I love that they have the palace ticket for only 10,000 won. If you were to pick just one of the places to visit in Seoul, make it this one. You can also check out the Bukchon Hanok Village near the palace. A trip to Seoul is not just about shopping, Instagram-worthy cafés, modern architecture, and getting swept up in the Hallyu wave. Built in 1395, it is located in northern Seoul, South Korea. 2)Deoksugung Palace . after the Japanese invasions which wrecked the other original palaces. These two palaces are much smaller than the above three, so if you’re not really into palaces but feel like you ought to see one while you’re in the country, you should find one of these two nice and manageable! Do you know there are five palaces in Seoul? Read more: Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁), Seoul. 1) Changdeokgung Palace. Read more: Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁) and Huwon, The Secret Garden, Gyeonghuigung is the youngest of the Seoul palaces, having been first built as a secondary palace. It is the only palace to feature a western-style garden, fountain, and a building. There’s no other place in the world with such majestic royal sites right next to urban skyscrapers! Give me a shout below! Depending how long you have downtown, either of the above itineraries should be enough. The buildings of Changdeokgung blend with the natural topography of the site instead of imposing themselves upon it making it a picturesque sight. The palace was burnt down and rebuilt during one of the invasions of Korea. 3)Gyeongbokgung Palace. Seoul Palaces (Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace) Despite the fact that it was awfully cold on both occasions I’ve visited the two palaces, the view they offer was still stunning. OR if there is any must visit places pls include. The Five Grand Seoul Palaces of the Joseon Period, along with Jongmyo Shrine, make up the main traditional sightseeing spots in the Korean capital. I have about 8 hours in Seoul on Sunday. Aaaaand coffee shops of course The other buildings with the enthralling mixture of two different types of architecture are the Jeonggwanheon pavilion and the Seokjojeon hall. Changgyeonggung is a renowned cherry blossom spot, Access: Line 4 Hyehwa Station, walk 5 minutes west. With this hop-on hop-off bus ticket, save time and effort reaching palaces including Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, and Gwangwhamun, and enjoy the freedom to jump on and off the service at your leisure. You can arrange hanbok rental here*)eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'4corners7seas_com-box-4','ezslot_2',110,'0','0'])); Gyeongbokgung’s main hall, with Bugaksan behind. Great post! On the other hand, you should probably visit at least one or two while you’re in Seoul! Trans-Siberian report (UK to Japan overland), Overland Routes from China to Southeast Asia, The Best Places to See the Autumn Colours in Kyoto, The Best Places to See the Autumn Colours in Tokyo, Volunteering in Tohoku After the 2011 Tsunami, Hostel Horror Story: the Melbourne bag pisser, How to Take the Ferry from Korea to Japan, Taiwan: life (almost) as normal during the pandemic, Copyright © Simon Norton • 2016-20 • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Currently, only about 30% of the pre-Japanese structures of the East Palace Complex (Changdeokgung alongside Changgyeonggung) survive. Changdeokgung is the second oldest of the 5 palaces, was the main one from 1592 – 1868 (between Gyeongbokgung’s first destruction & reconstruction), and is the only one to have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Changing of the guard ceremonies are held at the gates of Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung at various times through the day (see below for times). The Five Grand Palaces in Seoul are Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace. For sure I’d recommend at least one or two of the above palaces. Any questions, fire away! KBS has the largest hi… These five Seoul palaces include Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace. The exception is Deoksugung, which closes at 9pm (last admission 8pm). During Japanese colonial rule, the temple grounds were turned into a zoo and botanical garden to undermine its royal status. The last kingdom to rule in Korea was the Joseon Dynasty (조선왕조), which lasted from 1392 until 1910. The name Deoksugung translates to ‘palace of virtuous longevity.’. I would like to explore the city a little bit. Wenn jemand die koreanische Tradition erkunden möchte, steht Seoul an der Spitze. This fifteenth-century Seoul palace was also known as “Donggwol” or the “East Palace” along with the Changdeokgung Palace. It was the main place of residence of the Kings of the Joseon dynasty and home of the government until the 16th century. The “Palace of Flourishing Gladness” (there they go again with the awesome names) was built in 1483 by King Sejong for his retiring father, King Taejong. Check out our photos of "Palaces in Seoul." Remember, entry to the palaces is free if you wear a hanbok*. This Seoul palace sits beautifully on the lap of the surrounding mountain Iand. Changgyeonggung: 1,000 won You can hike up it right out of Seoul Station, so you could do that first before descending to Myeongdong for food/coffee, then from there head to Deoksugung or Gyeongbokgung – you could jump on the subway, or just do the whole thing on foot. It was constructed within the 1600s after the Japanese invasions, which wrecked the opposite original palaces. A lot of the original building of this Seoul palace was burnt in war and riots, but it is still a beautiful historical place. Today I will review the details of these 5 palaces so you have more options for your Seoul trip. This palace was the first one built out of the 5 back in 1392. Gyeonghuigung is the youngest of the Seoul palaces, having been first built as a secondary palace in the 1600s i.e. During 500 years of their rule, Joseon Dynasty rulers constructed the five Seoul palaces, and all five are still standing. Deoksugung and/or Gyeonghuigung if you’d prefer to visit smaller palace sites, perhaps combining them with a city stroll. Thank you! I'm sure most of the travel information about Seoul introduces Gyeongbokgung Palace as the most representative palace. Jongmyo Shrine: 1,000 won. |Privacy Policy|Cookie Policy| They are the three main palaces. The Five Grand Seoul Palaces of the Joseon Period, along with Jongmyo Shrine, make up the main traditional sightseeing spots in the Korean capital. (If you wear a hanbok you get free entry to the palaces; this is especially popular with bus tour groups, as well as smaller groups of tourists and locals dressing up for a day out. At the entrance stands the mighty Honghwa Gate, past which you will find Okcheongyo Bridge. Changdeokgung: 3,000 won (plus 5,000 for the Secret Garden) Gyeonghuigung: free (there’s no ticket gate; it’s more like a public park) It is one of the five grand palaces within Seoul and is conveniently located nearby other popular tourist attractions. It’s a great city in so many ways, and the palaces are a big part of that. For more suggestions check out this post I wrote on my Korea snowboard site. Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was renovated and enlarged by a later king, and the name was changed from Suganggung to the current Changgyeonggung. The Japanese dismantled what remained of the palace during their occupation of Korea. Copyright © 2020 About Us| Terms of Use Happy traveling! The Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty, has become one of Korea’s top tourist destinations.The rest of the big puzzle comes from the other palaces in Seoul that can also take you on an evocative journey through Korea’s past. The combination ticket is available from the regular ticket windows at each site. Thank you in advance should you choose to support 4corners7seas by using these links, Hi Simon, My personal favourite is Jongmyo Shrine. If you visit Gyeongbokgung & the two attached museums that already fills a couple of hours, and if you also stroll over to the East Palaces that adds a couple more. It is located at the end of … Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Instead of the Korean palace, a faculty for Japanese citizens was built on the location. Built in 1395, it was the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. Ruth. Seoul is a city that never sleeps, with ancient palaces next to skyscrapers and night markets, and it’s the perfect location for anyone looking to experience a different side of Asia. Changdeokgung Palace. The city offers a delicate balance between modernity and the rich history of Korea. There is 4 palaces .. They generally consist of a host of buildings with the throne hall and royal council hall at the center. Combination ticket: for 10,000 won you can get a combo ticket covering all of the above (including the Secret Garden), valid for one month. Often compared to the Forbidden City in Beijing, Gyeongbokgung is a large palace complex that also houses the National Folk Museum of Korea. However it was badly damaged by fire in the 1800s, and then the Japanese occupation finished the job off in the early 1900s.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'4corners7seas_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',119,'0','0'])); The reconstruction standing at Gyeonghuigung today is entirely modern and is also much smaller than the original palace, so this site has the least historical authenticity of the five. They’re also located quite near one another, with an attractive tree- & sculpture-lined walled road connecting them, and there’s a good museum at Gyeonghuigung, so you can easily combine the two palaces with the museum and a bit of a city walk for a cultural half-day which isn’t too heavy on the palaces. Seoul boasts of new skyscrapers but it is also home to the country’s five grand palaces. It still costs 5,000 to enter the Secret Garden, but entry isn’t limited to the usual fixed tour times so you can just buy the ticket and wander at your own leisure (guided tours do still run at the normal times if you’d prefer to have a guide). Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most important of them all. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty, the Kings' households, as well as the government of Joseon. Among Seoul’s numerous attractions, the sites that continually draw in tourists are none other than the four palaces of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Deoksugung Palace, as well as Jongmyo Shrine. This is because the palace is located on the east side of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Even if you’re not a big history buff, the shrine’s nice to visit because the buildings are hundreds of years old, and it has a peaceful atmosphere rather than the crowds at the palaces. If anyone wants to explore the Korean tradition, Seoul comes at the top. Changdeokgung holds the secret garden. And if you use this easy guide to Seoul’s coolest places to visit and most sobering historical sights, you’ll walk away with memories that last a lifetime. The glory of the beautiful Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Hyangwonjeong Pond, and the huge gates of Gwanghwamun are what make Gyeongbokgung Palace the most glorious and grandest of all the five Seoul palaces. For those looking to explore the history and culture of Seoul, a tour of the Five Grand Palaces may be an excellent way to spend a couple of days. Those have since been removed and the royal splendor of this former palace has been restored. All the five palaces are clustered around the Seoul City Hall and the general business district. It’s a large site and if you also visit the National Palace Museum and/or the National Folk Museum which both stand on the palace grounds, it’ll take up half a day. The Japanese destroyed it again in the early 20th Century during their occupation of Korea, and most of the present buildings at Gyeongbokgung today only date from the 1990s. Visiting all five would probably be overkill for most visitors, especially if you’re only in Korea for a short time. Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main and first royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. The Joseon dynasty built the "Five Grand Palaces" in Seoul – Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung and Gyeonghuigung – all of which are located in Jongno and Jung Districts. You may only enter the Secret Garden as part of an organised tour. Tours begin at set intervals through the day, with English, Chinese, and Japanese language tours available (in addition to Korean), and the guides are very knowledgeable about both the shrine itself and Korean history generally. For those looking to explore the history and culture of Seoul, a tour of the Five Grand … Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. While Gyeongbokgung and, to a lesser extent, Changdeokgung and Deoksugung, get most of the visitors, there are two more palaces, Changgyeongung and Gyeonghuigung! Gyeongbokgung Palace – Korea’s Magnificent Main Palace, Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁) and Huwon, The Secret Garden, Taegeukgi: The South Korean Flag – A Brief History, The 8 Most Popular Instagram-Worthy Spots in Seoul, The Best Things to Do in Myeongdong, Seoul, Enjoy Seoul’s Offbeat Neighborhood of Ikseon-Dong, Unique and Offbeat Neighborhoods in Seoul, Seoul Shopping Guide: What to Buy and Where to Go, 15 Best Bingeworthy K-Dramas on Netflix While You are Social Distancing, 10 Best Free Apps to Learn the Korean Language, South Korea Travel Guide – An Introduction to South Korea’s Traditional Dress: Hanbok, Cho Yonsoon’s Korean Handmade Noodle Stall in Gwangjang Market: Featured on Netflix “Street Food”, Must-Visit Islands In South Korea During Winters, Seoul Lantern Festival – An Event You Must See, New Year Sunrise Festivals in South Korea – Magnificent Way to Welcome the New Year. You might be surprised that Seoul has not only one, but five main palaces. If you’re keen to learn about traditional Korean culture & beliefs, you’ll pick up more at Jongmyo Shrine than at the palaces, not least thanks to the guides – entry is usually only by guided tour (included in the entrance fee), the exception being Saturdays when visitors are free to roam. While the palace encompasses a vast area with many buildings. Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung and Gyeonghuigung are part of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul built during the Joseon Dynasty. Deoksugung has eclectic architecture. There is a separate entrance fee for Changdeokgung palace and the Secret Garden which boasts pavilions, lily ponds, a stream as well as luscious vegetation. The UNESCO listing is both due to the fair number of surviving older structures, and the way this palace was designed to be in harmony with its surroundings rather than imposed upon them (the Secret Garden in particular). Your email address will not be published. Plus it is gorgeous! Deoksugung Palace. This road has various sculptures and a number of decent eateries and cafes (at the start near Deoksugung and again at the top where it meets the main road) where you can make a pit stop; when you get to the main road, cross over and head right a few more minutes to Gyeonghuigung. At these locations, visitors can easily glimpse the beauty and culture that lasted over 500 years during Korea’s historic Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Although the sites mostly date back to the 1300s – 1500s, the majority of the buildings standing on them today are actually recent reconstructions, as the original structures were destroyed by Japanese invasion (16th Century), and the reconstructions then … Gyeonghoeru Pavilion . It makes the palaces so accessible, and you only need to buy one ticket! Much of modern Korea is shaped by the legacy of the Joseon Dynasty dominion in the peninsula. It was preferred residential grounds for many Joseon Dynasty kings. It wasn’t as badly destroyed as Gyeongbokgung and Gyeonghuigung, so you do see a few pre-occupation structures alongside the modern reconstructions. The sites all open at 9am, and close between 5pm-6:30pm depending on the season (earlier in winter), with last admissions 30-60 minutes before closing. Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the best attractions and a must-see palace for anyone visiting Seoul. The palace is the second oldest in Seoul after Gyeongbokgung and was used as a secondary palace when first built. The Five Grand Palaces of Seoul are Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyonggung, Deoksugong, & Gyonghuigung. Any questions? Although the sites mostly date back to the 1300s – 1500s, the majority of the buildings standing on them today are actually recent reconstructions, as the original structures were destroyed by Japanese invasion (16th Century), and the reconstructions then destroyed by Japanese occupation (20th Century), and repeatedly by fire; the East Palace (Changdeokgung & Changgyeonggung) is the only one with a decent number of surviving pre-20th Century structures (around a third), but the reconstructions have been done well and do look the part. Cross Okcheongyo Bridge, pass the Myeongjeongmun Gate, surrounded by beautiful gardens you’ll find three courts, Myeongjeongjeon being the main hall, will show you the best of Joseon architectural style. Gyeonghuigung Palace. Culture Day: the last Wednesday of every month is ‘Culture Day’, when you can enter any of the palaces free of charge. Deoksugung is located right outside City Hall Station (Line 1 exit 2, or Line 2 exit 12 and head north), and historically served mostly as an auxiliary palace. These five Seoul palaces are probably the best places to see and experience the history, tradition, culture, and beauty of Korea all in one place. Required fields are marked *. if you follow the links to Hotels Combined or Trazy and make a reservation, 4corners7seas will receive a commission from them; this commission comes out of their profit margin at no extra cost to you. The tour guides are so knowledgable, and you learn so much about Korean history. You can see the changing of the guard at Deoksugung at 11:00, 14:00, and 15.30 daily (except Mondays). Includes a quick look at the five grand Seoul palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung & Gyeonghuigung. Hi all.. i am planning for my trip to seoul this coming mar/apr.. Happy to help again! It’s also notable architecturally for being the only Korean palace with some western-style buildings (dating to the early 20th Century). Filming for Korean historical dramas sometimes take place at the palaces when they are closed to the public. They have seen a lot of political shenanigans and bloodshed over the 500 years of Joseon history! The South Korean government reconstructed around 33% of the palace under the rebuilding of the ‘five grand palaces’ initiative. The 5 Royal Palaces In Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace. Some of the palaces are famous for cherry blossom viewing in April, namely Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, and Changgyeonggung. So, how to visit 5 grand palaces in Seoul (5 palaces Seoul). Culture, art, architecture, it’s all awesome. Since you gave me such excellent advice for my hike, I thought I’d ask your advice for my next stop. The capital of Korea is the best for tourism. Exploring the palaces in Seoul is one of my favourite things to do. Built-in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is additionally commonly mentioned as the Northern Palace. Don't leave without check out these must-see palaces in Seoul! There’s no better way to start your South Korean journey than a slow walk in and around the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Seoul has FIVE palaces. The Jongmyo Shrine was founded around the same time as Gyeongbokgung Palace the late 1300s, and was similarly destroyed in the invasions of the late 1500s. Have you been to any of the Seoul palaces? Seoul has, in the past half-century, developed from a war-torn city to a bustling spot of technological advancement, economic miracle, and high-tech everything.. Within the boundaries of this historical site, one will be fascinated to find the potpourri of contrasting architectural styles. The most impressive and expansive of the 5 Seoul palaces, Gyeongbokgung was the original palace (construction began in 1395) and was historically the main seat of royalty, though that moved to Changdeokgung following the Japanese invasions in the late 1500s as Gyeongbokgung wasn’t rebuilt until the 1800s. (If you’re really not keen on a guided tour, just visit on Saturday), Access: just east of Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1 & 3), Gyeongbokgung: 3,000 won If walking, you can go from Myeongdong to Gyeongbokgung via City Hall (and potentially Deoksugung), Cheonggyecheon stream, and Gwanghwamun Square. Changdeokgung Palace is also known as Donggwol, the Eastern Palace. Heading to Korea's capital? Today, it is still a focal point of the city. Family of squashed statues behind Deoksugung. Read more: Gyeongbokgung Palace – Korea’s Magnificent Main Palace. Its because its location is that the furthest north in comparison to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung and Gyeonghuigung Palace. Not only the traditional architectural work in the 5 Grand Palaces in Seoul reflects the history of Korea, but the great Hanbok also steals the sight of the visitors. Read on below for more detail on each palace, but in a nutshell: Gyeongbokgung if you want to see the most historically important & physically impressive of the Seoul palaces. Your email address will not be published. East Palace (Changdeokgung & Changgyeonggung) for genuinely old buildings (rather than modern reconstructions of old buildings), and for the best surrounding gardens. I'm the Features Editor for KoreaTravelPost. Changgyeonggung Palace. In the heart of this city lies the grand Changgyeonggung Palace built by the 4th ruler of the Joseon dynasty. Changgyeonggung is notable for the large grounds it stands on, with beautiful landscaped gardens renowned for their spring blossoms and autumn colours. 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