When my friend and I started planning our Seoul trip, I asked if we could visit the palaces as I am into history and culture. Good thing she said yes and I already began listing all the palaces we were to visit. Seoul City alone have five grand palaces namely Changdeokgung, Changdeokgung, Changdeokgung, Gyeonghuigung and Gyeongbokgung. Of the five, Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first to be constructed as well as the largest. I thought we will be able to see all but the grandness of the latter made us stay longer than planned.
In the garden of memory, in the palace of dreams, that is where you and I shall meet. #gyeongbogkung ung #seoul #themermaidtravels #korea #Autumn
My friend and I went to a nearby Hanbok rental shop. After carefully choosing our attires, we went out to the streets in our pretty Korean dresses. It was a good thing that there were many other tourists doing the same thing for I would’ve felt silly walking along a modern street in this garb. But Korea has very accepting culture so I didn’t feel any apprehension at all. In fact, this was one of my favorite activities I did, aside from eating, in Seoul. 😀
I’ve read that Gyeongbokgung Palace was huge. But I didn’t imagine that it was that enormous. Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. It used to house the Kings of Korea as well as the government of this dynasty. Within its large premises, the National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum of Korea is also found.
Entrance to the palace costs at KRW 3000. However, entrance is free if you will visit wearing a Hanbook just like I did. You can also visit the five palaces in an integrated ticket at only KRW 10000. Now that’s a catch and you can do palace-hopping all day.
We spent four hours inside the palace grounds doing nothing but taking pictures of ourselves and of the surrounding areas. We need to return our dresses after four hours as extending will entail additional cost. We enjoyed what we were doing so much that we miss the changing of the guards. Darn. But at least I now have a reason to come back here again soon.
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How to Apply for a Korean Tourist Visa
Admission Fees
[Korean Citizens]
Adults (ages 25-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won
[International Visitors]
Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won
Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Groups (10 people or more): 1,200 won
[Integrated Palace Ticket]
– Four Palaces (Changdeokgung Palace (including Huwon, Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Jongmyo Shrine
– Ticket is 10,000 won and is valid for use for three month after purchase.
– Non-refundable upon visiting at least one place.
* Visitors may take a combined tour of Changdeokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace. (Additional ticket must be purchased at Hamyangmun Gate)
* The Jongmyo Shrine tour will be offered only at specific times during the day, except on Saturdays, when visitors may tour at their leisure. The passage connecting Jongmyo Shrine and Changgyeonggung Palace will be closed to the public.
Disclaimer: Information above may change from date of posting. Please research on the following before your visit.
