This is the main royal palace in Seoul located in Jongno-gu or Jongno (Seoul old city centre). Built originally in 1395, it is the home of the royal family during the rise of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace grounds are the crossroads of all types of visitors coming into Seoul, they all come here to witness and appreciate Korea’s culture and history.
Trivia: Did you know that restoration of this palace only started in 1989? After a 20-year restoration period (by the end of 2009) approximately 40% of its buildings pre-Japanese invasion have been reconstructed.
Changing of guards every hour between 10:00 and 15:00 in the middle of the grounds between the main and inner gate.
To learn more about the palace, please go here: Gyeongbokgung Palace
I was just reading about the lineage and history of the Korean Royal Family and it is really heartrending (with resemblances to the French Royal Family). One tragedy after another with Japan in the main picture invading Korea and in the beginning of the 20th century Korea was under Japanese occupation for 3.5 decades. Right now, Korea does not acknowlegde any royal family, although there are surviving royal descendants currently living in Korea and the USA.
I also wanted to go to the other palace—Changdeokgung which is located nearby, just beside Bukchon Hanok Village where we are staying, however this palace is exceptionally popular due to its secret garden. Firstly, the palace is only available for viewing if you join their guided tour which has very limited seats. Tours are carried out in different languages including English. There is an incredible waiting time of 2-3 months! As you can see I stand no chance.
So if you plan to visit Seoul and want to see Changdeokgung and her secret garden, I wish you luck! Now go to their website quickly and see if you can get some slot: Changdeokgung Palace
Now if you may, I am going to spam all of you with pictures =)
Travel Period: October 2012
Destination: Jongno-gu (Seoul Old City Centre), South Korean
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)