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Every Seoul palace is free entry, Oct 29 – Nov 15
- When
- Oct 29 – Nov 15, 2026
- Where
- 4 palaces, Jongmyo shrine, Joseon royal tombs
- Price
- Free regular admission
- Not free
- Changdeokgung Secret Garden tour, booked programs
Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Jongmyo and the royal tombs are free for 18 days. What's included, what's still paid, closed days and how to get there.
Gyeongbokgung · Photo: Brady Bellini (CC0)
What's free
- PALACESGyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung
Regular admission is free for the whole period (Royal Palaces and Tombs Center).
- SHRINEJongmyo
Usually timed guided tours only; during the period it switches to general admission, so you can walk it on your own.
- TOMBSJoseon royal tombs
Also free during the period.
Still paid
- HUWONChangdeokgung Secret Garden tour
The special garden tour isn't included. Book it as usual.
- EXTRABooked programs and paid events
Night tours, experiences and special events keep their own prices.
Closed days
- TUEGyeongbokgung + Jongmyo
Closed Nov 3 and Nov 10.
- MONChangdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung
Closed Nov 2 and Nov 9 (royal tombs too).
- HOURSGyeongbokgung
Oct: 9am–6pm · Nov: 9am–5pm. Last entry 1 hour before closing. Other sites vary.
Getting there
- GYEONGBOKGUNGGyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5
The exit leads straight toward the palace.
서울 종로구 사직로 161 경복궁
Make it a half day (our route)
- 1Gyeongbokgung in the morning
Go at opening; weekends fill up fast (our tip).
- 2Walk to Bukchon or Samcheong-dong
Lunch and cafes nearby (our tip). Bukchon's red zone limits visitor hours, so check before you go.
- 3Changdeokgung in the afternoon
A short walk east of Bukchon (our tip).
Say it in Korean (show this screen)
- Is entry free today?
O-neul mu-ryo ip-jang-i-e-yo?
오늘 무료입장이에요? - Where is the entrance?
Ip-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
입구가 어디예요? - Is the Secret Garden tour separate?
Hu-won gwan-ram-eun ttae-ro ye-yak-hae-ya dwae-yo?
후원 관람은 따로 예약해야 돼요?
Local tips
- Free regular admission runs Oct 29 – Nov 15 as part of the Korea Grand Festival (Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, Sep 22, 2026).
- Our tip: go early; free weeks get busier than usual.
FAQ
Are Seoul palaces free in November 2026?
Yes. Regular admission to the 4 palaces, Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs is free from Oct 29 to Nov 15, 2026.
Is the Changdeokgung Secret Garden free?
No. The Secret Garden (Huwon) special tour is not included and still needs its own booking.
When are the palaces closed?
Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo close Tuesdays (Nov 3, 10); Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung close Mondays (Nov 2, 9).
Sources: Royal Palaces and Tombs Center notice (Sep 22, 2026) · The Trip Pick (Oct 19, 2026) · Financial News (Oct 23, 2026)