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<Gyeongbokgung Palace>
Gyeongbokgung is one of the five royal palaces of Seoul.
The upcoming posts are going to be introductions to each of the five palaces and today, we will be starting with Gyeongbokgung palace.
(Image from: Cultural Heritage Administration)
This is Gwanghwamun gate of Gyeongbokgung palace.
Day or night, this is probably one of the most beautiful places to visit in Seoul.
The Gyeongbokgung palace was built in 1395 as a royal palace.
However, during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, most of the buildings were burnt down.
Then during the 1800s, Heungseon Daewongun ordered a reformation of the palace and rebuilt 7700 buildings.
But once again, Japan had murdered the Empress of Chosun at Gyeongbokgung and it was no longer a place for the royal family.
Although the palace is beautiful and marvelous, it is a place that carries sad memories of the past.
(Image from: Cultural Heritage Administration)
Once you go under this Gwanghwamun gate...
(Image from: Cultural Heritage Administration)
and also past this gate...
(Image from: Cultural Heritage Administration)
you will arrive at Geunjeongjeon hall.
This is where coronation ceremonies were held for Chosun dynasty kings, such as King Sejong.
(Image from: Korea Tourism Organization)
If you go further inwards, you will arrive at Gyeongheoru pavilion.
This place is a famous photo spot because of how the pavilion is exactly mirrored by the pond.
(Image from: Cultural Heritage Administration)
At the farthest end of Gyeongbokgung palace is Hyangwonjeong pavilion.
Other than the buildings mentioned above, there are many other buildings and pavilions within Gyeongbokgung palace.
If you visit the homepage of Gyeongbokgung palace, you will be able to download a guidebook for free. So, those of you planning to visit, it is highly recommended! :)
And the highlight of Gyeongbokgung palace is when it opens at night!
There are four distinct periods throughout the year when it is open even at night.
The second one of 2016 is from April 30 to June 2nd.
Furthermore, April 30 to May 8th has been designated as the Royal Culture Festival.
In order to visit Gyeongbokgung palace at night, you will need to buy tickets online beforehand.
However, the Royal Culture Festival tickets sales are closed, and just a normal night ticket will be on sale on April 27th.
But!! some good news is that anyone who is wearing a traditional "hanbok" can enter for free without any reservations or tickets.
For those of you wondering, Raon provides hanbok rental service, so feel free to visit any time to get your pass to the palace at Raon :P
(Image from: Cultural Heritage Administration)
(Image from: Cultural Heritage Administration)
(Image from: Cultural Heritage Administration)
(Image from: Cultural Heritage Administration)
At night, due to the lights, it creates a more majestic, mysterious mood.
The last one is a shot of the royal culture festival.
The opening hours of Gyeongbokgung palace are as follows.
Every Tuesday the palace is closed.
Jan~Feb 9:00~17:00 (entrance close at 16:00)
Mar~May 9:00~18:00 (entrance close at 17:00)
Jun~Aug 09:00~18:30 (entrance close at 17:30)
Sep~Oct 09:00~18:00 (entrance close at 17:00)
Nov~Dec 09:00~17:00 (entrance close at 16:00)
The entrance fees are as follows.
Adults (19~64yrs): 3000 (2400 for groups over 10 people)
Children (7~18yrs): 1500 (1200 for groups over 10 people)
Free for under 6 years old or above 65, those wearing hanbok, and every last Wednesday.
Gyeongbokgung palace homepage: http://www.royalpalace.go.kr:8080/
Gyeongbokgung palace Tel: 02) 3700-3900
