South Korea

Gyeongbokgung Palace 3D

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Welcome to Seoul, South Korea! Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main home of Korea's kings, with sweeping tiled roofs set against a backdrop of mountains.

Why is it famous?

It was the first and largest royal palace built by the Joseon dynasty, Korea's longest-ruling kingdom.

Twice a day, guards dressed in colorful traditional uniforms perform a changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the main gate.

How was it built?

The palace was first built in 1395, then rebuilt in the 1860s after being destroyed centuries earlier.

Architects designed sweeping curved roofs and painted wooden beams in traditional Korean style called dancheong.

Quick facts

  • King Sejong the Great invented Hangul, the Korean writing system, right here at this palace.
  • The palace suffered several major fires during a rebuilding period in the 1870s.
  • Visitors who wear traditional hanbok clothing can enter the palace for free.