This is a 3-hour guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace in English. A heritage guide explains how Joseon built its new capital and palace on Neo-Confucian ideals, and how traces of Buddhism, Daoism and shamanism remain in the palace architecture. The tour also covers the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and the philosophy behind Hangeul. Palace admission is included.

Walk through Gyeongbokgung
and explore the roots of Korean philosophy

This is a 3-hour guided tour in English. Walk through Gyeongbokgung with a heritage guide and see how Joseon built its new capital and palace on Neo-Confucian ideals. Palace admission and travel insurance are included.

Learn the vision behind Hanyang and the palace

Hear what kind of political and moral order King Taejo and his advisers, including Jeong Do-jeon, imagined after overthrowing Goryeo. The guide also covers geography and the building of the capital, and the hope for prosperity expressed in the name Gyeongbokgung.

Find traces of Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism and shamanism

Even in a Confucian Joseon society, the influence of Buddhism, Daoism, shamanism and folk beliefs remains in the palace architecture and fine details. Your guide explains the symbolic meaning in the structure and details of the palace one by one.

See the guard ceremony and hear about the philosophy of Hangeul

See royal protocol up close through the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, and talk about the philosophy behind Hangeul in its historical setting. The ceremony may not run as scheduled or may be cancelled without prior notice.

※ This is a 3-hour outdoor walking tour with chances to sit down along the way.
※ Once you leave the palace, you cannot re-enter without a new ticket.

• Please check your mobile voucher by email or in the WAUG app.

• Meet your guide at the meeting point on your booked date and time and show your voucher.

• The voucher is valid only on the date and time you selected.

Meeting point:
In front of the stairs of the National Palace Museum of Korea
12 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Meeting point guide:
Exit Gyeongbokgung Station through Exit 5 and meet in front of the stairs of the National Palace Museum of Korea.

Cancellation and refunds

• Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Participation limits

• Children under 13 cannot take part.

• Audio recording is not allowed.

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes and clothes, sunglasses, an umbrella, sunscreen and water.

On-site information

• This is a 3-hour outdoor walking tour. There are chances to sit down along the way.

• The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony may not run as scheduled or may be cancelled without prior notice.

• Hanbok rental is not included. Please book a rental in advance if you want to wear one.

• Once you leave the palace, you cannot re-enter without a new ticket.