Seoul Travelogue: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first royal palace built by the Joseon Dynasty, three years after the Joseon Dynasty was founded. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of newly appointed capital of Seoul and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces, Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. 

(quote www.visitseoul.net)

This place is a must visit place when you are in Seoul. It's one of the most beautiful and grand palaces I've been to in Asia. I'm sure you'll feel like you travelled back in time while exploring the palace. If you are into historical kdramas, you are at the right place! 

Since Gyeongbokgung Palace is located near many other attractions. I would recommend you to visit SamCheongDong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong and Cheongwadae along side with it. I would advise you to spend half a day to a full day visiting these places. Also, be sure to stop by Tosokchon for lunch to try the best Samgyetang(Chicken Ginseng Soup) in Seoul! 

Directions: Take subway Line 3 to  Gyeongbokgung Stn. Exit 5. Walk 5 minutes. 

Tel: +82 2-3700-3900
Website: www.royalpalace.go.kr/
Opening hrs: 09:00~18:00(Final admission at 17:00)
Price: Age 19~: 3,000 won , Age 7-18: 1,500 won 
Recommended duration of visit: 1.5hrs

Seoul Travelogue: Bukchon Hanok Village

Hanok refers to Korean traditional houses while Bukchon is where the aristocratic classes lived during the Joseon Dynasty. Certain hanoks you see in the entire village is still occupied by residents while most of it are converted to galleries, restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Yet despite all these changes, the exterior of all the houses still remains just like how it was built. Designs of doors, rooftops and walls that are unique to the Korean culture are easily spotted here. It is a fantastic place to walk around and immerse yourself in some traditional Korean culture! 

There are several photo spots where you can take the best pictures with the perfect background, so make sure to look out for those printed on the ground! The whole place is quite hilly and filled with alleys, so it's highly recommended to grab a map at the tourist info booth to avoid walking the same places twice.

Ps. If you are a fan of korean dramas, then you would know that this is a popular filming location. KDramas like Heartstrings and Personal Taste are filmed here! So definitely check this place out if you are a fan!

Directions: Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station, Exit 3. Walk for about 700m

Tel: +82-2-3707-8388
Website: bukchon.seoul.go.kr 
Opening hrs: all day 
Price: free of charge
Recommended duration of visit: 1hr