Getting to the Five Royal Palaces: From Seoul and Local Transport

When Departing from Seoul

Choose your transport hub first: subway hubs in central Seoul

Travel from your accommodation in Seoul to the nearest station for each palace. This does not mean there is a dedicated route touring all five palaces on one ticket.

First plan how to get from your accommodation to the actual departure station or terminal. For trains, check the departure and arrival stations and whether transfers are needed. For buses, choose the exact terminal as well as the destination city. Seoul, Yongsan, Cheongnyangni and Suseo are different stations.

Travel to Each Place’s Entrance

Places in the same selected group do not necessarily share entrances, tickets or opening hours. The options below explain how to reach each place you choose; they are not an itinerary for visiting every place in order.

Map links search for locations by name. They are not directions checked for exact entrance coordinates or actual services on your travel date. Enter your departure point, destination and chosen transport in a map app to check the route again.

Prepare for Booking, Access Restrictions and the Final Leg

• Closure days, last admission times and tickets differ by palace. Choose the palaces you want to see first, rather than automatically combining all five into one day.

For sections using taxis or booked vehicles, discuss round-trip availability, pickup locations and charges such as waiting fees and tolls with the provider before departure. A vehicle is not guaranteed to be immediately available outside railway stations or at remote attractions. If you choose local buses, check the exact stops, direction and return services too.

Plan Your Return to Seoul First

First decide how to return from your last attraction to subway hubs in central Seoul. If you leave through a different gate, port or trail from the one you entered, check again whether you can use the same vehicle pickup point.

1. Allow time to reach the actual pickup location after sightseeing, descending from a hike or disembarking.
2. Make separate arrangements for local buses or booked vehicles and your long-distance return journey. If tickets are sold out, compare other services or an overnight stay.
3. Check whether subway or bus connections to your accommodation will still be running after you arrive in Seoul.

When your day includes a boat trip, hike or evening visit, leave a buffer before plans that are difficult to change, such as an international flight the next day.