Gyeongbokgung is one of 3 palaces in Seoul, South Korea that I visited in winter 2013. It was actually a revisit because I was here back in Autumn 2009. You would too if you had to choose, because it's the grandest. You can also pop by the National Palace Museum of Korea or the National Folk Museum of Korea for free.
Constructed in 1394, Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) by its founder, King Taejo, and is often considered to be the grandest of all five palaces. Given its sheer enormity, visitors should note that scaling the entire grounds does take a little time. Yet, once reaching the imperial throne room of Geunjeongjeon or Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which stands rested on forty-eight granite pillars towering over a lotus lake, such efforts will have proven all the more worthwhile. Other highlights include the skyscraping pagoda resting atop the National Folk Museum of Korea and Hwangwonjeong Pavilion, which sits centered in a beautiful pond.Take subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station and proceed to Exit 5. The palace grounds are open from 09:00~18:00 (March ~ October) and 09:00~17:00 (November ~ February). Gyonegbokgung Palace is closed Tuesday. Admission is 3,000 won. Source
More about Gyeongbokgung here which also mentions the most photographed site in Korea (I'm doubtful).
My two favourite shots back in 2009 are:
I didn't have enough of the stone figures. So I had to visit it again, in a different season, and at my own pace. This time I managed to catch the changing of guards ceremony by chance!
The Palace Museum is right outside the metro exit, more of that in the next post
At Gwanghwamum Gate
And this must be the symbol of Seoul, Haechi
Milling around after the Guard Changing Ceremony
Admission fees and opening hours:
The Geunjeongmun (The Third Inner Gate), which leads to Geunjeongjeon Hall, where the king went about his stately duties in the Joseon era
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a hall used to hold important and special state banquets. It seems like the lake is frozen.
Motifs around the Palace
I didn't visit the Folk Museum again. But I made a quick visit to the Palace Museum which reminds me of that in Taiwan. More of that coming right up.
Wow... what a colorful place... incredible art work everywhere.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see the snow covered trees and a hill as backdrop.
Thanks a lot for sharing and have a beautiful day :)
Thanks Sreejith, Gyeongbokgung Palace is indeed, very lovely. That's the Bukaksan Mountain, and the "Blue (presidential) Palace" is between Gyeongbokgung and the Mountain. Here is another view of the mountain, in autumn. Have a good 2015 ahead!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing the info. Lea :)
ReplyDeleteThe images from South Korea is so inviting and I really wish to explore ...Hope I get a chance :)
Wish you a very happy new year :)
Happy new year to you too. Hope the year has been kind to you so far. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a note. Yes, I hope you have a chance to visit it too. :)
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