Visiting Historical Palaces in Korea

Exploring Korea’s magnificent historical palaces (고궁 – go-gung) is a must-do activity for any visitor. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural insights to help you navigate these beautiful sites, understand their history, and make the most of your palace tour (고궁 관람 – go-gung gwan-ram). Learn how to ask for information, buy tickets, and appreciate the cultural significance of these landmarks.

Core Expression

• Expression: 고궁 관람하기 (go-gung gwan-ram-ha-gi)
  Pronunciation: go-gung gwan-ram-ha-gi
  Meaning: Visiting a historical palace (lit. “doing historical palace viewing”)

Buying Tickets and Entering

• Expression: 매표소 어디예요? (mae-pyo-so eo-di-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: mae-pyo-so eo-di-ye-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the ticket office?

• Expression: 성인 두 장 주세요. (seong-in du jang ju-se-yo.)
  Pronunciation: seong-in du jang ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Two adult tickets, please.

• Expression: 청소년 한 장 주세요. (cheong-so-nyeon han jang ju-se-yo.)
  Pronunciation: cheong-so-nyeon han jang ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: One youth ticket, please.

• Expression: 입장료 얼마예요? (ip-jang-nyo eol-ma-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo eol-ma-ye-yo?
  Meaning: How much is the entrance fee?

• Expression: 카드 돼요? (ka-deu dwae-yo?)
  Pronunciation: ka-deu dwae-yo?
  Meaning: Do you accept credit cards?

• Expression: 입구가 어디예요? (ip-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: ip-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the entrance?

• Expression: 출구가 어디예요? (chul-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: chul-gu-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the exit?

• Expression: 팜플렛 있어요? (pam-peul-let iss-eo-yo?)
  Pronunciation: pam-peul-let iss-eo-yo?
  Meaning: Do you have pamphlets?

• Expression: 영어 팜플렛 주세요. (yeong-eo pam-peul-let ju-se-yo.)
  Pronunciation: yeong-eo pam-peul-let ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please give me an English pamphlet.

• Expression: 몇 시에 문 닫아요? (myeot si-e mun dad-a-yo?)
  Pronunciation: myeot si-e mun dad-a-yo?
  Meaning: What time do you close?

• Expression: 재입장 가능해요? (jae-ip-jang ga-neung-hae-yo?)
  Pronunciation: jae-ip-jang ga-neung-hae-yo?
  Meaning: Is re-entry possible?

• Expression: 한복 입으면 무료예요? (han-bok ib-eu-myeon mu-ryo-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: han-bok ib-eu-myeon mu-ryo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: Is it free if I wear Hanbok?

Asking for Information and Directions

• Expression: 화장실 어디에 있어요? (hwa-jang-sil eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?)
  Pronunciation: hwa-jang-sil eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the restroom?

• Expression: 안내소는 어디예요? (an-nae-so-neun eo-di-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: an-nae-so-neun eo-di-ye-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the information center?

• Expression: 영어 안내 가능해요? (yeong-eo an-nae ga-neung-hae-yo?)
  Pronunciation: yeong-eo an-nae ga-neung-hae-yo?
  Meaning: Is English guidance available?

• Expression: 가이드 투어 있어요? (ga-i-deu tu-eo iss-eo-yo?)
  Pronunciation: ga-i-deu tu-eo iss-eo-yo?
  Meaning: Are there guided tours?

• Expression: 영어 가이드 투어는 몇 시에 시작해요? (yeong-eo ga-i-deu tu-eo-neun myeot si-e si-jak-hae-yo?)
  Pronunciation: yeong-eo ga-i-deu tu-eo-neun myeot si-e si-jak-hae-yo?
  Meaning: What time does the English guided tour start?

• Expression: 이 건물은 뭐예요? (i geon-mul-eun mwo-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: i geon-mul-eun mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: What is this building?

• Expression: 저쪽으로 가도 돼요? (jeo-jjok-eu-ro ga-do dwae-yo?)
  Pronunciation: jeo-jjok-eu-ro ga-do dwae-yo?
  Meaning: Can I go that way?

• Expression: 가장 유명한 곳이 어디예요? (ga-jang yu-myeong-han gos-i eo-di-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: ga-jang yu-myeong-han gos-i eo-di-ye-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the most famous spot?

• Expression: 사진 찍어도 돼요? (sa-jin jjik-eo-do dwae-yo?)
  Pronunciation: sa-jin jjik-eo-do dwae-yo?
  Meaning: May I take pictures?

• Expression: 오디오 가이드 빌릴 수 있어요? (o-di-o ga-i-deu bil-lil su iss-eo-yo?)
  Pronunciation: o-di-o ga-i-deu bil-lil su iss-eo-yo?
  Meaning: Can I rent an audio guide?

• Expression: 기념품 가게는 어디에 있어요? (gi-nyeom-pum ga-ge-neun eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?)
  Pronunciation: gi-nyeom-pum ga-ge-neun eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?
  Meaning: Where is the souvenir shop?

• Expression: 이 근처에 식당 있어요? (i geun-cheo-e sik-dang iss-eo-yo?)
  Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e sik-dang iss-eo-yo?
  Meaning: Are there any restaurants nearby?

Inside the Palace Grounds

• Expression: 정말 아름다워요. (jeong-mal a-reum-da-wo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: jeong-mal a-reum-da-wo-yo.
  Meaning: It’s really beautiful.

• Expression: 역사가 깊은 곳이네요. (yeok-sa-ga gip-eun gos-i-ne-yo.)
  Pronunciation: yeok-sa-ga gip-eun gos-i-ne-yo.
  Meaning: This place has a deep history.

• Expression: 여기는 왕이 살았던 곳이에요? (yeo-gi-neun wang-i sar-at-deon gos-i-e-yo?)
  Pronunciation: yeo-gi-neun wang-i sar-at-deon gos-i-e-yo?
  Meaning: Is this where the king lived?

• Expression: 이 연못 이름이 뭐예요? (i yeon-mot i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: i yeon-mot i-reum-i mwo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: What is the name of this pond?

• Expression: 저 건물 안에도 들어갈 수 있어요? (jeo geon-mul an-e-do deul-eo-gal su iss-eo-yo?)
  Pronunciation: jeo geon-mul an-e-do deul-eo-gal su iss-eo-yo?
  Meaning: Can we go inside that building too?

• Expression: 신발 벗고 들어가야 해요? (sin-bal beot-go deul-eo-ga-ya hae-yo?)
  Pronunciation: sin-bal beot-go deul-eo-ga-ya hae-yo?
  Meaning: Do I need to take off my shoes to enter?

• Expression: 만지지 마세요. (man-ji-ji ma-se-yo.)
  Pronunciation: man-ji-ji ma-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please do not touch.

• Expression: 조용히 해 주세요. (jo-yong-hi hae ju-se-yo.)
  Pronunciation: jo-yong-hi hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please be quiet.

• Expression: 사진 촬영 금지 구역이에요. (sa-jin chwal-yeong geum-ji gu-yeog-i-e-yo.)
  Pronunciation: sa-jin chwal-yeong geum-ji gu-yeog-i-e-yo.
  Meaning: This is a no-photography zone.

• Expression: 여기서 잠시 쉬어가요. (yeo-gi-seo jam-si swi-eo-ga-yo.)
  Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo jam-si swi-eo-ga-yo.
  Meaning: Let’s take a short break here.

• Expression: 경치가 정말 좋아요. (gyeong-chi-ga jeong-mal jo-a-yo.)
  Pronunciation: gyeong-chi-ga jeong-mal jo-a-yo.
  Meaning: The scenery is really nice.

• Expression: 한복 입은 사람들이 많네요. (han-bok ib-eun sa-ram-deul-i man-ne-yo.)
  Pronunciation: han-bok ib-eun sa-ram-deul-i man-ne-yo.
  Meaning: There are many people wearing Hanbok.

Korean Culture Notes

• Palace Etiquette: Korean palaces are important cultural heritage sites. Visitors are expected to be respectful. Avoid loud noises, running, or touching artifacts and structures unless permitted. Some buildings require removing shoes before entering.
• Hanbok Rental: Renting Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) near the palaces is very popular. Many palaces offer free admission to visitors wearing Hanbok. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere and take memorable photos.
• Historical Significance: The major palaces in Seoul (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeonghuigung) were the main residences and administrative centers during the Joseon Dynasty. Each palace has its own unique history, architecture, and stories. Taking a guided tour or using an audio guide can greatly enhance your understanding.
• Secret Garden (Huwon): Changdeokgung Palace is famous for its Huwon (후원), or Secret Garden. Access to the garden is often restricted to guided tours only, which require separate booking, sometimes well in advance. Check the palace website for details.
• Changing of the Guard Ceremony: Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung Palaces feature a reenactment of the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대식 – su-mun-jang gyo-dae-sik). Check the schedule beforehand as it’s a popular spectacle showcasing traditional costumes and procedures.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: Two friends are at the ticket office of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Roles:
* A: Tourist
* B: Ticket Seller

• Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 성인 두 장 주세요. (annyeong-ha-se-yo. seong-in du jang ju-se-yo.)
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. seong-in du jang ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: A: Hello. Two adult tickets, please.

• Expression: B: 네, 성인 두 장 6,000원입니다. (ne, seong-in du jang yuk-cheon-won-im-ni-da.)
  Pronunciation: ne, seong-in du jang yuk-cheon-won-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: B: Yes, two adult tickets are 6,000 won.

• Expression: A: 카드 돼요? (ka-deu dwae-yo?)
  Pronunciation: ka-deu dwae-yo?
  Meaning: A: Do you accept credit cards?

• Expression: B: 네, 됩니다. 여기 팜플렛 필요하세요? 영어 팜플렛 있어요. (ne, doem-ni-da. yeo-gi pam-peul-let pil-yo-ha-se-yo? yeong-eo pam-peul-let iss-eo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: ne, doem-ni-da. yeo-gi pam-peul-let pil-yo-ha-se-yo? yeong-eo pam-peul-let iss-eo-yo.
  Meaning: B: Yes, we do. Do you need a pamphlet here? We have English pamphlets.

• Expression: A: 네, 영어 팜플렛 하나 주세요. 감사합니다. (ne, yeong-eo pam-peul-let ha-na ju-se-yo. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.)
  Pronunciation: ne, yeong-eo pam-peul-let ha-na ju-se-yo. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: A: Yes, please give me one English pamphlet. Thank you.

• Expression: B: 여기 있습니다. 즐거운 관람 되세요. (yeo-gi iss-seum-ni-da. jeul-geo-un gwan-ram doe-se-yo.)
  Pronunciation: yeo-gi iss-seum-ni-da. jeul-geo-un gwan-ram doe-se-yo.
  Meaning: B: Here you go. Enjoy your visit.

Practice Tips

Visiting a Korean palace is a fantastic opportunity to practice your Korean~! Try using the phrases for buying tickets and asking for directions. Don’t be shy about asking questions about the buildings or history using simple sentences like “이 건물은 뭐예요?” (i geon-mul-eun mwo-ye-yo?). Listen to the guided tours if available, even if they are in Korean, to get accustomed to the sounds and vocabulary. Renting a Hanbok and interacting with staff or other visitors can also provide natural practice scenarios. Enjoy exploring Korea’s beautiful history!