Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung is a vast royal palace built in 1395 by Lee Seong-gye, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. With Bukak Mountain in the background, the palace boasts magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens, making it by far the largest and most architecturally beautiful of the five major royal palaces in Seoul. The restoration of buildings lost in the course of history is underway, and the gorgeous atmosphere of the palace court is only growing more gorgeous by the day. Many tourists visit the palace daily to see the beautiful palaces and the ceremonial changing of the guardians.

Gyeongbokgung Area

A little north of Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, two of Seoul's most popular shopping districts, lies Gyeongbokgung, a palace built in the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty. The vast grounds are a perfect place to take a stroll and forget about the hustle and bustle of the city, with its ornately decorated buildings and changing of the guard ceremony. The surrounding area is also home to Changdeokgung, a detached palace of Gyeongbokgung, and the streets of Samcheong-dong, Bukchon, and Seochon, lined with traditional Korean houses, all of which offer a sense of history.