Introducing 5 palaces of Seoul and recommending restaurants nearby

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace – A Royal Gem in the Heart of Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most famous palaces of Seoul and a historical treasure. This majestic palace is known as the “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven” and is a magnificent example of royal grandeur.

You’ll instantly feel like you’re in a king’s and queen’s era when you step through the Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to the palace. There are a bunch of impressive structures on the sprawling palace grounds, each carefully crafted to showcase the craftsmanship of ancient Koreans.

The centerpiece of Gyeongbokgung is the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, an architectural marvel set amidst a tranquil pond. It was once the venue for lavish royal banquets, showing off the luxury of the Joseon dynasty.

A little further into the palace, you’ll find the Geunjeongjeon, known as the throne room. It’s adorned with colorful paintings and traditional Korean motifs.

Besides its grandeur, Gyeongbokgung Palace houses several museums displaying historical artifacts and cultural treasures. Ultimately, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-see destination for anyone exploring Seoul’s history and discovering the wonders of ancient Korea.

2. Changgyeonggung Palace – A Serene Haven of Tranquility in Seoul

Changgyeonggung Palace is next on our list of the most famous palaces of Seoul. In lush gardens and serene landscapes, Changgyeonggung Palace offers a peaceful escape from Seoul’s hectic pace. Unlike its grander counterparts, its unique charm draws visitors seeking tranquility and a deeper connection to nature.

Changgyeonggung Palace was a residence for queens during the Joseon dynasty. But later, it became a palace for the elderly, making it unique among royal residences. In the meandering paths and picturesque pavilions, a sense of calm surrounds you as you enter its gates.

While exploring the palace’s historical significance, visitors can experience its architecture harmoniously with the surrounding natural surroundings. Changgyeonggung has two mesmerizing ponds reflecting the palace and the sky, creating a peaceful harmony.

The tranquil gardens and serene atmosphere of Changgyeonggung Palace make it an ideal meditative retreat in the middle of Seoul. You can immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of ancient Korean heritage with its understated yet captivating allure.

3. Changdeokgung Palace – A Harmonious Fusion of History and Nature

Changdeokgung Palace, one of the most famous palaces of Seoul, is a World Heritage Site and blends traditional architecture with natural beauty. The palace is known for its mysterious “Secret Garden,” Huwon, a secluded oasis of pavilions, serene ponds, and landscaped gardens.

Originally constructed as a secondary palace, Changdeokgung eventually became the main residence for many Joseon kings. The palace’s design blends beautifully with its surroundings, creating an almost ethereal flow. The architecture and gardens at Changdeokgung enhance each other perfectly, forming a harmonious whole.

The “Secret Garden” is a wonder, a beautifully designed landscape that changes with the seasons, showcasing Korea’s natural appreciation. You can almost feel the whispers of history and witness the legacy of the past as you walk along its tranquil paths.

Ultimately, the enchanting gardens and timeless elegance of Changdeokgung Palace will delight history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

4. Deoksugung Palace – Where Tradition Embraces Modernity in the Heart of Seoul

The Deoksugung Palace is a testament to Seoul’s harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity. Unlike other palaces of Seoul, Deoksugung seamlessly combines Western design with traditional Korean architecture.

The palace was initially built for various royal family members during the Joseon dynasty. Entering its grounds, you’re greeted with a stone-wall road leading to a palace, setting the stage for a journey through time.

In Deoksugung, the magnificent Junghwajeon, or Royal Audience Hall, stands out with its intricate wood carvings and vibrant colors. The grand hall was the main venue for important ceremonies and events, proving the palace’s historical significance.

Deoksugung Palace houses the National Museum of Art, displaying a fusion of traditional and contemporary Korean art. As a result of the convergence of history and modernity, it’s an excellent destination for art enthusiasts.

This palace combines architecture and cultural treasures to reflect Seoul’s embrace of its rich heritage and embrace of the future.

5. Gwanghwamun Palace – A Timeless Symbol of Korea’s Indomitable Spirit

The last of our picks for famous palaces of Seoul is the Gwanghwamun Palace. It, also known as Gyeonghuigung, is an enduring symbol of Korea’s indomitable spirit. The palace was the secondary residence of the Joseon dynasty in Seoul, witnessing the rise and fall of many historical events.

Today, Gwanghwamun is a cultural heritage site carefully reconstructed to honor its majestic past. You can see the grandness of its bygone era through its stone walkways and imposing gates. Even though much of the original palace complex is gone, visitors can still see echoes of a once glorious era.

Despite the partial reconstruction, Gwanghwamun Palace represents Korea’s unwavering spirit and commitment to preserving its heritage. Walking through its grounds, you’ll feel deeply connected to Korea’s history and resilience.

The Gwanghwamun Palace is a silent testament to Korean memory, reminding them to honor their past and celebrate their future.

1) On 6.5

• Address : 28, Bukchon-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
  • 1.4km from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongno-gu
• Business Hours : Mon-Fri 17:30 ~ 23:00 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 15:00 ~ 23:00

On 6.5 is a Korean wine bar that serves from colorful kimchi made with seasonal vegetables to exotic forms of kimchi. Try On 6.5 for traditional Korean flavors like bracken noodles, abalone pilaf, and cabbage ssam today!

2) Blue Bottle Coffee – Samcheong Hanok Cafe

• Address : 40-3, Samcheong-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
  • 0.6km from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongno-gu
• Business Hours : Mon-Fri 12:00 ~ 18:00 / Sat, Sun 11:00 ~ 19:00

A trendy café chain that sells gourmet coffee, pastries, beans, and hand-drip supplies. Blue Bottle Coffee uses specialty beans that are delicately roasted and hand-dripped to enhance their flavor and aroma. Blue Bottle Samcheong Hanok branch in particular boasts a serene atmosphere where tradition and modernity coexist.

3) Melting Shop X Cheese Room D Tower Gwanghwamun

• Address : D tower, replace 4F, 17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
  • 1.4km from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongno-gu
• Business Hours : 10:00 ~ 22:00

Melting Shop X Cheese Room D Tower Gwanghwamun serves creative and witty fusion Italian cuisine. This western-style restaurant is a collaboration between the Cheese Room and Melting Shop, which cooks with 17 different cheeses, and is recommended for those who want to feel the atmosphere.

4) Mishmash

• Address : 47, Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
  • 2.3km from Jongno-gu Changdeokgung Palace
• Business Hours : Tue-Sat 11:00 ~ 15:00 & 18:00 ~ 22:00 / Sun 11:00 ~ 15:00 (Closed every Monday)

Mishmash is a Korean fine dining restaurant in Seoul, South Korea. The restaurant has been recognized by the prestigious Guidebook and offers a variety of Korean fusion dishes!

5) MODAM Gwanghwamun

• Address : B1F, 10, Saemunan-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
  • 1.2km from Deoksugung Palace, Jongno-gu
• Business Hours : 11:00 ~ 22:00
  • Break time : 15:00 ~ 17:00

These are upscale Korean restaurants located near various ancient palaces that serve exquisite Korean dishes such as grilled beef, ddeokguk, and bulgogi. Click on the links below to try out some of the finest Korean cuisine in a luxurious setting!