Changing guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung (largest palace) @ Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first palace compound to be built by the Joseon founder. Being the main palace, the compound was the largest of all the Joseon palaces. The main palace halls which used by the king directly were larger than any other structures of their kind. The main palace compound served both as the residence for the king and his closest family members and as the place where affairs of state were routinely conducted and foreign envoys were received.

Each of these major halls has its own courtyard and support buildings on the left and right which provides excellent symmetry. The courtyard walls form perfect squares aligned with the four directions and the gates in the walls directly face north, south, east or west. The careful placement of the buildings reflects the fundamental philosophy of the Joseon rulers, who wished to establish a framework for governance according to Confusian propriety and virtue.

The Korean government continues to rebuilt and restore the halls, gates and bridges of Gyeongbokgung Palace as a precious cultural legacy of the nation.

Admission fee: 3000 Won for adult. If you brought the Integrated pass (10000 Won), this palace admission fee is included.


Gwanghwamun gate is the palace main gate with two-storey gate tower and a series of three arched gates. The gate was burned down during Japanese occupation but it was restored to the original form in August 2010.

Changing guard ceremony every hour.

One of the guards with the traditional costume.

The music is unique.

Heungnyemun gate.

The design and structural of Heungnyemun gate.

This is how inside the palace hall look like. The food drama of palace cuisine was filmed here.

Sundial.

Around Gangnyeong-jeon.

One of the halls in Gyeongbokgung.

Around Amisan.

Reached palace playground.

Hyangwon-jeong. A pagoda like structure surrounded by lake. Good view.

Autumn feeling. Around 12-15 C at this time. Good weather for a walk.

Me with 4 different colours tree leaves.

Serious looking guard.

Stop here. This is a subway station you should stop by. A must visit palace.

The tunnel from Gyeongbokgung subway station.

Coordinate/GPS: 37.575909,126.973647

Address:
22, Sajingno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-050.

Subway:
Use exit number 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line number 3).