Changdeokgung Palace, harmony with nature

Changdeokgung palace was a second royal palace built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung palace in 1405. Changdeokgung palace was favoured by the Joseon monarchs as it more comfortable than the more formal Gyeongbokgung which was the actual seat of government.

Changdeokgung gets its homey feel for having its building harmoniously blended with nature, lush scenery with various pavilions, ponds, a streams with waterfall.

Through the tumultuous times, it was burnt several times but the buildings have remained largly intact over six centuries. Changdeokgung palace is designated as one of World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO

Fast Facts:

• 5 minutes walk from Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station on subway lines 1,3 & 5
• Fee : Adults 3000won, minors 1500won
• Closed on Mondays

Insadong, the cultural street of Seoul

Insa-dong (인사동), located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. The streets are filled with shop selling antiques, old books, painting, ceramics and souvenirs for tourists. The face of insadong changes three times a day. In early morning, it is quiet. In the afternoon always busy with tourist and at night, even more people enjoy spending time here.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center. 

Fast Fact :

• 10 minutes walk from Exits 4 and 5 of Jongno-3-ga Station (Subway Line 1)
• 5 minutes walk from Exit 1 and 6 of Anguk Station (Subway line 3)
• No vehicle allowed during Saturday from 1400 hours to 2200 hours and Sunday from 1000 hours to 2200 hours

Changgyeonggung Palace

Built in 1418 for the living former queens and later extended to a regular palace as new building were constructed. Together with Changdeokgung Palace, it was called east palace. Like other palace of Joseon, it went through wars, upheavals and conflagrations. In particular, it was turned into zoo and botanical garden by Japanese during their invasion.

Fast Facts:

• 15 min walk from exit 4 of Hyehwa Station (line 4)
• Fee: Adults 1000won, minors 500won
• Closed on Monday 

Deoksugung Palace, where west meet east

The only palace in Seoul where you can see west meet east and traditional meet modern. For sheer ease of access you can't beat Deoksugung, located right next to City Hall in the heart of modern downtown Seoul. It was the main palace during the period of late Joseon Dynasty. Today Doeksugung embellished with spring cherry blossom and yellow gingko leaves in fall. Couple loves to walk around the stone palace wall enjoying the unique feel of the palace.

Fast fact :

• 5 min walk from exit 12 of City Hall Station (line 1)
• 0900-2100
• Fee: Adult 1000 won / Minors 500 won
• Closed on Monday

Gyeongbokgung Palace of Seoul

Since built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung was the main seat of government activity of the Joseon Dynasty which ruled Korea with Seoul as capital city. The palace thrived but was devastated going through tumultuous times of the Japanese invasion. The restoration began in 1990 and revealed what it is today. The arrangement of the palace consists of official quarters, living quarters and royal resting places. Along the central axis upon which Gwanghamun stood was the nucleus of the palace having the throne hall, reception hall and king's residences. Other building stood asymmetrical, creating unity and variance at the same time

Fast Facts:

• 5 min walk from exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Subway (line 3)
• Ticket fee: Adult 3000won, minors 1500won
• Closed on Tuesday

Jongmyo, the Joseon Royal Shrine

Jongmyo is the royal shrine to house the ancestral tables of deceased Joseon Dynasty kings and queens. King Taejo began to built Jongmyo right after he founded the Joseon Dynasty and moved its capital to Hanyang, which is now Seoul. The construction was completed the following year in 1395. 

There are two great halls namely Jeongjeon and Youngnyeongjeon. Jeongjeon is a longest wooden building in the world. In 1995, Jongmyo was designated a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO

-5 min walk from exit 11 of Jongno 3-ga Station (line 1)

-Mar - Sept : 0900-1800 /  Oct-Feb : 0930-1730

-Fee : Adult 1000 won, Minors 500 won

-Closed on Tuesdays