For more updates, remember to Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter!
KampungboyCitygal’s 7 Days Seoul & Busan Itinerary – click here.
Previous: Seoul Itinerary Day 1 – Nanta Cookin’ Show @ Myeongdong Nanta Theatre
On the second day of our Seoul itinerary, we toured and walked around Gyeongbokgung Palace. As you can see from the map, the Gyeongbokgong Palace is surrounded by a few major attractions. So ideally it is best to do Gyeongbokgung Palace – Gwanghwamun – Lunch @ Tosokchon – Cheongwadae – Tea @ Samcheongdong – Bukchon Hanok Village in one day.
Subway riders can reach this palace from Gyeongbokgung Station, exit 5 on line 3. The station is designed as such to resemble olden days architecture.
Gyeongbukgung Palace
Admission Fee:
Adults (ages 19-64) 3,000 won / Youths (ages 7-18) 1,500 won
Operating Hours:
March to October 09:00-18:00 / November to February 09:00-17:00, closed on Tuesday
Interpretation Services (1 hour):
* English: 11:00, 13:30, 15:30
* Japanese: 10:00, 12:30, 14:30
* Chinese: 10:30, 13:00, 15:00
Getting Here:
Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3), exit 5.
or
Ganghwamun Station (Subway Line 5), exit 2 and walk 400 meters.
When in Korea, one of the “must do” things is to visit a palace. However, there are 5 palaces within the city which offer a taste of Korean history. We chose Gyeongbokgung Palace as it is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces. Changdeokgung Palace is also included into our itinerary, as its imperial garden is deemed beautiful.
Keunjeong-jeon, the royal throne hall is Korea’s largest surviving wooden structure. Kings conducted state affairs, held official functions, and received foreign envoys here. High ranking officials assembled in this court to pay respect to their kings too.
The map shows the arrangement of the complex during the latter part of the reign of King Kojong. It shows the major hails, pavilions, offices, storerooms, gates and bridges of the 419,100 square meter grounds.
KampungBoy studied the history of Gyeongbokgung Palace and briefed us about it =)
This is Kyeonghoe-ru, the largest pavilion in South Korea and has been designated National Treasure #224. Supported by 48 stone pillars and set in a lotus pond, the pavilion was a favored place for the King to entertain visiting dignitaries. Kyeonghoe means “joyous meeting”.
s
The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea. It is a real pleasure to witness the whole ceremony.
Performance Times
January 1-December 31 (Closed on Tuesdays)
10:00-15:00 (6 times a day/ on the hour)
Remember to catch a photo with the guard cladded in custume before you leave!
We exited via Gwanghwamun as we will be heading straight for lunch at Tosokchon which serves the best Samgyetang (Chicken Ginseng Soup) in Seoul!
Next Up: Seoul Itinerary Day 2 – Samgyetang (Chicken Ginseng Soup) @ Tosokchon, Seoul
For more updates, remember to Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter!
So, did you go to cheongwadae?
Michelle´s last [type] ..My 22nd birthday
[Reply]
kampungboycitygal Reply:
July 19th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Yes dear, we walked around outside gyeongbukgong for one whole day
[Reply]
Hows the view inside cheongwadae? Other than the president”s office..
[Reply]
kampungboycitygal Reply:
August 8th, 2012 at 12:08 am
din go in hehe
[Reply]
Look like the Forbidden palace in Beijing.
[Reply]
kampungboycitygal Reply:
July 22nd, 2012 at 10:13 pm
forbidden palace is more grand hehe
[Reply]
kampungboycitygal Reply:
July 22nd, 2012 at 10:13 pm
forbidden palace is more grand hehe
[Reply]
been long time didnt come to this blog..why become like this de layout jo X_X
[Reply]