Gyeongbokgung Admits Hanbok Wearers Free — But Full Outfit Required

Gyeongbokgung Palace does not charge admission to visitors wearing hanbok, Korea's traditional dress. According to guidelines from the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center under the Korea Heritage Service, the same rule applies equally to foreign visitors, but the outfit must include both a top and bottom to qualify as hanbok.

According to the palace's official site, standard admission is 3,000 won for adults aged 19 to 64, with a discounted 2,400 won for groups of 10 or more; visitors 18 or under and 65 or older already enter free based on age alone. The hanbok exemption is a separate benefit layered on top of that fee structure, and it only applies once the outfit meets the stated dress requirement, so knowing what counts in advance can prevent confusion at the gate.

What counts as hanbok

The guidelines specify that a hanbok top, known as jeogori, must be worn together with a hanbok bottom for the outfit to qualify. Jeans paired with only a jeogori, or a hanbok skirt or pants worn with an ordinary T-shirt, do not meet the standard. Wearing only a durumagi overcoat over regular clothes also fails to qualify, meaning free entry would not be granted in any of these cases.

November-December hours and closing days

According to the official site, hours for November and December run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m. The palace is closed every Tuesday, and if a Tuesday falls on a public holiday, it closes the following weekday instead. Hours can be shortened or adjusted depending on the institution's circumstances, so checking the official site close to the visit date is advisable.

Possible advance-booking requirement

There have reportedly been cases where nighttime special viewings or hanbok free-entry events required advance reservations. Some travel blogs have mentioned a special free period in November 2026, but this has not been officially confirmed. Travelers should check the official site or call ahead to confirm whether reservations are needed and whether any special event is scheduled.

The hanbok exemption applies equally to foreign visitors, but confirming the dress requirement, closing days and any booking rules beforehand can prevent an unnecessary trip to the ticket window.

Sources: Gyeongbokgung Palace official site, Korea Tourism Organization VisitKorea, Korea Heritage Service Royal Palaces and Tombs Center hanbok free-entry guidelines, as of early November 2026; details may change and should be confirmed before travel.