The Gyeongbokgung Night Tours are officially open. For a limited time, visitors can enter the palace at night and explore a subsection of the grounds. But, it is only open from 7 PM to 9:30 PM and tickets are limited.

So here are a few tips to help you get tickets, take the best photos and have a great experience all-around!

If you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration of the Gyeongbokgung Night Tour, check out our detailed post through the link.

Wear a hanbok

Hanboks are a fun way to engage in the culture and ambience of the palaces. Modern hanboks aren’t as stuffy as traditional ones and even the rentals have buttons and straps which make them easy to put on. Wearing a hanbok to any of the palaces allows for free entry. More importantly, wearing a hanbok means you can skip the ticket box line and go straight through the gate.

Arrive early

Gyeongbokgung is officially open from 7 PM to 9:30 PM. But the number of tickets is limited so it’s more than possible to be turned away. If you haven’t made an online reservation, we recommend arriving 40 minutes early and waiting in line by the ticket booth. On-site ticket sales are limited to foreign nationals, so bring an ID (passport). Of course, if you wear a hanbok, you can just skip the line and wait by the main entrance.

The few times I arrived as an afterthought, I was turned away. You should be fine if you arrive before 8 PM. Any time after and chances are slim. Speaking of arriving early…

Take your photos first

When you first arrive, you might be tempted to wander around the palace and enjoy the sights. There will be time for that later, specifically after the sun has set. Sunset is usually scheduled for just after 7 PM in autumn. That means you need to start shooting early to take shots using the fading light.

We suggest heading to the main throne room for photos with the imposing structure in the background. Then, you should bee line it to the back for private photos with few to no other visitors around.

Take a final walk through the palace

If all goes well, you should be done with your photos with more than enough time to spare. That’s why we recommend taking a final walk through the palace before you leave. This might seem unnecessary, but it is my favorite part of every visit.

By this point, there should be scattered crowds of visitors in hanbok in all corners of the palace. You’ll see visitors dressed as kings, queens, guardsmen, politicians, and on. It is an amazing experience and you should drink it all in before you leave.

FINAL FAQ:

• When should I visit Gyeongbokgung?
  • The night tours are available from September 1st to October 29th. The palace is open from 7 PM to 9:30 PM Wednesday ~ Sunday and I’d suggest arriving as early as possible.
• Do I need ID or passport?
  • If you are going to buy tickets on-site, yes. On-site ticket sales are only for foreigners with proof of ID. Your foreign passport or alien registration card is enough.
• Is there food inside the palace?
  • There is one small cafe inside the palace. We’d recommend getting food and coffee outside the palace after you visit.
• How much does it cost?
  • The night tour ticket is 3,000 KRW (roughly 3 USD). Entry is free if you wear a hanbok as well as children 6 or younger and senior citizens 65 or older.