Seoul Gyeongbokgung Palace Korean Philosophy Guided Tour with Admission

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.