The eaves of Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung, lit at dusk

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Seoul's Four Palaces and Jongmyo Are Free Oct. 29 to Nov. 15, Gyeongbokgung Included

Published Oct 25, 2026

Why NOW picked itGood if the palace ticket line has put you off. Get in before 15:00 on a weekday and you can still do a full loop in November's short daylight; only the Changdeokgung Huwon needs a separate 5,000 won booking.

Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs open free from Thursday Oct. 29 to Sunday Nov. 15. Only the Changdeokgung Huwon tour is left out, and closed days still apply.

Eighteen days without a ticket booth

According to the Palace and Royal Tombs Center, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs are free from Thursday Oct. 29 to Sunday Nov. 15, timed to the Korea Grand Festival.

Jongmyo normally runs timed guided tours; the notice says it moves to general viewing for the period.

Monday or Tuesday decides your plan

Closed days still apply. A visitor guide that checked the rules on Oct. 21 lists Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo as closed on Tuesdays (Nov. 3 and 10) and Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and the tombs on Mondays (Nov. 2 and 9).

November hours are 09:00-17:00 at Gyeongbokgung and until 17:30 at Changdeokgung and Jongmyo. Entry usually stops an hour before closing, so aim to arrive before 15:00 while the days are short.

The long roof of Jongmyo Jeongjeon among autumn leaves

Only the Secret Garden still costs money

The Changdeokgung Huwon special tour is excluded. It costs 5,000 won and booking opens six days ahead at 10:00.

Gyeongbokgung is straight out of Exit 5 at Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3. Please check the Palace and Royal Tombs Center site once more before you go.