Gyeongbokgung palace insider tips

Get a better view and skip the lines by entering the palace from the Yeongchumun gate. Located in west part of the palace complex, less than 500m from metro station "Gyeongbokgung", takes only 10min by foot to reach. Few tourists actually use it, I mostly saw locals choosing this gate to enter the palace. The tickets don't need to be reserved in advance and price per adult is 3000won. It is open every day except Tuesday form 9h- 17h/18:30 (depending on the month). If you forget about this and arrive on Tuesday you can visit National Palace Museum, on the left side of Gwanghwamun gate, free of charge, you can see many interesting artifacts and collect their unique stamps. Plus there is a really good gift shop. For my fellow photographers, it is allowed to bring your tripod in. Main highlights of this part of the palace are for sure Gyeonghoeru Pavillon and Hyangwonjeong pond. Many visitors dressed in hanbok take photos in front of the pavillon but my recommendation is to walk a bit more until you reach the pond. The area looks much better and has less of a crowd. Plus there are lavatories for quick touch ups right next to it (on the right side). For sunset pics, make sure to check what time the sun sets on the day of your visit. If you don't appreciate the crowd and are not that interested to see the palace building itself (it is mostly just stone, people and zero trees) - I reccommend you to skip that part all together and only visit the pretty rear gardens. My best tip - go when it is raining. The atmosphere is much more unique than during blue sky. The photos you can see here were taked after summer rain shower and the clouds plus rays of sun peaking thru made my whole visit magical. If you finished your tour feeling tired and in need of sweet, exit the same way you came in and walk 8 min to Respirer bakery. Cute café in cartoony french style offers wide selection of pastry, delicious café and brunch. Popular mostly among students and government officials. Americano 5000won Signature Caramel Cream Latte 6000won Signature Salt Bread 3000won (tastes better than in the popular Onion café) Address : 104-1 Hyoja-dong Jongno-gu Seoul