#Gyeongbokgung palace

[iko66]

Gyeongbokgung Palace

[limitlesssense]

Fact Check: at Gyeongbokgung Palace

[pollie-pockets]

Yoki travel round the world

[hotasfahrenheit]

NCT 127 - Fact Check

DoJaeJung at Gyeongbokgung Palace

[londonhorizon]

[aloopingneurosis]

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) 2023

[raffaellopalandri]

Adventures in Culture and Solitude

Daily writing promptWhat countries do you want to visit?View all responses The world is awesomely filled with vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences. While the typical travellers might flit from one iconic landmark to another, ticking destinations off a bucket list, our vision extends far beyond a fleeting visit. For some countries, the allure lies in a deep immersion…

[kyndaris]

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Our first proper day in Seoul had us running through the city using my highly advanced map-reading skills because Google Maps could not show even simple routes in and around the city except via public transport. This was due to the censorship laws of South Korea preventing the storage of map data on foreign server devices. As a consequence, Google cannot legally provide any real time navigation. Or so Google and Reddit tell me. Instead, locals rely on Naver and Kakao, but which do not always have English translations and thus tourists such as bleachpanda and myself are left fending for ourselves.

Still, after enjoying a ham and cheese 'Dagel' for breakfast at a local cafe, bleachpanda and I set out to Namsam Seoul Tower (or N Seoul Tower for short). Along the way, we stopped at the Namdaemun Market. There, we inspected the stalls to see what was on offer. Although we were both tempted to purchase souvenirs at this very first stop on our journey, we both resisted the urge.

We had, after all, not even properly seen the city!

Instead, bleachpanda and I purchased some egg tarts and a warm drink to drive away the wintry chill. While bleachpanda guzzled down her mocha, I was left disappointed by my 'choco latte,' which turned out to essentially be chocolate milk.

From Namdaemun Markets, we hiked towards Namsan Mountain, visiting a local 7-Eleven along the way to see if they shared any similarities to their counterparts in Japan or Australia (spoiler alert: they shared much more with their Asian cousins in Taiwan and Japan than those found out in the West).

Once at the start of the hiking trail up to Namsan, bleachpanda blanched at the prospect of climbing up to the tower. But with some gentle coaxing from me, she acquiesced. And so, we clambered up the mountain.

Bleachpanda, being the less fit of the two of us, required numerous stops to catch her breath. But these rests were also opportunities for us to take pictures of the scenery - capturing the early moments of spring peaking through as the snow began to melt.

By the way, did I mention there were love locks all around N Seoul Tower? Because that was a thing. As well as at the base of the mountain having a statue dedicated to the Comfort Women from the Second World War.

Still, it was aggravating to wait for her but it was the cross I had to bear as her travelling companion. Especially as we were nearing the tower and she vanished for nigh on eighty-four years because she ducked into a store to buy a fridge magnet.

At the tower, I purchased our entry tickets up and away we soared to the observation deck with a group of American tourists. Once at the observation deck, the entirety of Seoul was spread out before us. I used this chance to take copious amounts of pictures from this bird's eye view of the city:

Bleachpanda and I even bought a few souvenirs, including postcards. While I sent mine to a good friend (here known as redoubt on the internet), as he has a penchant of posting postcards to me when travelling overseas, bleachpanda sent one to her sister and another to her future self.

Once we had drunk our fill at the tower, we took the cable car back down to civilisation (bleachpanda's request) before heading to Deoksugung Palace. As I navigated our party towards our destination we refuelled at a Dunkin' Donuts before continuing onward.

Unfortunately, once we arrived at Deoksugung Palace, it was closed (this was due to the fact this palace is closed on Mondays. Why? I'm not sure. We would revisit it later). Disappointed, bleachpanda and I trekked instead to Gyeongbokgung Palace where we managed to catch a changing of the royal guard. During the performance, an explanation was provided regarding the process and of the outfits worn by the performers, which were based on 15th century Joseon dynasty clothing.

Fun fact, Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon palace and was built in 1395. Additionally, everywhere we looked, there were people dressed in hanboks because they allowed free entry!

Alas, bleachpanda and I were dressed in our thick entry gear. And so, we had to buy tickets to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. I also grabbed an audio gudie to provide some commentary of the historic site we were visiting, although I had to trade in my driver licence.

As we made our way through the Palace, I learned how the Palace served as the heart of the Joseon dynasty before it was razed to the ground when Japan invaded Korea back in 1592. This was later rebuilt in 1867. Within were several precincts and the living quarters for concubines and the royal family. Of interest to me was how there were separate palaces for the King and the Queen.

I also learned how during the Japanese occupation in the early 20th century, Gyeongbokgung was used for their own headquarters, with the Government-General Building being built after the Palace was levelled. After the conclusion of the Second World War, however, much of Gyeongbokgung has been restored.

After we had wandered through to all the major sites, bleachpanda and I exited out near the National Folk Museum of Korea. Eager to have my driver licence returned, we headed back to the entrance and exchanged the audio guide for my Australian identity document.

From the palace, we then headed to Bukchon Hanok village and finally nabbed a late lunch of pork cutlet - elsewise I might have keeled over. After we were both full, we took a gander around Bukchon, stopping by Bukchon Yukgyeong to snap an iconic view of the city of the buildings there and the city of Seoul splayed out before us.

Once we had snagged the picture, bleachpanda and I headed back to our hotel after a long day out in the city of Seoul. We stopped briefly at Jogyesa Buddhist temple before purchasing a few souvenirs and snacks.

So ended our first proper day in Seoul! Join me for the next few weeks as I regale you, dear reader, of our further adventures! For tomorrow is when we head into the DMZ (the last letter pronounced as Zed for all you Americans out there).

Looking back on our journey though, I'm a little sad I couldn't snag myself a hot CEO boyfriend after he hit me with his car. Still, there's always next time!

[ososperezosos]

October 11, 2023.

[enchantedbydoie]

Doyoung in Songzio SS24 Collection

Celebrating Chuseok, NCT 127 released 'surprise teaser' for their comeback 'Fact Check' teaser. All members dressed in Songzio SS24 Collection representing the Modern Hanbok looks in Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Doyoung looks stunning in this collection, it emphasize his broad shoulders and slim waist. Layer pants looks great on his tall body proportion. Orange suits doyoung so well!

[septembergold]

Gyeongbokgung Palace

[seniouesbabes]

Lily Maymac 🌸🍒💋🌸 Entering the Gyeongbokgung Palace for Gucci Cruise 2024 🤩

[itsliv]

Hanbok made me feel like a princess 🥰

初めてハンボクを着たときは本当にお姫様になったみたいな感じです🌸

[hiroshitanaka]

Discover the Best Places to Visit in Seoul Today

South Korea's capital, Seoul, is a city that balances rich history and modern innovation. Ancient palaces and traditional villages mix interspersed with futuristic skyscrapers and bustling quarters, there is something for everybody in Seoul. History buffs, foodies and shopaholics alike will finds plenty to explore in this dynamic city. Here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Seoul now.

1. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – A Masterpiece of Modern Design

One of the most symbolic architectures in Seoul would be Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) It is an artistic & cultural hub designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid with a futuristic look. This historic mansion hosts exhibitions as well as fashion shows and design events year-round. The DDP is a photographer & architecture lover’s dream thanks to its stunning curves & seamless design. Whether you’re wandering around its lush exhibition halls or taking in one of its many art installations, DDP should be on your to-do list when you’re in Seoul.

2. Bukchon Hanok Village – Experience Traditional Korea

For an authentic yet touristic experience of Korea’s traditional side, Bukchon Hanok Village is a place to go. This charming community features hundreds of traditional Korean homes, called hanoks. Bukchon, close to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, is a glimpse of Seoul’s past. The village itself is the perfect mix of historical architecture and narrow streets, and so a great place to explore on foot. Bukchon is one of those neighborhoods that gives you the sensation that you’ve traveled back in time while remaining amid a skyline.

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace – A Royal Experience

Another history highlight is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul’s five grand palaces. Built in the 14th century, it was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. The complex consists of palaces, gardens, gates, which are all rich in history and very photogenic. Make sure not to miss the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place twice a day. Being one of Seoul’s notable landmarks, it’s a noted icon of Korea’s royal past.

4. Namsan Tower – A View Above the City

Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) has one of the best panoramic views of the city. Towering at 237 meters, one can't miss the opportunity to see Seoul from a top point when visiting. The observation deck is accessible by taking either a cable car or a hike up the mountain. At the top you will have stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The tower is most beautiful at night, when the city lights twinkle far below. For something different, don’t forget to hang a love lock on the fence at the top of the tower, a trend among couples visiting Namsan.

5. Insadong – A Cultural Paradise

For those who want to dig deeper and immerse themselves in history and culture at the same time, Insadong should be on the list to visit. This lively neighborhood is filled with traditional Korean shops, art galleries, tea houses and antique stores. Stroll down the main street and you’ll see a variety of handmade wares like pottery, calligraphy, and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). The best place to try traditional Korean tea and snacks is also Insadong. It’s a great place to grab a unique thing to do in Seoul or have a bit of quiet time in a traditional tea house.

6. Hongdae – A Hub of Youth Culture

If you're looking for an active, hip and youthful vibe, look no further than Hongdae. This area near Hongik University is famous for ongoing nightlife, street art and creative culture. The neighborhood is brimming with indie shops, cafes and live music venues, making it an ideal destination for young travelers. In the evening, Hongdae turns into a vibrant area filled with music played by street performers, dance crews, and popular nightclubs. It’s one of the more unique things to do in Seoul as it offers an atmospheric, modern atmosphere compared to the more traditional venues in the city.

7. Lotte World Tower – Soaring to New Heights

Standing at an impressive lotte world tower height of 555 meters, the Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in South Korea. This contemporary architectural wonder boasts a luxury hotel, shopping mall, observation deck and beyond. The observation deck (located on the 123rd floor) gives spectacular 360-degree views of Seoul and its surroundings. On a clear day, you could even see Mount Bukhansan. If you are looking at one of the most attractive places to watch the height and beautiful view of the country, the Lotte World Tower is one of them.

Hidden Gems in Seoul

The popular tourist attractions in south korea are all worthy of a visit, but Seoul has a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be found. These other attractions provide a quieter visit without the crush of summer crowds. For example, you can visit Seochon Village, located adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a sleepy neighborhood sprinkled with quaint cafes and traditional homes. Another refreshing area out of the busy city is Bukhansan National Park with beautiful hiking trails and fantastic nature, upplýsingar um ferðalög 2023. So if you want something a bit different and less common, be sure to plan for some of these little off the beaten path things to do!

Places to Visit in Korea Beyond Seoul

Of course, Seoul is the focal point of any South Korea trip but there are many other interesting destinations in the country. Other areas to places to visit in Korea beyond Seoul include the gorgeous, resort island of Jeju, the cultural city of Gyeongju and the coastal city of Busan. Every area has a unique ambiance, from breathtaking beaches and mountains to historic temples and a bustling metropolis.  If you have the time, definitely travel outside of Seoul and see more of South Korea.

Practical Travel Tips

Getting ready to visit Seoul? Here's what you need to know. Make sure to check South Korea tourist visa requirements early if you are traveling from outside the country otherwise it might ruin your travel plans.

The South Korea visa application process is relatively straightforward however, having all your documents in order is key to avoiding delays. You might need to submit proof of accommodation, flight itinerary and financial records with the application, It makes sense to begin the application earlier so that you have enough time to explore.

Wrapping up this guide

Seoul effortlessly intertwines history, culture, and the modern, and has something thrilling to offer to every type of traveler. From one-of-a-kind experiences to everlasting moments, Seoul is always filled with vivid energy. Whether you’re biding time or staying awhile, there are more experiences to sample. Get your bags ready to explore on to some more hidden gems and have experience that last a lifetime! Your journey in Seoul is only just beginning — what’s stopping you?

[easykorean]

Autumn in Seoul.

Autumn season is a fantastic time to be in Seoul. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a wonderful place to see all the fall colors. Want to learn autumn and fall season vocabulary? And here and also here.

[estefa2190]

Got to see the changing of guards 🇰🇷