If you are planning to visit one of Seoul’s royal palaces during the summer, the heat may be one of your biggest concerns.
Summers in Seoul are not only hot but also humid. Walking around the spacious palace grounds for a long time can be more physically demanding than expected.
Because much of a palace visit takes place outdoors, it is important to check in advance where you can take a break, such as museums, galleries, and shaded areas.
This article introduces places where you can escape the heat at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace, along with some useful tips for visiting during midsummer.
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Easy to Combine with Museum Breaks
Of Seoul’s four major palaces, Gyeongbokgung offers the most convenient options for taking breaks on a hot day.
The National Palace Museum of Korea is located to the west of Gwanghwamun Gate. Admission is free, and its exhibitions introduce the history and culture of the Joseon royal court and the Korean Empire.
The air-conditioned museum is a comfortable place to rest while learning more about the palace buildings and royal culture you have just seen.
The National Folk Museum of Korea is also located in the northeastern part of the Gyeongbokgung grounds. Its exhibitions introduce traditional Korean lifestyles and culture.
Because Gyeongbokgung is very large, it is best not to try to see everything at once.
A schedule such as:
“Palace visit → Museum break → Palace visit”
allows you to alternate between outdoor and indoor sightseeing.
The areas around Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion offer beautiful waterside scenery. However, being near the water does not necessarily make the temperature cooler. Choose a shaded spot and avoid staying outdoors for too long.
Visitor Information for the National Palace Museum of Korea
Changdeokgung Palace: Plenty of Trees, but Take Care When Visiting the Secret Garden
Changdeokgung was designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Compared with Gyeongbokgung, it has more trees, and some paths offer shade from the sun.
The Secret Garden is especially known for its beautiful woodland scenery and ponds.
However, the Secret Garden is not a place where visitors can simply stop by for a short, independent walk. In principle, visitors must follow the designated admission system and viewing times. The route also includes slopes and steps, making a summer visit physically demanding.
Do not assume that the shade will be enough to protect you from the heat. Bring plenty of water and avoid pushing yourself if you feel unwell or are concerned about your physical condition.
Seasonal events may also be held around areas such as the Yakbang, or Royal Infirmary. However, these event spaces are not necessarily permanent air-conditioned rest areas. Check the official information for dates and participation details before visiting.
Deoksugung Palace: Cool Down While Enjoying Art at MMCA Deoksugung
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung—commonly known as MMCA Deoksugung—is located within the palace grounds.
The museum holds exhibitions focusing mainly on modern art. Its air-conditioned galleries provide a welcome break during a summer palace visit.
Admission fees vary depending on the exhibition, and a separate museum admission fee may be required in addition to the entrance fee for Deoksugung Palace.
Deoksugung is relatively compact compared with the other palaces, but many of its highlights—including Seokjojeon Hall, Junghwajeon Hall, and the gardens—are outdoors.
On especially hot days, consider visiting the museum during the hottest part of the day and returning to the palace grounds when the temperature begins to fall.
Deoksugung is open to general visitors until the evening, making a late-afternoon visit another good option in midsummer. After sunset, the palace is easier to explore, and you can also enjoy its illuminated buildings.
Visitor Information for MMCA Deoksugung
Changgyeonggung Palace: Enjoy the Greenery and Pond at a Relaxed Pace
Changgyeonggung has abundant greenery, and shaded areas can be found around places such as Chundangji Pond.
The Grand Greenhouse is located near the pond, but it was designed for growing plants and is not an air-conditioned rest area. The interior may also become hot during the summer, so it should not be considered a place to escape the heat.
Unlike Gyeongbokgung, with the National Palace Museum, or Deoksugung, with MMCA Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung does not have a large air-conditioned museum within its grounds.
It is therefore best to visit early in the morning or later in the day and explore at a relaxed pace, taking breaks near Chundangji Pond or in shaded areas.
Changgyeonggung also offers year-round evening admission, making it another good choice for enjoying a royal palace on a summer evening.
Tips for Visiting Seoul’s Palaces in Midsummer
If you visit a palace during the hottest part of summer, keep the following points in mind:
- Visit as early as possible in the morning or later in the afternoon.
- Bring water or a sports drink.
- Use a hat or parasol to avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- Do not try to see every part of a palace in a single visit.
- Use museums, galleries, and nearby cafés as planned rest stops.
- Stop sightseeing immediately if you experience dizziness, a headache, nausea, or any other signs of heat-related illness.
Shops and rest facilities within the palace grounds may be unavailable because of changes in opening hours or crowding. It is safer to buy drinks before entering.
Sudden heavy rain is also common during the summer, so bringing a folding umbrella or lightweight rainwear is recommended.
On Hot Days, Focus on Enjoying the Palace Without Overdoing It
When visiting a palace in summer, protecting your health is more important than trying to see every building.
Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung can easily be combined with air-conditioned museums, while Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung offer more greenery and shaded areas. Choose your visiting time according to the characteristics of each palace.
On extremely hot days, visiting just one palace and combining it with a museum, art gallery, or nearby café can still make for a rewarding day.
Opening hours, closing days, and event schedules may change. Please check the official websites for the latest information before your visit.