Around Korea: Royal Palace Pass
Seoul’s royal palaces are some of the city’s most beautiful and historically significant places and if you’re planning to visit more than one palace while in Seoul, the Royal Palace Pass can save you both money and time - but it’s not automatically the best option for everyone. Here’s exactly what the Royal Palace Pass includes, how it works, and when it’s actually worth buying.
What Is the Royal Palace Pass?
The Changing of the Guards at Gyeongbokgung
The Royal Palace Pass allows entry to five major historical sites in Seoul over a set period of time. Instead of purchasing individual tickets at each location, you buy one pass and scan each ticket as you go.
The pass is designed for visitors who plan to explore multiple palaces within a short timeframe.
What’s Included in the Royal Palace Pass?
Changgyeonggung street entrance
The Royal Palace Pass grants entry to:
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁) (palace grounds only)
Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁)
Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)
Jongmyo Shrine (종묘)
Important: The Secret Garden (Huwon) at Changdeokgung is not included and requires a separate ticket with timed entry and Gyeonghuigung is always free.
How Much Does the Royal Palace Pass Cost?
I want to add a disclaimer here because there’s conflicting information on different pages of the Royal Palaces website.
One website says that the pass is 10,000 KRW and another says 6,000 KRW - I purchased it in September 2025 and it was only 6,000 KRW.
Online also states online that the pass is valid for 3 months, but mine is stamped “valid for 6 months.”
When the Royal Palace Pass Is Worth It
Deoksugung at night
The pass is a great choice if:
You’re visiting Seoul for more than a few days
You plan to visit multiple palaces
You want flexibility without lining up for tickets
You’re traveling during peak season (spring or fall)
Since the Royal Palace Pass is valid for 6 months, it’s a great deal for families that have recently PCS’d to South Korea. There’s no rush to visit every palace quickly as it allows you to visit the palaces on your own time, over time.
When You Don’t Need the Royal Palace Pass
Dressed up in hanbok at Gyeongbokgung
You can skip the pass if:
You’re only visiting one palace
You’re wearing a hanbok (entry is free)
You plan to visit on Culture Day (last Wednesday of the month - entry is free)
You’re mainly interested in Gyeonghuigung Palace since it has free entry
You’re only interested in the Secret Garden, which isn’t included in the Royal Palace Pass
If you’re debating whether Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden is worth adding separately, I break that down in detail here: Is the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace Worth It?
Where to Buy the Royal Palace Pass
Changedeokgung Palace pavilions
The Royal Palace Pass can be purchased at ticket offices at participating palaces. For current pricing, hours, and seasonal closures, it’s best to check the official Royal Palaces and Tombs Center website, which maintains individual pages for each palace.
For most first-time visitors to Seoul who want to explore more than one palace, yes—the Royal Palace Pass is absolutely worth it. It simplifies logistics, saves money, and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. That said, if you’re wearing a hanbok or only visiting one site, it’s not necessary. Like most things in travel, it comes down to how you plan to explore.
This is the line up I have coming for my Seoul Royal Palaces Series. I’ll update links as each post goes live!
The Royal Palace Pass in Seoul - You’re here!
The 5 Royal Palaces of Seoul (coming soon)
Gyeongbokgung Palace (coming soon)
Deoksugung Palace at Night (coming soon)
Changgyeonggung Palace (coming soon)
Gyeonghuigung Palace (coming soon)
