Korean Dictionary
How to say "Gyeongbokgung Palace" in Korean
“Gyeongbokgung Palace” in Korean is 경복궁 (pronounced "gyeongbokgung").
경복궁
gyeongbokgung
Usage & Context
Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most iconic royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, it served as the main palace for most of the Joseon era. Tourists can watch the royal guard changing ceremony there.
Example Sentence
경복궁은 서울의 중요한 역사 명소예요.
Gyeongbokgung is an important historical site in Seoul.
How to use 경복궁 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Gyeongbokgung Palace” is 경복궁, romanized as gyeongbokgung.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 경복궁.
What learners usually mean by “Gyeongbokgung Palace in Korean”
People usually need the Korean name, pronunciation, and whether it means a palace or a place name.
Real usage
경복궁 is the Korean name for Gyeongbokgung Palace. 궁 means palace, and the name is used as both a landmark and a subway-stop/place reference in Seoul.
Avoid this mistake
Do not add 궁 again after 경복궁 as if it only meant Gyeongbok. 경복궁 already includes the palace word.
Better pattern
Use 경복궁 for the palace, 경복궁역 for Gyeongbokgung Station, and 궁궐 when talking about royal palaces in general.
travel conversation
경복궁에 가 본 적 있어요?
Have you ever been to Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Seoul directions
경복궁역에서 만나요.
Let's meet at Gyeongbokgung Station.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'gyeong-bok-gung'. Three syllables: 'gyeong' (like 'young' with soft 'gy' onset), 'bok' (like 'boke'), 'gung' (like English 'goong').
More Example Sentences
tourist experience
경복궁에서 한복 입고 사진 찍었어요.
I wore a hanbok and took photos at Gyeongbokgung.
travel tip
경복궁 수문장 교대식 꼭 보세요.
Definitely see the Gyeongbokgung guard-changing ceremony.
explaining to tourists
경복궁은 조선 시대 궁궐이에요.
Gyeongbokgung is a Joseon-era palace.
Cultural Context
경복궁 is Seoul's most iconic palace, built in 1395 as the main royal residence of the Joseon Dynasty. The name means 'Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven'. Wearing hanbok gets you free admission, creating the Instagram-famous hanbok tourism scene. The 광화문 gate, 경회루 pavilion, and guard-changing ceremony are top attractions.
Editorial note
We review entries like 경복궁 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
경복궁 입장료가 얼마예요?
How much is the Gyeongbokgung entrance fee?
경복궁 가 본 적 있어요?
Have you been to Gyeongbokgung?
경복궁이 정말 아름다워요.
Gyeongbokgung is truly beautiful.
Related Expressions
궁궐
gunggwol
royal palace
한복
hanbok
Korean traditional dress
조선
joseon
Joseon (dynasty)
고궁
gogung
old palace
Frequently asked questions
How is Gyeongbokgung pronounced correctly by native Korean speakers?+
The correct pronunciation of Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) involves three syllables. "Gyeong" (경) sounds like "gyung" in "gyung-le". "Bok" (복) is similar to "bok" in "book". "Gung" (궁) is pronounced like "goong" in "moon" but with a 'g' sound. The "eo" vowel in "Gyeong" is crucial; avoid pronouncing it like a hard 'o'. Practice saying 경복궁 slowly to get it right.
Is Gyeongbokgung a formal term or can it be used casually in conversation?+
Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) is a proper noun, referring to a specific historical palace. Therefore, its usage does not change based on formality or casualness in conversation. You would always refer to it as "Gyeongbokgung" whether you're speaking formally or casually. It's commonly used when discussing Korean history, tourism, or directions in Seoul, maintaining its consistent form.
What other significant historical palaces are often associated with Gyeongbokgung?+
Gyeongbokgung is one of Seoul's "Five Grand Palaces" (오대궁궐, odaegunggwol) from the Joseon Dynasty. Other prominent palaces include Changdeokgung (창덕궁), known for its secret garden; Changgyeonggung (창경궁); Deoksugung (덕수궁), famous for its blend of traditional and Western architecture; and Gyeonghuigung (경희궁). These palaces collectively represent the rich royal history and cultural heritage of Korea.
Are there any common mistakes or misunderstandings when referring to Gyeongbokgung?+
A common mistake is mispronouncing the "Gyeong" part, sometimes saying "Kyung" or "King" instead of the correct "Gyeong" (경). Another error is confusing its historical period; it's exclusively associated with the Joseon Dynasty, not earlier kingdoms. Also, some might mistakenly think it's the only royal palace, overlooking the other four grand palaces that also hold significant historical value.
What is the primary historical significance of Gyeongbokgung Palace?+
Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) holds immense historical significance as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, founded in 1392. Built in 1395, it was the political and cultural heart of Korea for centuries. It represents the dynasty's power and architectural prowess. Despite being destroyed multiple times, its meticulous restoration symbolizes Korean resilience and commitment to preserving its rich heritage.
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