Seoul's Five Palaces: A Complete Visitor Guide

Seoul preserves five Joseon-era royal palaces within its city limits, each with a distinct character and history. This guide covers all five in depth, plus the essential sites, shrines, and neighborhoods that complete a palace-focused visit to the city.

Wide view of Gyeongbokgung Palace’s main throne hall in Seoul, with people walking and a clear blue sky above the Joseon-era architectural landmark.

The five grand palaces of Seoul — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung — were built during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897) and survive today as the most tangible connection to Korea's royal past. Each palace has a different personality: one is grand and ceremonial, one is a UNESCO World Heritage Site wrapped in woodland, one is peaceful and botanical, one blends East and West, and one is rarely visited and all the better for it. Together they form one of the most rewarding historical itineraries of any city in Asia. For a structured overview of how to fit them into your trip, see our 3-day Seoul itinerary or the extended 5-day Seoul guide. One practical tip before you start: One practical tip before you start: Gyeongbokgung closes on Tuesday, while the other four palaces close on Monday, so plan accordingly., so plan accordingly. And if you can visit in hanbok, admission to all five is free — rental shops cluster near every palace gate.

✨ Pro tip

Wear hanbok for free entry to all five palaces. Rental shops near each palace gate charge varying rates for a few hours. Gyeongbokgung closes Tuesdays; the other four close Mondays. Verify current hours before visiting as they vary by season.

The Five Grand Palaces

Large group of visitors at Geunjeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace, with the grand traditional two-tiered wooden hall and mountains in the background. — Photo LePei Visual

Start with the palaces themselves. Four of the five sit in the historic Jongno-Bukchon district, making it easy to visit Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Changgyeonggung in a single full day. Deoksugung stands alone in central Seoul near City Hall, while Gyeonghuigung is a short walk west. Admission prices are modest — Admission prices are modest — around ₩3,000 for Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, with Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung at ₩1,000 — and the last Wednesday of each month is Culture Day, when entry is free. Always verify current prices and hours on the official Visit Korea website before your visit.

A wide landscape view of Geunjeongjeon, the grand throne hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, with a stone courtyard and surrounding mountains under a clear blue sky.

1. Start at Gyeongbokgung, Seoul's Largest and Most Iconic Palace

Built in 1395 as the Joseon dynasty's main palace, Gyeongbokgung is the grandest of the five. Allow 2–3 hours to see Geunjeongjeon throne hall, the pavilion on Gyeonghoeru lake, and the daily changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate.

1. Start at Gyeongbokgung, Seoul's Largest and Most Iconic Palace

Built in 1395 as the Joseon dynasty's main palace, Gyeongbokgung is the grandest of the five. Allow 2–3 hours to see Geunjeongjeon throne hall, the pavilion on Gyeonghoeru lake, and the daily changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate.

A wide landscape view of Geunjeongjeon, the grand throne hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, with a stone courtyard and surrounding mountains under a clear blue sky.

Wide view of Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden pond with traditional pavilions, lush trees, and reflections in the water on a clear day.

2. Tour the UNESCO-Listed Changdeokgung and Its Secret Garden

The best-preserved of the five and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site among them. The main palace complex (₩3,000) is impressive, but the real draw is Huwon, the 78-acre rear garden of pavilions, lotus ponds, and ancient trees, accessible only by guided tour (₩5,000 extra). Book ahead.

2. Tour the UNESCO-Listed Changdeokgung and Its Secret Garden

The best-preserved of the five and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site among them. The main palace complex (₩3,000) is impressive, but the real draw is Huwon, the 78-acre rear garden of pavilions, lotus ponds, and ancient trees, accessible only by guided tour (₩5,000 extra). Book ahead.

Wide view of Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden pond with traditional pavilions, lush trees, and reflections in the water on a clear day.

A wide view of Myeongjeongjeon Hall at Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul, with traditional Joseon-style architecture under a blue sky and a person in hanbok.

3. Explore the Quietest Palace: Changgyeonggung's Gardens and Greenhouse

Adjacent to Changdeokgung and connected by a shared wall, Changgyeonggung rewards visitors with far smaller crowds. Its Victorian-era greenhouse, botanical garden, and tranquil stone bridges give it a character unlike any other palace. Entry is just ₩1,000.

3. Explore the Quietest Palace: Changgyeonggung's Gardens and Greenhouse

Adjacent to Changdeokgung and connected by a shared wall, Changgyeonggung rewards visitors with far smaller crowds. Its Victorian-era greenhouse, botanical garden, and tranquil stone bridges give it a character unlike any other palace. Entry is just ₩1,000.

A wide view of Myeongjeongjeon Hall at Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul, with traditional Joseon-style architecture under a blue sky and a person in hanbok.

Aerial view of Deoksugung Palace’s western-style buildings and central fountain, surrounded by colorful autumn trees amid modern skyscrapers in central Seoul.

4. Visit Deoksugung for Its Unique Blend of East and West

Uniquely among the five, Deoksugung mixes traditional Korean throne halls with European-style stone pavilions built during Korea's fraught late-19th-century modernization. The famous Doldam-gil stone wall road wraps its perimeter, and the MMCA Deoksugung art museum sits just inside the gate.

4. Visit Deoksugung for Its Unique Blend of East and West

Uniquely among the five, Deoksugung mixes traditional Korean throne halls with European-style stone pavilions built during Korea's fraught late-19th-century modernization. The famous Doldam-gil stone wall road wraps its perimeter, and the MMCA Deoksugung art museum sits just inside the gate.

Aerial view of Deoksugung Palace’s western-style buildings and central fountain, surrounded by colorful autumn trees amid modern skyscrapers in central Seoul.

Wide view of Gyeonghuigung Palace’s main hall with its raised stone platform, flanked by traditional buildings, surrounded by trees, under a partly cloudy sky in Seoul.

5. Discover Gyeonghuigung, the Palace Almost Nobody Visits

The most recently restored of the five, Gyeonghuigung sits quietly beside the Seoul Museum of History in central Seoul and sees a fraction of the foot traffic of its peers. It's a compact but satisfying visit for anyone completing the full set — and a calm contrast to Gyeongbokgung's crowds.

5. Discover Gyeonghuigung, the Palace Almost Nobody Visits

The most recently restored of the five, Gyeonghuigung sits quietly beside the Seoul Museum of History in central Seoul and sees a fraction of the foot traffic of its peers. It's a compact but satisfying visit for anyone completing the full set — and a calm contrast to Gyeongbokgung's crowds.

Wide view of Gyeonghuigung Palace’s main hall with its raised stone platform, flanked by traditional buildings, surrounded by trees, under a partly cloudy sky in Seoul.

The Palace Precinct: Gates, Squares, and Royal Shrines

Wide view of Gwanghwamun gate with a crowd of people and distant mountains in Seoul, marking the main entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace. — Photo Theodore Nguyen

The palaces don't exist in isolation. The streets, gates, and ceremonial spaces around them are inseparable from the royal history of the city. Just north of Gyeongbokgung, the hanok villages of Bukchon and Seochon formed the residential neighborhoods of the Joseon aristocracy. To the south, Gwanghwamun Square served as the ceremonial approach to the palace. And a short walk east, Jongmyo Shrine preserved the spiritual heart of the dynasty. Plan to spend at least a half-day in this wider precinct.

Street-level view of Gwanghwamun Square featuring the King Sejong statue, pedestrians walking, green buses, and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

6. Walk Gwanghwamun Square, the Grand Approach to Gyeongbokgung

The broad ceremonial boulevard stretching south from Gyeongbokgung's main gate is anchored by statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong. It's Seoul's primary civic space and the correct, dramatic way to approach the palace — don't arrive through the side entrance.

6. Walk Gwanghwamun Square, the Grand Approach to Gyeongbokgung

The broad ceremonial boulevard stretching south from Gyeongbokgung's main gate is anchored by statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong. It's Seoul's primary civic space and the correct, dramatic way to approach the palace — don't arrive through the side entrance.

Street-level view of Gwanghwamun Square featuring the King Sejong statue, pedestrians walking, green buses, and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

Panoramic view of Jongmyo Shrine's main hall in winter, with traditional wooden architecture and snow covering the large courtyard in front.

7. Pay Respect at Jongmyo, the Joseon Dynasty's Royal Shrine

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's oldest surviving Confucian royal shrines, Jongmyo houses the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens. The main hall, Jeongjeon, is austere and deeply affecting. The annual Jongmyo Daeje ritual in May is one of Korea's most important living ceremonies.

7. Pay Respect at Jongmyo, the Joseon Dynasty's Royal Shrine

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's oldest surviving Confucian royal shrines, Jongmyo houses the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens. The main hall, Jeongjeon, is austere and deeply affecting. The annual Jongmyo Daeje ritual in May is one of Korea's most important living ceremonies.

Panoramic view of Jongmyo Shrine's main hall in winter, with traditional wooden architecture and snow covering the large courtyard in front.

Front view of Cheong Wa Dae’s main blue-tiled building and gates, with Bugaksan Mountain rising in the background under a bright sky.

8. Tour Cheong Wa Dae, the Former Presidential Residence Behind Gyeongbokgung

Opened to the public in 2022 after 74 years as a restricted presidential compound, the Blue House sits directly behind Gyeongbokgung. The iconic blue-tiled main building, traditional gardens, and views of Bugaksan Mountain make it one of the most rewarding recent additions to Seoul's palace circuit.

8. Tour Cheong Wa Dae, the Former Presidential Residence Behind Gyeongbokgung

Opened to the public in 2022 after 74 years as a restricted presidential compound, the Blue House sits directly behind Gyeongbokgung. The iconic blue-tiled main building, traditional gardens, and views of Bugaksan Mountain make it one of the most rewarding recent additions to Seoul's palace circuit.

Front view of Cheong Wa Dae’s main blue-tiled building and gates, with Bugaksan Mountain rising in the background under a bright sky.

Front view of Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate in Seoul, showing the historic stone base, intricate wooden pavilion, and visitors at the entrance with a clear blue sky.

9. See Sungnyemun Gate, a designated Treasure

The southern gate of the Joseon capital wall, Sungnyemun is the oldest surviving wooden gate structure in Seoul and Korea's officially designated National Treasure No. 1. It sits near Deoksugung and fits naturally into a walking route between the palace and Namdaemun Market.

9. See Sungnyemun Gate, a designated Treasure

The southern gate of the Joseon capital wall, Sungnyemun is the oldest surviving wooden gate structure in Seoul and Korea's officially designated National Treasure No. 1. It sits near Deoksugung and fits naturally into a walking route between the palace and Namdaemun Market.

Front view of Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate in Seoul, showing the historic stone base, intricate wooden pavilion, and visitors at the entrance with a clear blue sky.

Tapgol Park in Seoul on a rainy day, showing the historic pavilion with people seated underneath and surrounding trees and city buildings in the background.

10. Stop at Tapgol Park, Where Korea's Independence Movement Was Born

Korea's first modern public park, historically significant as the site where the March 1st Independence Movement declaration was read in 1919. The Wongaksa Pagoda at its center is a masterpiece of Joseon stone carving. It's a five-minute walk from Jongmyo Shrine and easy to include in a palace day.

10. Stop at Tapgol Park, Where Korea's Independence Movement Was Born

Korea's first modern public park, historically significant as the site where the March 1st Independence Movement declaration was read in 1919. The Wongaksa Pagoda at its center is a masterpiece of Joseon stone carving. It's a five-minute walk from Jongmyo Shrine and easy to include in a palace day.

Tapgol Park in Seoul on a rainy day, showing the historic pavilion with people seated underneath and surrounding trees and city buildings in the background.

Hanok Villages and Historic Neighborhoods Near the Palaces

Traditional hanok houses lining a narrow street overlooking modern Seoul skyline, likely Bukchon Hanok Village near the palaces. — Photo Basile Morin (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The neighborhoods flanking the palaces preserve the urban fabric of the Joseon era better than almost anywhere else in Seoul. Bukchon Hanok Village sits on the ridge between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung; Seochon Village spreads west of Gyeongbokgung; and Ikseon-dong offers a more contemporary take on hanok life. These areas are best explored on foot in the morning, before the day-tour groups arrive. See our detailed guide to Seoul's hanok villages for walking route suggestions.

A wide view looking up a traditional stone and brick alley lined with hanok houses in Bukchon Hanok Village under a bright blue sky.

11. Walk Bukchon Hanok Village, the Hillside Between Two Palaces

Over 900 traditional hanok houses line the steep alleys of Bukchon, perched on the hill between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Alley 11 near Jae-dong is the classic viewpoint shot. Go at 10:00 opening to experience it more quietly — this is a residential neighborhood, so noise is genuinely an issue.

11. Walk Bukchon Hanok Village, the Hillside Between Two Palaces

Over 900 traditional hanok houses line the steep alleys of Bukchon, perched on the hill between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Alley 11 near Jae-dong is the classic viewpoint shot. Go at 10:00 opening to experience it more quietly — this is a residential neighborhood, so noise is genuinely an issue.

A wide view looking up a traditional stone and brick alley lined with hanok houses in Bukchon Hanok Village under a bright blue sky.

Traditional hanok bookstore with rustic blue trim and handwritten signs in Seochon Village, Seoul, on a quiet urban street.

12. Explore Seochon, the Quieter Hanok Neighborhood West of the Palace

Seochon spreads west of Gyeongbokgung in a maze of narrow alleys and converted hanok houses. It has fewer tour groups than Bukchon and a stronger local character, with independent bookshops, art studios, and traditional cafés. It's a natural pairing with a morning at the palace.

12. Explore Seochon, the Quieter Hanok Neighborhood West of the Palace

Seochon spreads west of Gyeongbokgung in a maze of narrow alleys and converted hanok houses. It has fewer tour groups than Bukchon and a stronger local character, with independent bookshops, art studios, and traditional cafés. It's a natural pairing with a morning at the palace.

Traditional hanok bookstore with rustic blue trim and handwritten signs in Seochon Village, Seoul, on a quiet urban street.

Narrow alleyway in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village with traditional tiled-roof hanok houses, cafes, and a bicycle leaning against a wall.

13. End the Day in Ikseon-dong's Hanok Bars and Cafés

A compact cluster of 1930s hanok houses converted into wine bars, cocktail spots, and specialty coffee shops near Jongno. Ikseon-dong gives the traditional architecture a contemporary energy that makes it the natural end to a palace and heritage day — particularly appealing from early evening onward.

13. End the Day in Ikseon-dong's Hanok Bars and Cafés

A compact cluster of 1930s hanok houses converted into wine bars, cocktail spots, and specialty coffee shops near Jongno. Ikseon-dong gives the traditional architecture a contemporary energy that makes it the natural end to a palace and heritage day — particularly appealing from early evening onward.

Narrow alleyway in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village with traditional tiled-roof hanok houses, cafes, and a bicycle leaning against a wall.

Museums and Cultural Sites in the Palace District

Wide view of Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Geunjeongjeon Hall with visitors approaching, set against a blue sky and distant tree-covered mountain in Seoul’s palace district. — Photo Luna Groothedde

The palace precinct is also home to some of Seoul's finest museums, several of which are free. The best museums in Seoul guide covers them in more depth, but the three below are especially well-positioned for a palace visit and add important context to what you see inside the palace walls.

Front view of the National Folk Museum of Korea, showing the iconic multi-story pagoda, stone steps, and visitors walking in the foreground.

14. Visit the National Folk Museum Inside Gyeongbokgung's Grounds

Contained within the Gyeongbokgung complex, this engaging museum reconstructs daily life in Joseon Korea through full-scale village displays, seasonal folk exhibits, and artifact galleries. It adds essential context to the palace visit and is especially rewarding for first-time visitors to Korea.

14. Visit the National Folk Museum Inside Gyeongbokgung's Grounds

Contained within the Gyeongbokgung complex, this engaging museum reconstructs daily life in Joseon Korea through full-scale village displays, seasonal folk exhibits, and artifact galleries. It adds essential context to the palace visit and is especially rewarding for first-time visitors to Korea.

Front view of the National Folk Museum of Korea, showing the iconic multi-story pagoda, stone steps, and visitors walking in the foreground.

View of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul branch, showing modern buildings, bare trees, and a traditional palace structure in the same compound.

15. See Contemporary Korean Art at MMCA Seoul, Next to Gyeongbokgung

Korea's premier contemporary art museum occupies a beautifully converted historic compound a short walk from Gyeongbokgung. The architecture — a former military headquarters transformed into light-filled galleries — is as interesting as the rotating exhibitions inside. Entry is ₩4,000.

15. See Contemporary Korean Art at MMCA Seoul, Next to Gyeongbokgung

Korea's premier contemporary art museum occupies a beautifully converted historic compound a short walk from Gyeongbokgung. The architecture — a former military headquarters transformed into light-filled galleries — is as interesting as the rotating exhibitions inside. Entry is ₩4,000.

View of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul branch, showing modern buildings, bare trees, and a traditional palace structure in the same compound.

Exterior of the Seoul Museum of History on a bright day, showing the modern building surrounded by green trees and grass with a blue sky overhead.

16. Understand the City's Transformation at the Seoul Museum of History

Free to enter and located directly beside Gyeonghuigung, this museum traces Seoul's evolution from Joseon capital to modern megacity. Its large-scale historical maps and models of old Seoul are particularly useful for visualizing how the palace district once dominated the entire city.

16. Understand the City's Transformation at the Seoul Museum of History

Free to enter and located directly beside Gyeonghuigung, this museum traces Seoul's evolution from Joseon capital to modern megacity. Its large-scale historical maps and models of old Seoul are particularly useful for visualizing how the palace district once dominated the entire city.

Exterior of the Seoul Museum of History on a bright day, showing the modern building surrounded by green trees and grass with a blue sky overhead.

Exterior of Seodaemun Prison History Hall with its distinctive red brick building, barred windows, and a large Korean flag displayed, set against a blue sky and mountain backdrop.

17. Reckon with Colonial History at Seodaemun Prison, a Short Walk from the Palaces

A preserved Japanese colonial-era prison that held Korean independence activists, located about 15 minutes on foot from Gyeonghuigung. It is one of Seoul's most important historical sites and provides a sobering but essential counterpoint to the royal glory of the palace circuit.

17. Reckon with Colonial History at Seodaemun Prison, a Short Walk from the Palaces

A preserved Japanese colonial-era prison that held Korean independence activists, located about 15 minutes on foot from Gyeonghuigung. It is one of Seoul's most important historical sites and provides a sobering but essential counterpoint to the royal glory of the palace circuit.

Exterior of Seodaemun Prison History Hall with its distinctive red brick building, barred windows, and a large Korean flag displayed, set against a blue sky and mountain backdrop.

Temples, Walls, and Hills Around the Palace District

View of people walking along an old stone city wall with the Seoul cityscape in the background and dry grass in the foreground. — Photo Kat Carabio

The Joseon capital was defined not just by its palaces but by the city wall that enclosed them and the mountains that framed the city. Several of these natural and architectural features are walkable from the palace gates. The hiking in Seoul guide covers the full Hanyangdoseong trail, which connects several of the sites below.

View of the Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) with people walking along the stone ramparts and urban buildings in the background.

18. Walk the Original City Wall That Once Enclosed All Five Palaces

The 18.6km Hanyangdoseong wall was built in 1396 to protect the same Joseon capital the palaces were built to govern. The Naksan and Bugaksan sections near the palace district are the most historically intact. Even a one-hour stretch gives a completely different perspective on the royal city.

18. Walk the Original City Wall That Once Enclosed All Five Palaces

The 18.6km Hanyangdoseong wall was built in 1396 to protect the same Joseon capital the palaces were built to govern. The Naksan and Bugaksan sections near the palace district are the most historically intact. Even a one-hour stretch gives a completely different perspective on the royal city.

View of the Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) with people walking along the stone ramparts and urban buildings in the background.

Rocky footpath ascending through lush green trees toward the granite summit of Inwangsan Mountain under a bright, overcast sky.

19. Hike Inwangsan for Dramatic Views Back Over the Palace District

Rising just west of Gyeongbokgung, Inwangsan's granite boulders and sections of the city wall offer striking views back over the palace rooflines toward Namsan. The shamanist shrines at Guksadang near the summit are an unexpected and atmospheric highlight of any palace-district hiking day.

19. Hike Inwangsan for Dramatic Views Back Over the Palace District

Rising just west of Gyeongbokgung, Inwangsan's granite boulders and sections of the city wall offer striking views back over the palace rooflines toward Namsan. The shamanist shrines at Guksadang near the summit are an unexpected and atmospheric highlight of any palace-district hiking day.

Rocky footpath ascending through lush green trees toward the granite summit of Inwangsan Mountain under a bright, overcast sky.

Front view of Jogyesa Temple's Daeungjeon main hall with vibrant ornate colors, blue roof, stone lanterns, and lush green courtyard set among modern Seoul buildings.

20. Visit Jogyesa Temple, the Heart of Korean Buddhism Near the Palaces

The head temple of Korean Buddhism sits on a quiet street between Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo Shrine. Its ancient white pine and pagoda tree predate most of central Seoul's modern buildings. During Buddha's Birthday in May, the grounds fill with thousands of paper lanterns — one of the city's great seasonal spectacles.

20. Visit Jogyesa Temple, the Heart of Korean Buddhism Near the Palaces

The head temple of Korean Buddhism sits on a quiet street between Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo Shrine. Its ancient white pine and pagoda tree predate most of central Seoul's modern buildings. During Buddha's Birthday in May, the grounds fill with thousands of paper lanterns — one of the city's great seasonal spectacles.

Front view of Jogyesa Temple's Daeungjeon main hall with vibrant ornate colors, blue roof, stone lanterns, and lush green courtyard set among modern Seoul buildings.

💡 Local tip

Combine a palace visit with Insa-dong's traditional craft street, a 10-minute walk southeast of Gyeongbokgung. It's a natural end to a heritage day, with tea houses, antique shops, and the Ssamziegil courtyard for souvenirs.

FAQ

Which of Seoul's five palaces should I visit if I only have time for one?

Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most iconic, with the best-known gate and the changing of the guard ceremony. But Changdeokgung is arguably more rewarding: its Secret Garden guided tour is a genuine highlight, and it's the only palace in Seoul on the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you have a full day, do both.

How much does it cost to visit all five palaces in Seoul?

Individual tickets are around ₩3,000 for Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, ₩1,000 for Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung is free. A combined ticket covering four palaces plus Jongmyo Shrine is available and valid for three months. Changdeokgung's Secret Garden is a separate ticket. Wearing hanbok grants free entry to all five palaces. Verify current prices before visiting.

What days are Seoul's palaces closed?

Gyeongbokgung closes on Tuesdays. Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung all close on Mondays. Plan your palace itinerary around these closures. The last Wednesday of each month is Culture Day, when entry to the palaces is free.

What is the best time of year to visit Seoul's palaces?

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the most popular seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms and azaleas to the palace grounds; autumn fills them with turning foliage. Summer has the longest opening hours but also the most heat and humidity. Winter is cold but uncrowded and often strikingly beautiful with snow on the traditional rooftiles.

Can I visit Seoul's five palaces in one day?

It's physically possible to see all five exterior grounds in one long day, but you won't do justice to any of them. A better approach: spend a full day on Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung (with Secret Garden tour), visit Changgyeonggung on the same ticket route the next morning, then fit Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung into an afternoon. Two days is the comfortable minimum for the complete set.