This royal palace has risen up from the ashes more than once and today, it's one of Seoul's finest examples of traditional Korean architecture.
Dating back to 1395, Gyeongbok Palace is one of Seoul’s oldest and most important buildings. As the home of the Joseon Dynasty, it was considered to be one of the finest examples of Korean architecture and culture. Damaged considerably over the centuries, today nearly half of the palace complex has been painstakingly restored.
Gyeongbok Palace is in good company with the other Seoul palaces in that it has a long and difficult history. It was initially destroyed by the Japanese in the late 1500s, and then again by Japan at the beginning of the 20th Century. Work continues to this day in an effort to restore this beautiful building to its former glory.
There are a number of points of interest in at Gyeongbok, including the Royal Banquet Hall, Gangnyeongjeon Hall and one of the few surviving 19th Century structures, the Hyangwonjeong. Upon entering the palace at Gwanghwamun gate, stop to witness the changing of the guard, a daily occurrence that happens every hour.
You can see Gyeongbok Palace on your own, or you can take advantage of one of the excellent free guided tours which take place several times a day from the Information Office. Give yourself at least one hour (preferably two) to take in the palace and its turbulent past. You can continue the history lesson at the nearby National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum, both of which are home to large collections of national artefacts and monuments.
When your visit to Gyeongbok Palace comes to an end, take a walk north to the Blue House, home to South Korea’s head of state. Snap a photo or two of the traditional building set against the mountains, or take a tour inside. It’s advisable to book this is in advance.
The palace is open every day except Tuesdays. It may be a good idea to buy an integrated ticket that gives discounted entrance to the other Grand Palace complexes. You can get to Gyeongbok Palace on the subway – get off at Gyeongbokgung or Gwanghwamun.
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