Korean Dictionary
How to say "Palace" in Korean
“Palace” in Korean is 궁 (pronounced "Gung").
궁
Gung
Usage & Context
Seoul has five grand palaces from the Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) is the most famous. Wearing hanbok (한복, traditional Korean clothing) at palaces allows free entry at most. The changing of the royal guard ceremony is a popular tourist attraction.
Example Sentence
경복궁에서 한복을 입으면 입장이 무료예요.
If you wear hanbok at Gyeongbokgung, entry is free.
How to use 궁 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Palace” is 궁, romanized as Gung.
Usage tip
Pair this travel word with polite request endings like -요 so it works in hotels, stations, taxis, and shops.
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 궁.
Pronunciation Guide
궁 (gung) sounds like 'goong' in 'moon' but with a 'g' sound at the beginning, similar to 'go'.
More Example Sentences
Describing Seoul's attractions.
서울에는 아름다운 궁들이 많아요.
There are many beautiful palaces in Seoul.
Sharing a travel experience.
궁궐 투어를 신청해서 역사에 대해 배웠어요.
I signed up for a palace tour and learned about history.
Explaining historical sites.
경복궁은 조선 시대의 대표적인 궁이에요.
Gyeongbokgung is a representative palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
Cultural Context
Korea's palaces, especially the 'Five Grand Palaces' in Seoul, are central to understanding the Joseon Dynasty. They are not just historical sites but also popular spots for cultural activities. Wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) allows free entry to most palaces, making it a popular activity for both tourists and locals, often seen in K-dramas. The changing of the royal guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung is a must-see.
Editorial note
We review entries like 궁 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
궁 구경하다
To look around a palace
궁궐 투어
Palace tour
궁에서 한복 입기
Wearing hanbok at a palace
Related Expressions
궁궐
Gunggwol
Palace (more formal, often refers to the entire complex)
왕궁
Wanggung
Royal palace (emphasizes royal residence)
한옥
Hanok
Traditional Korean house (related traditional architecture)
성
Seong
Castle/Fortress (related historical structure)
More Travel Words
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