One of my favorite locations in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung Palace. I have visited on numerous occasions over the past six years. Rich in both history and culture, this palace is certainly worth exploring. This holds true for the seasoned expat living in Korea as well as the first time visitor. Continue reading for more information about this landmark.
Getting There
If you travel by subway, take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeonbokgung Station. After you arrive, take Exit 3. You can also take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station. After you arrive, take Exit 1. If you instead travel by bus, take one of the following buses: 606, 601, 172, 171, 109, 7025, or 1010 to Gyeongbokgung Palace Bus Stop.
If you are new to South Korea, you will likely be impressed by Seoul’s subway system. It is clean and functions well. Do be wary of rush hour, the times of day, morning and evening, when people are commuting to and from work. The subway cars may become quite congested. Nevertheless, they are worth taking.
While I tend to take the subway, I do enjoy taking the bus, particularly in the non-winter months. If you do so, you will have the opportunity to see much more of Seoul. After all, it is a beautiful city and country.
Favorite Spots
I have a number of favorite spots at Gyeongbokgung Palace, several of which are featured in the photos below. Instagram has made amateur photographers of us all. Visitors to the palace, like visitors to most any place in Korea, are often in search of the perfect shot. To find these “favorite spots,” I recommend you turn to the Instagram hashtag: #GyeongbokgungPalace. Photos posted and tagged by other users offer insight as to where you to snap your own photos.
History
Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in the late 1300s, was the Joseon dynasty’s primary palace. It is one of five Grand Palaces build during that era.
It was largely destroyed during the Imjin War in the late 1500s and eventually rebuilt in the 19th century. In the early 1900s, the palace was yet again largely destroyed by Imperial Japanese forces. Since that time, it has slowly been restored to its original form.
Renting Hanboks
The hanbok is Korea’s traditional attire. At a number of historical sites across the country, visitors can rent hanboks for a period of time and take photos in the area. This is true of Gyeongbokgung Palace. I would encourage you take part in this fun activity.
Restaurants Nearby
After exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, you will likely be hungry. There are plenty of restaurants worth visiting. My favorite, a relatively new addition, is Shake Shack. This is an American hamburger restaurant chain that is quite popular, in South Korea, in the United States, and in many other countries. It is a ten or fifteen minute walk away from the palace. There are a variety of Korean restaurants nearby as well. Generally speaking, it is a nice, if somewhat busy, area to spend time in.
Closing Thoughts
Gyeongbokgung Palace is, as I mentioned, one of my favorite locations in Seoul. I highly recommend you check out this cultural and historical attraction. You will leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
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