Still planning to fight the crowds for Seoul's iconic palace night view? You might be missing out on the city's best-kept secret.
There are two ways to see Seoul’s royal palaces at night. The first involves a frantic, high-stakes battle against every person in the country for a handful of tickets that sell out in seconds. The second involves a casual stroll up to a ticket machine, paying 1,000 KRW, and walking right in. Everyone wants to do the first one. The people who actually live here? We usually do the second.
Seeing Gyeongbokgung Palace lit up against the black sky is one of those core Seoul experiences. It’s magnificent. But getting in is a nightmare. For years, the special night openings have been a ticketing bloodbath. Meanwhile, a few subway stops away, two other gorgeous palaces—Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung—are open almost every single night, with no stress and virtually no crowds. So which one should you actually go to? It depends on how much you enjoy digital warfare.
📍 After-Dark Basics
- 🎟️The Deal: Gyeongbokgung has limited-run ticketed night openings. Changgyeonggung & Deoksugung are open year-round at night.
- 💰Cost: Gyeongbokgung is ₩3,000. Changgyeonggung & Deoksugung are only ₩1,000.
- 👗The Hanbok Trick: Wear a proper hanbok to any of them and you get in for free.
- 🌙Best Hours: Arrive just as the sun is setting (around 7 PM) to see the light change. The crowds are worst right at opening.
- 🚌Last Subway Home: Usually around 11:30 PM from this area, but check your specific line. After that, it’s taxis or night buses.
The Hunger Games: Scoring Tickets for Gyeongbokgung Night Viewing
Let’s start with the main event. Gyeongbokgung is the largest, most iconic palace, and its night viewing is treated like a rock concert. It only happens for a few weeks in the spring and autumn. For the 2024 autumn season, it runs from September 11 to October 27. Tickets go on sale online via Interpark, and the entire allotment of 3,000 tickets per day sells out in minutes. Seriously. It’s a national sport.
So, how do you get in? If you don’t want to fight for online tickets, your only other option is the on-site queue for foreigners. They release a laughably small number of tickets—usually around 300 per day—at the Gwanghwamun ticket office. You pay your ₩3,000 and hope for the best. People start lining up well before the ticket booth opens. It’s a gamble.
Once you’re in, the palace grounds are open from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with last admission at 8:30 PM. They are not flexible on this. The main walking path takes you past the soaring Geunjeongjeon (the Throne Hall) and eventually to Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, the huge banquet hall sitting on a pond. This is the photo spot. The reflection of the illuminated pavilion on the water is stunning, and it’s where 90% of the crowd will be. My advice? Go there last. The light is better later anyway, and you can enjoy the quieter inner halls like Gangnyeongjeon and Gyotaejeon first.
The whole experience takes about 90 minutes if you’re taking your time. It’s absolutely beautiful, but the sheer effort it takes to get inside can sour the experience. You’re constantly aware of the clock and the crowds.
The Locals’ Choice: A Spontaneous Night at Changgyeonggung or Deoksugung
Now for the secret weapon. What if you just want to see a pretty palace at night without planning your entire month around it? Go to Changgyeonggung or Deoksugung. They’re both open until 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM) every day except Monday, all year round. The cost? A measly ₩1,000. No reservations, no lines, no stress.
For a Quiet, Romantic Stroll: Changgyeonggung
Changgyeonggung is my personal favorite for a night walk. It feels less like a grand monument and more like a sprawling, quiet park. It’s located just east of the more famous Changdeokgung Palace, and you can get there from Hyehwa Station (Line 4, Exit 4) with a bit of a walk, or Anguk Station (Line 3). The vibe here is completely different from Gyeongbokgung. It’s peaceful. You’ll see couples holding hands and families with kids just enjoying the space.
Because there’s no time pressure, you can actually sit on a bench and soak it in. I once spent a half-hour just watching a stray cat try to hunt near the pond. You don’t get those moments at Gyeongbokgung.
For a Mix of Old and New: Deoksugung
Deoksugung is the easiest palace to access in all of Seoul. It’s literally right outside City Hall Station (Line 1 or 2, Exit 2). For your ₩1,000, you get a fascinating mashup of traditional Korean architecture and early 20th-century Western neoclassical buildings. This was the palace of the short-lived Korean Empire, and it shows.
The main attraction at night is Seokjojeon Hall, a massive stone building that looks like it was teleported from Europe. Standing in the courtyard with the traditional Junghwajeon Hall on one side and the floodlit Seokjojeon on the other is a perfect visual summary of modern Korean history. It’s a bit surreal and totally unique among the five palaces. It’s also right next to Seoul City Hall, so the backdrop of gleaming modern skyscrapers makes for a great contrast.
A Quick Word on the Pricier "Special Experiences"
You might see ads for things like the Gyeongbokgung "Starlight Night Tour" (별빛야행) or Deoksugung's "Night at Seokjojeon" (밤의 석조전). Be warned: these are not the same as general night admission. These are exclusive, guided tours that include things like a royal meal (수라상), traditional music performances, and access to areas that are normally closed.
They sound amazing, and they are. But the price reflects that. The Starlight Tour at Gyeongbokgung costs ₩60,000 per person. The Seokjojeon event is ₩26,000. These tickets are even harder to get than the general night viewing ones and are often limited to two per person. They're a fantastic special occasion thing, but for a casual night out, stick to the general admission.
The Hanbok Question: To Rent or Not to Rent?
Walking around any palace, you’ll see tons of people in rented hanbok (traditional Korean clothes). The big perk is that wearing one gets you free admission, even for the special Gyeongbokgung night viewing. This sounds like a great deal, but remember that a rental itself isn't free.
You can expect to pay around ₩15,000 for a basic two-hour rental, and up to ₩35,000 for the more elaborate, themed ones. Since palace admission is only ₩1,000 or ₩3,000, you’re not really saving money. You’re paying for the experience and the photos. At night, it can get chilly, especially in spring and fall, so if you do rent, make sure you have a jacket or opt for a thicker, winter-style hanbok. The rental shops near Gyeongbokgung are a dime a dozen, but they all close around the same time the palace does, so don't be late returning your outfit.
So, is the Gyeongbokgung madness worth it? Once, yes. You should see it. But for a relaxing, beautiful, and genuinely pleasant evening, I’ll be at Changgyeonggung every time. It’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets, hiding in plain sight.
My Two Cents
If you’re attempting to get the on-site foreigner tickets for Gyeongbokgung, show up at least 30-45 minutes before the ticket office opens. The 300 tickets can disappear in less than 15 minutes, especially on a weekend. Don't underestimate the queue.
Also, the last subway is not a joke. The lines around the palaces (Line 3 at Gyeongbokgung/Anguk, Line 1/2 at City Hall) get packed right after closing. Know your last train time before you go. Missing it means a potentially long, expensive taxi ride, as cabs are notoriously hard to catch in that area after 10 PM.