Gyeongbokgung Palace @ Seoul, South Korea

Gyeongbokgung Palace, our next destination after a tour around Ehwa Women University in the morning. It is very easy to reach Gyeongbokgung Palace, as there is a subway station with the same name –  Gyeongbokgung Palace. Just stop at this station, follow exit 5 to reach. You will see a museum on your left upon exiting, the palace is on your right.

National Palace Museum of Korea.

Palace is on your right hand side.

Came across this 不老門 while going out the exit. Some said that you will not get old after passing this gate. LOL. So can we stay young forever and ever after passing this door? #macamyes

Just in time to witness sumunjang ( royal guard ) changing duty ceremony, a performance that re-enacts how guards from the next shift took over the duty of gate guarding during Joseon Dynasty.

There are 6 rounds of related ceremony a day, from 10AM to 4PM, involving ceremonies for the opening and closing of palace gates, as well as guard changes. Event is held in Gyeongbokgung Palace. Location: In front of Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung.

We didn’t know the meaning behind each drum beat and the procedures during that time, only to learn from website http://www.visitseoul.net/ later. A bit of guide for your reference:

1. The first drumbeat signal sounds and the relieving guard unit mobilizes towards Gwanghwamun Gate.

2. The second drumbeat signal sounds and the relieving guard unit moves outside of Gwanghwamun Gate, and the chief of the relieving guard unit and the chief of the guard unit on duty perform an identification check.

3. The chief of the relieving guard unit orders his unit to take their positions at the gate and the relieved guard unit mobilizes to the inside of the gate.

4. The third drumbeat signal sounds and the chief of the relieved guard unit orders his unit to exit the vicinity.

**Source of Information from Visit Seoul**

Had a walk around the super huge palace, gave up after 2 hours as we seemed to lost in the maze-like palace. Really jalan sampai rasa mau pengsan. Summerkid said he could imagine the so called: Yau Fa Yun 游花園 by now haha.

Gwanghuamun Gate – Main Gate of Gyeongbokgung.

It is FREE to enter Gwanghuamun ( 光化門 ) but from Heungnyemun ( 興禮門 ) onwards, you need to have admission ticket to pass through. You can purchase the ticket ( 3000won per adult) at counter on your right after passing Gwanghuamun. When asking for a guide map of the palace, we were told to pay 500won.  =.=||

The empty compound between these two gates is where Guard Changing Ceremony held.

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a pavilion built on the pond to the west of Gangnyeongjeon Hall, also a National Treasure No. 224. We couldn’t find this most iconic landmark in Gyeongbokgung Palace initially, but accidentally passed by on our way out.

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion is a hexagonal pavilion built in the middle of Hyangwonji pond. Glad that we didn’t miss it. Really beautiful, surrounded by tranquility, indescribable calmness.

The name Hyangwonjeng Pavilion means “Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance” , while the bridge constructed across the pond, named Chwihyanggyo holds on the meaning “intoxicated with fragrance”.

We skipped lunch, exhausted. Hence decided to go for early dinner at Myeongdong Yipingxiang, a restaurant that offers delicious jajjangmyeon and Chinese food.

Address
Gyeongbokgung Palace
161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea.
Opening Hours:
Nov – Feb (9am – 5pm)
Mar – May, Sep – Oct (9am – 6pm)
Jun – Aug (9am – 6.30pm)

Closed on Tuesday
Admission ticket price : 3000won per pax

How to go Gyeongbokgung Palace:
Stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), follow Exit 5 and you will be taken right to the palace. Direction is very clear along the way, with ancient palace like corridor.

Alternatively, you can reach by aligning at Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), exit 2 and walk for 10 minutes.

Summary of Our 6D5N Trip