Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁

The Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 is certainly the most visited tourist attraction in Seoul, built at the end of the 14th century (1395 to be exact) it was a couple of times devastated by wars and invasions and then got back on its feet, reaching our times in its original form and style thanks to the work of reconstructions and restorations of the 90s. Considered by many to be the most beautiful of the five palaces that can be found in the Korean capital.

Visit of the Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁

Enter the complex of buildings, which once formed the royal palace of the various rulers of the Joseon Dynasty, through the southern gate called Gwanghwamun (map point No. 1), opposite the square of the same name. Protected by the two statues of lions/unicorns called “haetae” (해태) or known as “haechi”, a mythical creature with a lion’s body and horn on the forehead, also present in Chinese and Japanese mythology, used since 2009 as a symbol of the city of Seoul.

Continue the visit of Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 crossing the courtyard (where you can make entry tickets) and passing the second gate called Heungnyemun (map point No. 2) you arrive at the throne room (map point No. 3), called Geunjeongjeon, considered the National Treasure No. 223 of South Korea. Here the king made national decisions in agreement with his advisers and welcomed the various ambassadors of other countries.

A few steps from the throne of Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 is the Sajeongjeon room and the Sujeongjeon (map point N.4 and 5), where meetings were held as regards the executive functions with the various ministers. In the back is the Gangnyeongjeon building (map point No. 6), the king’s residence, which housed the sovereign (in the central hall) and his court who assisted him and took orders constantly. The queen resided in the Gyotaejeon room (map point No. 7), in the building just north of the monarch’s hall, near the small and elegant terraced garden called Amisan (map point N.8) with its 4 hexagonal chimneys with rich decorations floral and natural.

Beside the buildings that housed the royal family is the Gyeonghoeru (map point No. 11), a pavilion used for special state banquets, considered National Treasure No. 22, located on an islet of the artificial lake of Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 . On the east side the Jagyeongjeon room dedicated to the mother of King Heonjong (map point N.9) and the Donggung (map point No. 10) where the prince resided and was instructed, accompanied by his wife.

Continuing north in Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 you will find the fascinating two-story hexagonal pavilion called Hyangwonjeong (point map No. 12), located on an islet in the second artificial lake of the complex of buildings of the Joseon Dynasty. To the north the private residence of King Gojong Geoncheonggung (map point No. 13), the Jibokjae (map point No. 14) the private library of King Gojong and the Taewonjeon (map point N.15), an altar dedicated to the ancestors where one they held rites to worship the deceased members of the royal family.

More to the North you will find the Northern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 , Sinmumun (map point N.16) and you can end the visit with the National Palace Museum of Korea (map point N.17) with artifacts of daily use and treasures belonging to the previous royal families of the Joseon Dynasty and the National Folk Museum (map point N.18), where replicas of objects and constructions are exhibited to illustrate how Korea was in the past.

Changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁

The changing of the guard ceremony is held twice a day in front of Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung palace at 10am and 2pm (except Tuesday).

The guards of the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty take turns to protect the southern gate, a historical reconstruction comprising a parade with traditional uniforms, swords and sounds of drums!

Wear a hanbok while visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁

The hanbok are traditional Korean clothes, all around the royal palace and in the Bukchon area several shops rent to tourists for a few hours these elegant and colorful clothes typical of the country’s culture.

Usually those who rent them take selfies and artistic photographs within the walls of the palace or next to a hanok (the traditional Korean houses) in the area.

By renting the costumes, you can enter the various buildings for free.

How to reach the Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁

• • The best way to reach the Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 is to use the subway that serves the entire city of Seoul. There are two stations that will allow you the tourist and cultural attraction of the capital:
    Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3) exit 5 , about 5 minutes walk from here.
    Gwanghwamun Station (line 5) exit 2 , about 10 minutes walk from here, passing Gwanghwamun square which you can visit before the royal palace.
  • Another option is the buses, which are quite frequent and comfortable: No. 1020, 7025.109, 171, 172, 601 or 606, get off at Gyeongbokgung Palace Bus Stop . With a GPS and a navigator it is not difficult!
  • Or you can use the taxi, in Seoul the price of a ride is relatively cheap.

For more information see the official website of Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁