Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour in Seoul, South Korea

#新年好去处2025 #SEOUL之旅 Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is one of the five major palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty and has hundreds of years of history. As one of the most representative cultural attractions in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace not only showcases the architectural style and cultural characteristics of ancient Korean dynasties, but also gives visitors the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of Korea's historical background. During my trip to South Korea, Gyeongbokgung Palace became a must-visit attraction. Here are my travel experiences of this palace. 1. First impression: magnificent architecture When I first stood in front of the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, I was impressed by the grand scene in front of me. The palace's main gate, Gwanghwamun, is majestic, and the surrounding walls and pillars are all in the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty, presenting an atmosphere of elegance and majesty. The carvings above Gwanghwamun are very delicate, showing the superb skills of the craftsmen at that time. Walking through Gwanghwamun and walking inward along the vast square, you can see the main palace building, the Geunjeongjeon, which consists of a red roof and golden decorations. The overall building presents an ancient Korean palace style, combining wooden structure with tiles painted with exquisite patterns, giving people a sense of history and sacredness. 2. In-depth experience of culture and history During my visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, I chose to join a guided tour, which gave me a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the founding palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It was originally built in 1395 and has undergone many reconstructions and restorations. It was once the residence and court of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, and has witnessed hundreds of years of changes in Korean history. During the guided tour, I learned that Gyeongbokgung was not the only palace in the Joseon Dynasty. There were other palaces in Seoul at that time, such as Changdeokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace. However, Gyeongbokgung Palace has always been the most important palace of the Joseon Dynasty due to its superior geographical location and unique history. The layout of the interior of the palace is very exquisite, and each palace has its specific function. From the royal palace, the office of ministers to the place where state ceremonies are held, there are special areas. 3. Exquisite architecture and decoration The architectural art inside Gyeongbokgung Palace is very unique, and what impressed me most were the various exquisite carvings and paintings. Whether it is the paintings on the walls or the carvings on the wooden pillars, every detail shows the exquisite craftsmanship of the time. I particularly like the exquisite wood carvings I see in the "Qinzheng Hall". These carvings not only show the artistic style of the time, but also have strong religious and cultural connotations. In addition, the garden design of Gyeongbokgung Palace is also comfortable and pleasant. There are large areas of green space surrounding the palace, and you can often see many tourists strolling quietly in these courtyards, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere brought by this historical site. Especially in the fall and winter, when the leaves outside the palace change color, the scenery of Gyeongbokgung Palace becomes even more charming. 4. Changing of the guards ceremony: a visual feast In Gyeongbokgung Palace, the changing of the guards ceremony is a highlight that every tourist should not miss. The changing of guard ceremony is a ceremony for the royal palace guards to take over, which is one of the important symbols of Korean traditional culture. During the ceremony, the guards dressed in traditional military uniforms will line up, march and salute, creating a solemn and ceremonial atmosphere. The ceremony time is usually fixed, and there are several times a day, and each ceremony attracts a large number of tourists to watch. Looking at these guards in traditional costumes, it feels like traveling back to the Joseon era hundreds of years ago and feeling the strong historical atmosphere. 5. Tours around Gyeongbokgung Palace In addition to Gyeongbokgung Palace itself, the surrounding attractions are also worth visiting. The National Folk Museum next to the palace is a good place to learn about Korean traditional culture. There are a large number of folk relics on display here, from clothing, utensils to daily necessities, which gave me a more intuitive understanding of Korean history and folk customs. In addition, the "Bukchon Hanok Village" around Gyeongbokgung Palace is also a charming place where a large number of traditional Hanok buildings are preserved. Visitors can roam around and experience the life scenes of the Joseon era. 6. Tips If you plan to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace, it is recommended to check the opening hours and ticket price information in advance. The ticket price for Gyeongbokgung Palace is not expensive, but if you want to get a deeper understanding, it is well worth taking a guided tour. In addition, transportation around Gyeongbokgung Palace is also very convenient, and you can choose to go there by subway or bus. If you have time, you can sit in a nearby cafe, sip a cup of traditional Korean tea, and enjoy the tranquility brought by this historic palace. Conclusion In general, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a tourist attraction with both historical and cultural heritage. Here, I can not only appreciate the ancient architectural art, but also deeply feel the glorious history of the Korean dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace offers a rich experience for both tourists interested in history and those interested in architectural art. This trip to Gyeongbokgung Palace has undoubtedly become the most unforgettable part of my trip to Korea, and it has also given me more respect and understanding for Korean history and culture.