10 Most Beautiful Palaces in Korea

Originally constructed in 1394, Gyeongbokgung Palace (Blessing Scenery Palace) in northern Seoul is the largest of the 5 grand palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and was the main residence of the royal family, and seat of government. What makes the Northern Palace – as it is also known – so beautiful is the contrast of the mountain backdrop with the intricate architecture and the pond surrounding the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is quite large and can be overwhelming, so the free tour is highly recommended. It’s also worthwhile to see the changing of the guards at Gwanghwamun Gate twice daily.

Changdeokgung Palace (The Palace of Prospering Virtue) is known for its natural setting. It was the most favoured palace of many of the Joseon kings, so it’s no surprise that it’s a popular tourist destination. The palace was designed with pungsu jiri in mind – a Buddhist form of geomancy akin to Feng shui – a concept characterised by balancing natural elements to create harmony. Changdeokgung Palace – or East Palace – is located within the natural topography at the base of Mount Baegaksan.

The secret garden (Biwon Garden) is a big draw to Changeokgung and requires pre-booking a tour to visit. The garden, a natural wonder, is dazzling in every season but stands out most in autumn with its colourful foliage.

Changgyeonggung Palace was originally built in 1418 as a gift from King Sejong to his father, King Taejong. Over the years, the residence has served many purposes (including a brief stint as a zoo and botanical garden), before ultimately being restored in the 1980s.

What makes Changgyeonggung such a beautiful destination in Korea? The architecture, featuring rich red, teal and golden colours, stands out among the white stone and treelined walks. The Gwandeokjeong Pavilion is an especially serene spot to sit and overlook the Chundangji Pond. Nearby you’ll also find the Great Greenhouse (Daeonsil), which stands out with its stark English design.

Deoksugung Palace is a place of duality. It is a place to see designs that are old and new, from the East and the West, in a place that is both urban and serene. While buildings like Junghwajeon Hall and Hamnyeongjeon Hall embody traditional Korean design rooted in hundreds of years of culture, others (like Seokjojeon Hall) were built in a very contrasted Western style.

Visit Deoksugung any time of year and the garden scenery will not disappoint. Autumn – with its gorgeous red and yellow palate – and spring’s cherry blossom bloom, in particular, are worth seeing.

Constructed in the 1600s, Gyeonghuigung Palace (Palace of Serene Harmony) served as the king’s secondary residence during the latter Joseon period. Due to 2 fires in the 19th century, the palace is no longer as extensive as it was in its prime, when it featured around 100 buildings. So far a third of the ornate pagoda-style buildings have been restored, but it is still a site to behold and a treat to walk among them on the white stone walkways.

Another scenic spot is Geumcheongyo Bridge near the entrance. The stone bridge runs over the top of the Geumcheon stream. On the other side of the bridge, you’ll find the Seoul Museum of History and Seoul Museum of Art.

Wolji – a pond that reflects the moon – is one of the most beautiful locations in Korea. The oval pond is found in Gyeongju National Park in Gyeongju, South Korea. It is an iconic feature of Donggung Palace, a 7th-century royal residence of ancient Silla during the 3 kingdoms era. The pagoda-style royal buildings sit atop 3 small islands in the pond.

For an extraordinary sight, visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond at night. With the buildings and garden features lit up, reflecting on the clear water, it makes for a romantic view.

Unhyeongung Palace is one of Seoul’s smaller royal residences. As such, it is more intimate and has become a common wedding venue for Korean couples looking for a traditional ceremony. Walking within the palace, visitors can take in the subdued, tranquil colours of nature as the buildings heavily feature their natural wood structure and cream-coloured walls with trees and water features interspersed throughout.

To see something truly spectacular, visit Unhyeongung Palace in either the spring or autumn when the re-enactment of the royal wedding takes place. King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong were married there in 1866. The ceremony is a colourful affair with actors wearing historically accurate costumes fit for royalty.

Located in Suwon is Hwaseong Haenggung Palace – a temporary palace where the king would stay when travelling to visit his father’s tomb. About 30 minutes outside of Seoul, it offers a less crowded and more serene experience to visitors. Tours are available, or visitors can explore the large collection of antiques on display at their own pace.

While visiting the palace you can also see the impressive fortress walls equipped with observation towers, cardinal gates and command posts. The stone and fired brick walls have been well-maintained as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Imagine spending Seollal – the Korean Lunar New Year – in an opulent royal palace like Sabigung Palace. The complex consists of 14 beautifully restored buildings. In the middle, Cheonjeongjeon is a two-story hall where New Year’s rituals and other important events are typically held.

Inside Sabigung Palace, you’ll also find a breath-taking temple called Neungsa. The temple features a five-story wood and bronze pagoda that houses a large golden Buddha statue. It is an almostexact replica of the building as it stood during the Baekje Kingdom.

Located on a hillside south of Hanam, Namhansenseong Haenggung Palace is a beautiful royal residence nestled against a forest of trees. Haenggung were not meant to be permanent residences, but rather a place Joseon rulers could stay when travelling outside the capital.

When visiting Namhansenseong Palace, you won’t miss the main entrance, Hannamnu Gate, which is a two-story structure characterised by the poetic well-wishing prayers inscribed on the four concrete pillars by a master calligrapher and master engraver. That level of expert and intricate craftsmanship can be seen throughout the rest of the architecture in this mountainside palace.