An Observational Study of Architectural Tourism Experience at Gyeongbokgung Palace Korea

Abstract

This study explores the architectural tourism experience at Gyeongbokgung Palace through an observational research approach. As one of the most iconic heritage sites in South Korea, the palace represents a significant symbol of the Joseon Dynasty and attracts both domestic and international tourists interested in history, culture, and traditional architecture. The purpose of this study is to examine how visitors interact with and experience the architectural elements of the palace environment in a real-world setting. Using non-participant observation, data were collected by systematically recording tourists’ behaviors, movement patterns, engagement levels, and responses to key architectural features such as gates, courtyards, pavilions, and ornamental details. The findings reveal that visitors demonstrate varying degrees of engagement depending on spatial design, accessibility, and visual prominence of architectural elements. Highly detailed structures and visually striking features tend to attract longer attention spans, while open spaces encourage photography and social interaction among visitors. Furthermore, the study observes that visitors’ experiences are strongly shaped by the physical layout and spatial organization of the palace, which influence movement patterns and areas of concentration. Distinct architectural zones, such as ceremonial spaces, administrative halls, and enclosed courtyards, encourage different types of visitor behavior, ranging from passive observation to active exploration and interpretive engagement. The visual harmony, scale, symmetry, and historical authenticity of the structures also contribute to a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation and cultural immersion among tourists. In addition, the study highlights that interpretive elements such as signage, guided pathways, and spatial transitions play an important role in shaping how visitors navigate and understand the heritage site. These elements help facilitate orientation and enhance the overall visitor experience, particularly for first-time tourists. However, certain challenges were identified, including congestion in high-traffic zones, limited resting areas, time limitation and uneven distribution of visitors across the site which may affect comfort levels and restrict opportunities for meaningful spatial exploration. Despite these limitations, Gyeongbokgung Palace remains a highly engaging architectural tourism destination due to its rich historical narrative and well-preserved built environment. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on architectural tourism by emphasizing the importance of observational methods in capturing authentic tourist behavior within heritage environments. It further highlights how spatial design, architectural form, and visitor flow collectively shape the overall tourism experience in cultural heritage settings.