Introduction
Most international travelers visiting Seoul head to the royal palaces primarily to take photos in beautiful Hanbok. Honestly, not many people are deeply interested in the intricate history of a foreign monarchy. Even many Koreans stroll through these grounds as a casual walk without knowing the specific purpose of each building.
However, some savvy travelers wonder: "Are there free English guided tours available?" and "Is the quality of these tours actually good?" There are two main types of free English tours: the official programs provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) and the Seoul Free Guided Walking Tour programs operated by the Seoul Tourism Organization. Both are excellent, but in terms of depth and duration, the Seoul Free Walking Tour tends to be more comprehensive.
[Check this post to learn about the Seoul Tourism Organization’s Free Walking Tour]
[Book the Seoul Tourism Organization’s Seoul Free Guided Walking Tour Online]
In this post, we will focus specifically on the official free English guided tours provided directly at Seoul's four major palaces.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
(1) General Palace Tour
- Schedule: Daily at 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays).
- Details: Conducted by professional guides from the Gyeongbokgung Management Office.
- Duration: 60 to 90 minutes.
- Capacity: Limited to 30 people per session.
- Booking: No reservation is required for individuals or groups of fewer than 10 people. Simply arrive at the meeting point on time.
- Meeting Point: Inside Heungnyemun Gate, in front of the Gyeongbokgung Information Office.
(2) Special Entry: Gyeonghoeru Pavilion & Hyangwonjeong Pavilion
Access to Gyeonghoeru Pavilion is restricted to specific periods—two months in the first half of the year and two months in the second half.
- 2026 Special Viewing Schedule:
- First Half: April 1, 2026 – May 29, 2026
- Second Half: September 2, 2026 – October 30, 2026
- Details: Entry is only allowed twice a day (10:00 AM and 2:00 PM), limited to 25 people per session.
- Important Note: Entry is only possible under a guide's supervision. Unfortunately, there is currently no English commentary provided. As of now, there is no official way for foreigners to enter Gyeonghoeru through an English-guided program.
2. Chilgung (The Seven Royal Shrines)
Similar to special pavilion entries, Chilgung can only be viewed under the guidance of a professional. However, as there is no English commentary available, it is currently difficult for non-Korean speakers to participate in an official tour.
3. Changdeokgung Palace
(1) General Palace Buildings
- Schedule: Daily at 10:15 AM and 1:15 PM (Closed on Mondays).
- Details: Conducted by official Changdeokgung Heritage Guides.
- Booking: No reservation required; just show up at the meeting point.
- Meeting Point: Howicheong (opposite Injeongmun Gate).
(2) Huwon (The Secret Garden)
Huwon is a restricted area with fixed entry times and a strict person limit.
- Capacity: Limited to 100 people per session (50 via online reservation + 50 via on-site ticket sales).
- Booking Tips: Online reservations open 6 days prior to your visit at 10:00 AM and usually sell out within minutes. Each person can book up to 10 tickets, so travel agencies often snag them early.
- On-site Tickets: Available starting from 9:00 AM on the day of the visit on a first-come, first-served basis.
- English Tour Times: 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM (3:30 PM session runs from March to November only).
- Duration: Approximately 70 minutes.
- Note: To see the Secret Garden, you must purchase a separate general palace building ticket. You cannot enter the garden without both tickets. If you fail to secure a garden ticket, you cannot join the free English tour.
- Meeting Point: Entrance of the Secret Garden.
[Click here to go to the Changdeokgung Secret Garden Reservation Site]
4. Changgyeonggung Palace
- Schedule: Daily at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM (Closed on Mondays).
- Details: Conducted by official Heritage Guides.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
- Booking: No reservation required.
- Meeting Point: Next to Okcheongyo Bridge.
5. Deoksugung Palace
(1) General Palace Tour
- Schedule: Daily at 10:45 AM and 1:30 PM (Closed on Mondays).
- Details: Conducted by official Heritage Guides.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
- Capacity: Limited to 25 people per session.
- Booking: No reservation required.
- Meeting Point: Behind Daehanmun Gate/Geumcheongyo Bridge, in front of the Deoksugung General Information Board.
(2) Seokjojeon Hall (Korean Empire Historical Museum)
Seokjojeon is a restricted viewing area and requires a guide.
- Schedule: Daily at 11:50 AM and 2:45 PM (Closed on Mondays).
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Booking: English tours must be reserved on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Capacity: Maximum 20 people per session.
- How to Book: Visit the information desk at the Seokjojeon Korean Empire Historical Museum to sign up.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to book in advance for the Gyeongbokgung Palace general tour?
A: No. If you are an individual or a group of fewer than 10 people, you can participate on-site without a reservation. Just arrive at the meeting point inside Heungnyemun Gate on time.
Q: Is a general palace ticket enough to enter the Changdeokgung Secret Garden?
A: No. You must purchase both the general palace building ticket and a separate Secret Garden ticket to join the garden tour.
Q: Are there English tours for Gyeonghoeru Pavilion or Chilgung Shrine?
A: Unfortunately, no. While these areas require a guide for entry, official English commentary is currently not provided. Access is limited primarily to Korean-guided sessions.
Image Source: Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), waytoseoul team