Gyeongbokgung Palace in Spring

Today was the third time I have been to this beautiful place in Seoul - I have now visited in Autumn, Winter and now Spring. And it was so beautiful today I have decided to write a proper review for anyone else wishing to visit this amazing palace.

Gyeongbokgung Palace 경복궁

  Gyeongbokgung was first built in 1395, but the site was abandoned and rebuilt in 1867 by the Joseon Emperors over a few generations. Joseon Dynasties ruled here for years and years until the Japanese trashed the place in the early 20th Century (and they steadily trashed most of Korea over the next however many years). I honestly think this is one of the worst things about war and occupation, particularly with Korea... They had so much of their history erased. The Japanese administration pretty much levelled the entire site and used the grounds and extensive gardens for their own government offices. Anyway, the place is still undergoing reconstruction today, and I think that they are at about 50% reconstruction level. Wikipedia tells me that they were at 40% in 2009, and there seems to be a fair bit of it made pretty now. A few of the buildings are originals, but basically the whole place has been redone. It never ceases to amaze me how much national pride Korean people have - they love their national treasures and the majority of people who visit this palace (and others) are people who live in Seoul and surrounding areas. 

  The palace complex itself is huge, and when you take into account the gardens as well you can easily spend hours wandering around. There are free tours in different languages, you just need to rock up at the right time. They run every few hours though, so if you miss it you can always pop back later. 

  One of the cool things about where the Palace is located is that it is right next to the Palace Museum, and also the National Folk Museum. The Folk Museum has a Children's Museum attached to it, so if you have young kids with you they can go and have a play and learn in a more interactive setting. And yes, there is plenty of English for us foreign folk ;)

Folk Museum literally right outside.

Oh, and the entry to the museums are free... Did I mention that?

  Today was a ripper day, because May 5th is Children's Day in Korea! A day when those little bundles of joy are celebrated. So there was plenty of activities happening around the museum just outside the palace grounds. We had a wander outside, but make sure you keep your ticket with you so you can get back into the Palace grounds. The gardens around the Palace are a perfect spot for a picnic - you are allowed to bring food and drink into the Palace grounds and there are actually bins dotted around the area to get rid of your trash. There is a cafe/food place on the grounds but it is a bit pricey. 

Children's Day festivities

Getting there - 

  We caught the train from Pyeongtaek station to Seoul station, which was around 4000 won or something close. We then jumped on the subway and made our way to the Orange Line 3 (there was a transfer involved) and got off at Gyeongbokgung Station, exit 5. Its a great station, you come out right at the palace you literally cannot miss it. But because of the annoyance transferring lines I actually would recommend doing it a slightly different way (and if you don't mind walking a little bit - its a nice walk).

At Seoul Station, jump onto Blue Line 1 and head to City Hall Station. It is the next stop on the Blue Line after Seoul Station... 

Head upstairs at I think Exit 1 (where City Hall is) and when you walk up head in teh direction of the Arts Centre and all that stuff. If you are standing facing City Hall (a giant glass space-age building) then you wanna head left. Keep walking down that street - it is a really beautiful street and as you get closer to the Palace the centre of the road widens and there is a big grassy strip. There is also a station down there, not sure which one... Purple line I think?? Anyway every time I have been there I have seen some sort of free cultural event. Today was some sort of flea market, street food, and some people protesting something. They were singing to the new Psy song and dancing. Was hilarious actually. 

But if you keep walking down this street you will eventually get the the palace at the end. I love walking past the Arts Centre and it was beautiful today in the sunshine. The streets are really wide and clean here. 

Market Stalls and street food

You can see the Palace in the distance, and Mt Bugaksan in the background

Beautiful green strip

Free concert for the good citizens of Seoul

Cost?

  Just the train, there and back was under 10,000 won. And the subway is cheap, I have a t-money pass so I have no idea what I spend to be honest. The entry to the Palace is 3000 won for adults, I think it was 2,500 for kids and children under 6 are free. All the museum entries are free. There is cheap food nearby, but if you are looking for something a bit more palatable then there are a heap of nice restaurants near the Arts Centre. Have a wander down the back streets too, there are hidden gems of culinary delight... And a bubble tea place that has delish bubble tea^^

Totally go visit. Seoul is so beautiful, and Spring is proving to be my favourite season yet!!!

Till next time 

xoxo