Notice what survives and what has been restored
Gyeongbokgung was founded in 1395 as the main palace of the Joseon dynasty. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of 1592 and rebuilt in the nineteenth century. Further demolition and alteration took place during Japanese colonial rule, followed by modern restoration programmes.
The grounds therefore contain buildings and restored spaces from different stages of that history. Read individual signs for construction, destruction and restoration dates rather than treating the entire complex as either untouched medieval architecture or a single modern reconstruction.
The National Archives' account of the palaces describes major losses and restoration. Open space can reflect a lost compound, but some courtyards were deliberately open ceremonial areas.
Compare the five palaces
Gyeongbokgung has a strong ceremonial approach through gates and courtyards towards its main throne hall, Geunjeongjeon. Look beyond that central route to distinguish government, residential and garden areas.
Changdeokgung was founded in 1405 and served as a principal royal residence for long periods. Its layout responds to the terrain rather than placing every major space on one straight axis. The palace complex is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Changgyeonggung formed part of the eastern palace complex alongside Changdeokgung and accommodated members of the royal household. Its later conversion into a park and subsequent restoration are part of the site's history.
Deoksugung is closely associated with Emperor Gojong and the Korean Empire. Korean halls stand alongside Western-style buildings such as Seokjojeon, reflecting the architectural and diplomatic ambitions of that period.
Gyeonghuigung was a western palace whose buildings and grounds suffered extensive loss. Its surviving and reconstructed spaces make a smaller visit today, but the scale of the present site should not be confused with its historical extent.
Understand Jongmyo's different purpose
Jongmyo is a royal ancestral shrine, not a residential palace. Its halls hold spirit tablets commemorating Joseon kings and queens, and the site remains associated with ancestral ritual and music.
The long main hall, Jeongjeon, and its broad courtyard were designed for that ceremonial purpose. Its restrained appearance differs from the more elaborate painted halls in many palace compounds.
UNESCO's description explains the shrine's significance. Check current visiting arrangements, as access may depend on a guided session, the day or a special event.
Recognise different types of building
The ending of a building's name can suggest its function or architectural type. 전 (jeon) often identifies an important hall, while 정 (jeong) commonly identifies a pavilion. 루 (ru) is used for elevated pavilion-like structures, as in Gyeonghoeru.
These names are useful clues, but they are not a universal ranking system in which every building can be placed solely by its last syllable. Read the site's explanation of what happened in that particular building.
A throne hall was used for major ceremonies and audiences. An office hall supported the king's working meetings, while residential quarters served the royal household. Gardens and pavilions had their own uses for rest, study and gatherings.
Look at decoration, roofs and the ground beneath you
Dancheong is the coloured decoration on wooden architectural surfaces. It can help protect the wood as well as decorate a building, and its design varies with the setting and significance of the structure.
Roof forms include hipped-and-gabled roofs, hipped roofs, plain gables and pavilion roofs. Jongmyo's long gabled hall is a reminder that religious or ceremonial importance does not always mean more elaborate ornament.
Raised terraces, steps, bridges and paths also organise how people approached a building. Follow visitor routes and barriers rather than assuming that a historic ceremonial path is open for walking today.
Plan access separately from the history
Use the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center for current admission, closure days, guided visits and special programmes. Garden entry and evening events can have separate arrangements from ordinary palace admission.
If you plan to wear hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, check the current free-admission criteria. The clothing waiver does not automatically cover every garden, tour or event.
