with last entry at 20:00, and it is closed on Mondays. Adult admission is KRW 1,000.
KRW 1,000 for adults · 09:00 to 21:00 (last entry 20:00) · Map · Source: Visit Seoul (Seoul Tourism Organization) · 덕수궁 야간 개방
Evening Opening at the Sejong Story and Chungmu-gong Story exhibition hall Exhibition
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays to Sundays, through November 2026. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Sejong Story and Chungmu-gong Story exhibition hall, Gwanghwamun Square
The city lists the exhibition hall among the facilities open until 21:00 on these days from 15 September through November. The page gives no fee.
Until 21:00 · Map · Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government · 세종·충무공이야기 야간 개방
Every Body Can Draw: Travel Drawing Exhibition with Staedtler, Sejong Arts Academy Exhibition
Every day except Mondays. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Sejong Story Exhibition Hall
Held at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Sejong Story Exhibition Hall from 2026-10-23 to 2026-11-15. Hours: 10:00 to 18:30 (last entry 30 minutes before; open late on Fridays). Closed Mondays. Admission as printed: Free.
Free · 10:00 to 18:30 (last entry 30 minutes before; open late on Fridays) · Map · Source: Sejong Center for the Performing Arts · 스테들러와 함께하는 세종예술아카데미 여행드로잉전 Every body can draw
Extended Evening Opening at the Seoul Museum of History, autumn 2026 Exhibition
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 15 September to 30 November 2026. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Seoul Museum of History
From 15 September to 30 November the museum is open until 21:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Fridays to 21:00 are listed in a separate entry. It closes at 18:00 on Thursdays and is closed on Mondays.
Free · 09:00 to 21:00 (last entry 20:30) · Map · Source: Seoul Museum of History · 서울역사박물관 야간 개방 확대
Seoul City Hall walk-in tour Exhibition
Tuesday to Sunday. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Seoul City Hall Main Building, in front of the City Hall model on 1F
The 60-minute on-site tour starts at 14:00 and 15:30 on Tuesdays to Fridays, with 10:00 and 11:30 added on Saturdays and Sundays. Languages: English at 14:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Chinese on Wednesdays and Japanese on Fridays. The tour is closed on Mondays and holidays.
Tue to Fri 14:00 and 15:30; Sat and Sun 10:00, 11:30, 14:00 and 15:30 · Map · Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Seoul City Tour Bus downtown, palaces and Namsan course Activities
Tuesday to Sunday, every 25 minutes from 9:20. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Gwanghwamun Square
A hop-on hop-off route from Gwanghwamun. Departs from the Gwanghwamun ticket booth. Closed on Mondays.
Adult from USD 22 · First bus 9:20, last bus 16:50 · Map · Source: Seoul City Tour Bus
Seoul City Tour Bus Han River and Namsan night tour Activities
Tuesday to Sunday, 19:00. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Gwanghwamun Square
Departs from the Gwanghwamun ticket booth. Closed on Mondays.
Adult from USD 20 · 19:00, 90 minutes · Map · Source: Seoul City Tour Bus
Changjak-ing Dance: Stop-17, Again-19 Performance
4 to 6 Nov · Jeongdong Theater Cecil
A 60 minute dance work in the Cecil hall of the National Jeongdong Theater, rated 13 and over.
20,000 won (all seats) · 19:30 · Map · Source: National Jeongdong Theater · 창작ing 무용 - 멈추고-17, 다시-19
Free Late Opening at MMCA Deoksugung Exhibition
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 18:00 to 21:00. Next: Wed 4 Nov · MMCA Deoksugung
On Wednesdays and Saturdays the museum stays open until 21:00, and the late opening from 18:00 is free. Deoksugung Palace admission is separate, and the palace gate closes at 20:00 on those days. The museum is closed on Mondays and 1 January.
Free · 18:00 to 21:00 · Map · Source: MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) · 국립현대미술관 덕수궁 야간개장
Late Opening at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History Exhibition
Wednesdays and Saturdays. Next: Wed 4 Nov · National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
Open 10:00 to 18:00 most days and until 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Admission is free. Closed on 1 January, Lunar New Year's Day and Chuseok.
Free admission · 10:00 to 21:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing) · Map · Source: Visit Seoul (Seoul Tourism Organization) · 대한민국역사박물관 야간개관
Friday Late Opening at the Seoul Museum of Art, Seosomun Main Branch Exhibition
Fridays. Next: Fri 6 Nov · Seoul Museum of Art, Seosomun Main Branch, 61 Deoksugung-gil
Open until 21:00 every Friday, against 20:00 on Tuesdays to Thursdays. Admission is free and special exhibitions are paid, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
Free (special exhibitions paid) · 10:00 to 21:00 · Map · Source: Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) · 서울시립미술관 서소문본관 금요일 연장운영
Friday Late Opening at the Seoul Museum of History Exhibition
Fridays. Next: Fri 6 Nov · Seoul Museum of History
The museum stays open until 21:00 every Friday, with last entry at 20:30. Admission is free, and the museum is closed on Mondays and 1 January.
Free · 09:00 to 21:00 (last entry 20:30) · Map · Source: Seoul Museum of History · 서울역사박물관 금요일 야간개방
Gyeonghuigung Palace Guided Tour (Friday) Exhibition
Every Friday. Next: Fri 6 Nov · Gyeonghuigung Palace
Guided tours of Gyeonghuigung Palace run on Fridays at 14:00 and 15:00, and the palace has free admission.
Free · 14:00 and 15:00 · Map · Source: Seoul Tourism Organization (Visit Seoul), The Rediscovery of Korea (Woorigunggwol Guardians) · 경희궁 해설 (금요일)
Gyeonghuigung Palace Guided Tour (Saturday) Exhibition
Every Saturday. Next: Sat 7 Nov · Gyeonghuigung Palace
Guided tours of Gyeonghuigung Palace run on Saturdays at 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00, and the palace has free admission.
Free · 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00 · Map · Source: Seoul Tourism Organization (Visit Seoul), The Rediscovery of Korea (Woorigunggwol Guardians) · 경희궁 해설 (토요일)
Saturday Late Opening at the National Palace Museum of Korea Exhibition
Saturdays. Next: Sat 7 Nov · National Palace Museum of Korea
The museum is open until 21:00 on Saturdays, with last entry at 20:30, and closes at 17:30 on other days. It is closed on the last Monday of each month, and the museum states that admission is free until further notice.
Free · 09:30 to 21:00 (last entry 20:30) · Map · Source: National Palace Museum of Korea · 국립고궁박물관 토요일 야간개관
Toulouse-Lautrec and Suzanne Valadon: The Painters of Montmartre Exhibition
7 Nov 2026 to 9 Feb 2027 · Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Sejong Museum of Art Halls 1 and 2
Held at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Sejong Museum of Art Halls 1 and 2 from 2026-11-07 to 2027-02-09. Hours: 10:00 to 19:00 (last entry 18:00). Admission as printed: 23,000 won.
23,000 won · 10:00 to 19:00 (last entry 18:00) · Map · Source: Sejong Center for the Performing Arts · 툴루즈 로트렉, 수잔 발라동 : 몽마르트의 화가들
Traditional Costume Experience at the Deoksugung Guard Ceremony Performance
Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 to 15:30. Next: Sat 7 Nov · Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung
Visitors can try on traditional guard costume in front of Daehanmun on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:30 to 15:30. No booking is needed and there is no participant limit, with sign-up on site. The Seoul Royal Guard Ceremony page lists it as free. The ceremony itself runs at 11:00 and 14:00 except Mondays.
Free · 10:30 to 15:30 · Map · Source: Seoul Royal Guard Ceremony (Seoul Metropolitan Government) · 전통복식 체험
Gyeonghuigung Palace Guided Tour (Sunday) Exhibition
Every Sunday. Next: Sun 8 Nov · Gyeonghuigung Palace
Guided tours of Gyeonghuigung Palace run on Sundays every half hour from 13:00 to 15:00, and the palace has free admission.
Free · 13:00 to 15:00, tours at 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30 and 15:00 · Map · Source: Seoul Tourism Organization (Visit Seoul), Our Cultural Breath (Palace Guides) · 경희궁 해설 (일요일)
Yeomin Gongsu (Shared with the People) Exhibition
On now, until 8 Nov · Seoul Museum of History
Planned exhibition in Gallery B of the Seoul Museum of History.
Map · Source: Seoul Museum of History · 여민공수與民共守
A Century of Modern Korean History: People Who Made Hangeul Shine Exhibition
On now, until 25 Jan 2027 · National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
Exhibition in the first floor rest space of the museum, organised by the National Hangeul Museum.
Map · Source: National Hangeul Museum · 대한민국 근현대사 100년, 한글을 빛낸 인물들
Dokdae: Eight Characters Left by Ahn Jung-geun (2026 repatriated relic special exhibition) Exhibition
On now, until 29 Nov · National Palace Museum of Korea, 2F Special Exhibition Hall II
Held at National Palace Museum of Korea, 2F Special Exhibition Hall II from 2026-10-28 to 2026-12-27. The page prints no admission.
Map · Source: National Palace Museum of Korea · 독대 獨對 안중근이 남긴 여덟 글자
Gana Art Collection: Undercurrents of Technique, Scenes on the Boundary Exhibition
On now, until 22 Nov · SeMA Seosomun Main Building
Gana Art Collection exhibition on the second floor of the Seosomun Main Building.
Free · Map · Source: Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) · 가나아트컬렉션 《기술의 저변: 경계에 선 장면들》
Music drama: Island, 1933-2019 Performance
On now, until 22 Nov · Jeongdong Theater
A music drama of 115 minutes with no interval, staged at the National Jeongdong Theater.
77,000 won (all seats) · Tue and Thu 19:30, Wed and Fri 15:00 and 19:30, Sat and holidays 14:00 and 18:00, Sun 14:00, closed Mon · Map · Source: National Jeongdong Theater · 음악극 - 섬: 1933~2019
ZERO: North Korea Encountered on the Road of Folk Culture Exhibition
On now, until 14 Feb 2027 · National Folk Museum of Korea
Special exhibition of 346 pieces of folk material from North Korea, in Planning Exhibition Hall I.
Free admission · Nov to Feb 09:00 to 17:00 (Mar to Oct 09:00 to 18:00); last entry 1 hour before closing; closed Jan 1, Seollal and Chuseok day · Map · Source: National Folk Museum of Korea · 제로: 민속의 길에서 만난 북한
Changjak-ing Play: Place Performance
13 to 29 Nov · Jeongdong Theater Cecil
A play of about 110 minutes in the Cecil hall of the National Jeongdong Theater, rated 16 and over.
20,000 won (all seats) · Mon to Fri 19:30, Sun 15:00, no Saturday shows · Map · Source: National Jeongdong Theater · 창작ing 연극 - 장소
Culture Day at MMCA Deoksugung (free admission) Exhibition
Last Wednesday of every month. Next: Wed 25 Nov · MMCA Deoksugung
The museum's page says the last Wednesday of every month is Culture Day and gives a free ticket. It stays open until 21:00 on Wednesdays.
Free · 10:00 to 21:00 · Map · Source: MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) · 국립현대미술관 덕수궁 문화가 있는 날
Last Wednesday Late Opening at the National Palace Museum of Korea Exhibition
Last Wednesday of every month. Next: Wed 25 Nov · National Palace Museum of Korea
On the last Wednesday of each month the museum is open until 21:00 instead of 17:30, with last entry at 20:30. The museum states that admission is free until further notice.
Free · 09:30 to 21:00 (last entry 20:30) · Map · Source: National Palace Museum of Korea · 국립고궁박물관 마지막 수요일 야간개관
Dokdae: Eight Characters Left by Ahn Jung-geun (2026 repatriated relic special exhibition) Exhibition
1 to 27 Dec · National Palace Museum of Korea, 2F Special Exhibition Hall II
Held at National Palace Museum of Korea, 2F Special Exhibition Hall II from 2026-10-28 to 2026-12-27. The page prints no admission.
Map · Source: National Palace Museum of Korea · 독대 獨對 안중근이 남긴 여덟 글자
Traditional musical: Arirang Performance
2 to 27 Dec · Jeongdong Theater
A traditional musical of about 80 minutes with no interval, staged at the National Jeongdong Theater.
60,000 won (all seats) · Tue to Fri 19:30, Sat 14:00 and 18:00, Sun 14:00; 9 and 16 Dec 15:00 and 19:30; 25 Dec 14:00 and 18:00 · Map · Source: National Jeongdong Theater · 전통뮤지컬 - 아리랑
Show 3 events nearby, outside Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun
The Painters at the Gwanghwamun theatre Performance
Daily, 14:00, 17:00 and 20:00. Next: Mon 2 Nov · The Painters Gwanghwamun theatre, Kyunghyang Art Hill, Jung
Non-verbal live drawing show at its own theatre in Jeongdong, an open run with three shows a day.
14:00, 17:00 and 20:00 · Map · Source: The Painters · 페인터즈 광화문 전용관
Lee Hoe-young Memorial Hall Regular Guided Tour (Tuesday and Thursday) Exhibition
Every Tuesday and Thursday, about 20 to 30 minutes. Next: Tue 3 Nov · Lee Hoe-young Memorial Hall, Jongno
The Lee Hoe-young Memorial Hall in Sajik-dong runs regular guided tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 14:00 and 16:00, each about 20 to 30 minutes, and admission is free.
Free · 14:00 and 16:00 · Map · Source: Seoul Tourism Organization (Visit Seoul) · 이회영기념관 정기 해설 (화·목)
Lee Hoe-young Memorial Hall Regular Guided Tour (Saturday and Sunday) Exhibition
Every Saturday and Sunday, about 20 to 30 minutes. Next: Sat 7 Nov · Lee Hoe-young Memorial Hall, Jongno
At weekends the Lee Hoe-young Memorial Hall runs regular guided tours at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00, each about 20 to 30 minutes, and admission is free.
Free · 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00 · Map · Source: Seoul Tourism Organization (Visit Seoul) · 이회영기념관 정기 해설 (토·일)
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