Exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

Welcome to Seoul, the capital of Korea and city of ancient wonders. Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most iconic and symbolically significant sites in the city, playing a crucial role in the nation’s history. Once the home of Korean royalty, this magnificent palace is now open to visitors so that they can explore its beautiful grounds and gain a better understanding of the country’s history. A Korea history walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-do activity during your time in Seoul. Here’s how to make the most of this unforgettable experience.

History of Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace, also known as the Northern Palace, was the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty from 1395 to 1910. It was constructed in 1395 as the main royal residence and served as the home for the royal family for centuries. This palace was destroyed twice over its lifetime, during the Japanese invasions of 1592 and then again in 1910 when it went up in flames during the Japanese occupation of 1910-1945. Today, the palace has been restored to its former glory and is a great place to learn about Korea’s history.

What You’ll See on a Gyeongbokgung Palace History Walk

During your visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, you will have the opportunity to explore the many parts of this iconic attraction. Here are some of the highlights:

Gwanghwamun Gate

The main entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace is the impressive Gwanghwamun Gate. Built in 1395, this gate was designed to impress visitors and onlookers with its impressive size and imposing structure. This is one of the most significant parts of the palace, as it is through this gate that royalty would be welcomed into the grounds.

Geunjeongjeon Hall

This is the throne hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace. This building was originally built in 1395, but it was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion in 1592, and then rebuilt in 1867. In Geunjeongjeon Hall, visitors can observe traditional ceremonies, such as the changing of the guard, which happens daily at 10am.

National Folk Museum of Korea

This museum is located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and provides visitors with an in-depth look at Korean culture and history. With thousands of artefacts, including ancient manuscripts, paintings and sculptures, this museum provides a fascinating insight into Korea’s past.

Huwon Secret Garden

Formerly known as “The Rear Garden’, Huwon Secret Garden is located behind Geunjeongjeon Hall and is a tranquil spot where visitors can appreciate nature. This garden was originally built for the royal family but has since been opened up to the public. It contains many natural features and traditional structures, such as lotus ponds and pavilions.

Best Way to Experience Gyeongbokgung Palace

The best way to gain an appreciation for Gyeongbokgung Palace is through a history walk. There are many tour operators in Seoul that offer guided walks along with insight into Korean culture as well as information about the architecture and symbolism that can be found throughout Gyeongbokgung Palace. These tours are a great way to learn about Korea’s history while also getting up close and personal with this magnificent palace.

Why Go on a History Walk?

Going on a guided history walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace is an excellent way to gain an appreciation for both Korean culture and history. Some of these tours include visits to other nearby attractions such as Dongdaemun Gate, Inwangsan Mountain and Changdeokgung Palace. Additionally, your tour guide will fill you in on all the interesting stories associated with Gyeongbokgung Palace, such as how it was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion in 1592.

Answering the question – “What is a great way to experience Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul?” – we would immediately recommend going on a history walk through this iconic destination. A guided tour allows you to get an insider look into Korean culture and history, while also learning all about Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is a great way to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of city life and appreciate some beautiful sights. What’s more, for those who want to book one of these history walks, a great website to visit is GetYourGuide.

So if you’re in search of an unforgettable experience in Seoul, be sure to book a history walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace for an exciting afternoon filled with beautiful sights, interesting stories and plenty of fun.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Seoul

Seoul is a city that is full of surprises, and as such, there are hidden gems that only locals would know about. Here is an insider’s guide that takes visitors beyond the ordinary and into the extraordinary.

Local Attractions

While the major landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsan Tower are impressive, a little-known fact is that Seoul is home to the world’s largest underground mall, COEX Mall. With over 200 stores and attractions, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring this subterranean city. For those interested in history, head over to Namsangol Hanok Village, a restoration project that features five traditional Korean houses and a heritage school. The Gahoedong Catholic Church is another must-visit spot, with its unique blend of traditional Korean and Western architecture.

Dining Spots

Seoul is a food lover’s paradise, and visitors should not miss out on the famous dish, bulgogi. Head over to Mapo Galmaegi for some of the best bulgogi in the city. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, visit Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil for artisanal dessert cafes such as Two Two Fried Chicken, a quirky restaurant that serves fried chicken in a watermelon basket. A must-try is also the Korean fried chicken at Kyochon Chicken. Also, if you’re in the mood for an authentic Korean dining experience, visit Gwangjang Market for some of the best street food the city has to offer.

Cultural Experiences

As a city that is deeply rooted in its traditions, Seoul has much to offer in terms of cultural experiences. Head over to Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse into traditional Korean architecture and houses dating back 600 years. For those looking for a traditional performance, watch the breathtaking non-verbal play “NANTA”. Fans of K-Pop should definitely visit the SM Town Museum, a must-visit for die-hard fans of the popular Korean genre.

Local History

One of the most fascinating stories from Seoul’s past is the 1988 Summer Olympics, which helped put the city on the global map. Visitors can still see the venues that were used, such as the Seoul Olympic Stadium and Jamsil Olympic Stadium. For a darker chapter in history, visit the War Memorial of Korea, which commemorates Korea’s war history against Japan and North Korea.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a truly unique experience, visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza at night when the LED rose garden is in full bloom. Created by the renowned French designer, Philippe Starck, the garden features over 25,000 LED-illuminated flowers. Also, for a fun day, head to Jeju Island, a magical, picturesque spot outside of Seoul with volcanic mountains, dazzling white-sand beaches, and dense forests. Finally, for the ultimate relaxation experience, try a jjimjilbang (traditional Korean sauna) at Dragon Hill Spa & Resort, which features nine different kinds of hot baths.

Seoul is a city that will leave an indelible mark on visitors, and this insider’s guide aims to give readers the chance to discover the hidden gems that only the locals know about.