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| Hyeungnyemun |
Don’t miss the COLORFUL changing of guards ceremony in front of the gate Hyeungnyemun. I suddenly decided to take this photo in a sepia/black and white mode, for that "ancient feel".
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| It was colorful, trust me. |
The majestic Geungjeong-jeon or Hall of Diligent Government. This is where the king performed his formal meetings and discussed daily state affairs. I would have wanted to try the throne, but it is off-limits. :D
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| The throne inside Geungjeong Hall. |
The inner court houses the private quarters of the royal family.
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| The royal residence |
The palace grounds is huge, but not all house are open for public viewing, and the insides are more or less the same. So after snapping away at those tradtional halls and rooms, you may opt to visit the souvenir shop where you can borrow traditional costumes for FREE! Yes, it’s free, but you have to return it within 15 minutes. They have lunch breaks I think around 12:00 pm -1:30 pm so try to schedule your visit accordingly. The souvenir shop is located on the left side of Geungjeong-jeon - (the throne hall) No. 3 on the map below, and near the toilets.
Finish your palace tour with a relaxing walk along its vast gardens and lakes. The two best photo spots are Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion and Hyangwon-jeong.
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| Take a rest at Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion |
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| Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion |
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| The breath-taking Hyangwon-jeong |
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| Spend quality time with Mother Nature |
A trip to this palace will make one realize that everything in this world is so inconstant. People just come and go, but at least there are things and places that can withstand time and change to serve as proof of our existence.
Map of Gyeongbok Palace:
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| Photo from Gyeongbokgung brochure |
Directions:
Ride the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5) or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2)
Operating Hours:
March to October 9:00 am to 6:pm
November to February: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
* Closed on Tuesdays
* Tickets are sold until one hour before closing time.
Admission Fee:
Adult: 3,000 Korean Won
Children: 1,500 Korean Won
Tips:
1. Optional museum tours: Upon exit from the Gyeongbokgung subway station, you will find the National Palace Museum. -or- Near the rear end of the palace grounds, there is the National Folk Museum of Korea. Admission fee is separate.
2. It is best to visit the souvenir shop earlier so you can check its schedule for costume renting.
3. 3-4 hours is more than enough for a visit. Don’t forget that there are still so much to see in Seoul!
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