Free self-guided walk · Seoul

Palaces and hanok lanes

A free self-guided walk through old Seoul, from Gwanghwamun Square through Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village to Insadong.

Distance
4.2 km
Walking time
56 min
Allow
About 2.5 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsSeoul city guide

About this walk

This walk links Seoul's main palace with the traditional neighbourhoods around it, all in the historic core north of the river.

Finish with tea and crafts in Insadong, or carry on to the Cheonggyecheon stream.

  • Terrain: Paved, with steep lanes in Bukchon.
  • Best time: Morning, to catch the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung. The palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Gwanghwamun Square

    Start by the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

  2. Gwanghwamun Gate

    The main gate of Gyeongbokgung, where the royal guard changes.

  3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

    Walk through the palace grounds to the throne hall.

  4. Bukchon Hanok Village

    Climb into the lanes of traditional wooden houses.

  5. Changdeokgung Palace

    Walk down to the gate of the palace in the hills.

  6. Insadong

    Finish on the street of tea houses, galleries and craft shops.

Tips

  • Visitors wearing hanbok get free entry to the palaces.
  • People live in Bukchon; keep your voice down, and note the visiting hours posted in the lanes.
  • Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for walking directions.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.