Korea’s four royal palaces offer more than beautiful architecture and rich history. Visitors can also take advantage of several free services to make their visit even more enjoyable.
If you want to:
- Learn more about Korean history
- Explore at your own pace
- Check the highlights before your visit
these services are worth using:
- Free Guided Tours
- Audio Guides
- Visitor Leaflets
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
① Free Guided Tours
All four royal palaces offer free guided tours led by professional guides.
These tours explain the history of each palace, the purpose of important buildings, and the traditions of the Joseon royal family, making them an excellent choice for first-time visitors.
Tour schedules and available languages (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.) vary by palace, so please check the official website before your visit.
▼ Official Websites of the Four Royal Palaces
- Gyeongbokgung
Day: Wed – Mon
Hours: 11:00, 13:30, 15:30
Duration: Approx. one hour or one and one hour and a thirty minutes - Changdeokgung
Day: Everyday
Hours: 10:15, 13:15 - Deoksugung
Day: Tue – Sun
Hours: 10:45, 13:30
Duration: Approx. one hour - Changgyeonggung
Day: Tue – Sun
Hours: 110:00, 15:00
Duration: Approx. one hour
Please note: During periods of Heat Advisory or Heat Warning, guided tours may be shortened to help protect visitors from extreme summer heat.
② Audio Guides
If the guided tour schedule doesn’t fit your itinerary or you prefer exploring at your own pace, audio guides are another great option.
Because audio guide services vary by palace, please check each palace’s official website or ask at the site for the latest information.
▼ Audio Guides
These are the audio guide pages confirmed as of July 2026.
Please note that audio guide services and availability may change. Always check the latest information before your visit.
③ Visitor Leaflets
Each palace also provides visitor leaflets introducing its main attractions.
Some palaces offer downloadable PDF leaflets on their official websites, allowing you to review the highlights before your trip.
Planning your route in advance can help you make the most of your visit.
Choose the Best Way to Explore
| Tour Option | Recommended For |
|---|---|
| Free Guided Tour | Visitors who want to learn about the palace with a professional guide |
| Audio Guide | Visitors who prefer exploring independently at their own pace |
| Visitor Leaflet | Visitors who want a quick overview while walking around |
Combining these options can help you enjoy Korea’s royal palaces even more.
Summary
Korea’s four royal palaces offer more than just free guided tours. Audio guides and visitor leaflets are also available to help visitors better understand the history and culture of each palace.
Choose the option that best matches your travel style and enjoy discovering the beauty of Korea’s royal heritage.
Next time, we’ll introduce reservation-only special programs, including the Secret Garden (Huwon), Moonlight Tour, and the Saenggwabang Experience.