Seoul Palaces, Bukchon and Insadong

For five centuries, from 1392 to 1910, the kings of the Joseon dynasty ruled Korea from this corner of Seoul. This walk takes you through the heart of their capital and the neighborhoods that grew up around it, from the throne hall and pond pavilion of the main palace to the tiled-roof lanes, tea houses and temple courtyards nearby.

You start at King Sejong's statue in Gwanghwamun Square, by Gwanghwamun Station on subway Line 5, and finish at Cheonggyecheon Stream, a short stroll from where you began. The 12 stops cover about 5 kilometers on foot and take around three hours, longer if you linger inside the palaces. Expect some hills in Bukchon and comfortable shoes are a must.

A few tips before you go. The palaces charge a small entry fee, but anyone wearing hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, gets in free. Each palace closes one day a week, and not on the same day, so check the official sites before you set out. Bukchon is a living neighborhood with visiting-hour limits in parts of it, so please keep your voice down there.

12 stops on this tour:

Gwanghwamun Square - The King Who Gave Korea Its Alphabet

Gwanghwamun Gate - Guards in Joseon Colors

Gyeongbokgung Palace - The Hall Where Kings Were Crowned

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion - A Banquet Hall on the Water

National Folk Museum of Korea - A Tower Borrowed From Temples

Bukchon Hanok Village - Living Lanes Between Two Palaces

Changdeokgung Palace - The Kings' Favorite Home

Unhyeongung - Where a Boy King Grew Up

Insadong - Tea, Brushes and Old Treasures

Ssamziegil - A Shopping Street That Climbs

Jogyesa Temple - Buddhist Calm in the City Center

Cheonggyecheon Stream - A River Brought Back

Plan your visit

Route: 12 stops · about 3.2 miles · walking, one way
Time: about 3 hours at an easy pace, with stops
Start: Gwanghwamun Square (directions)
Cost: free tour

Stops on this tour

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