Jewish quarter of Balat in Istanbul, Turkey

Balat located in old city of Istanbul is richest in history, unique architecture and characteristic. It is one of the places in the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, not many tourist visit this area as it is basically unknown and indeed not many tour bring the tourist here. The tour will usually make an easy move by providing the sight around Sultanahmet and Galata area for commercial reason. Balat was previously a neighbourhood of the Jewish rich but they have moved to district of Sisli in 1960. After that the neighbourhood populated by immigrants of low income. During year 2005, Balat area has been listed in UNESCO World Heritage and a huge redevelopment project has been planned for the area. Exploring Balat is challenging if you don't know the area well as the people there don't speak in English and the street might not be in Google Maps. I don't think that I will discover/visit this place if it wasn't introduced by the local tour that I took in Istanbul.


View of a street in Balat, Istanbul.


Traditional houses in Balat, Istanbul.

The houses here looks very old with narrow stairs.


Some of the colourful houses.


The area provides beautiful view as the houses were build on slope.

Clothing hang over a street.


Children playing in Balat neighbourhood. Since the area is hilly, the children enjoyed playing sliding down the street.

Reached the town.

Liceo Greco church. Very unique architecture in Balat.

GPS/Coordinate: 41.031627, 28.946493
Public transport: Taxi/Ferry at Balat jetty.

Korean World Heritage Changdeokgung Palace @ Seoul

Changdeokgung also known as Changdeokgung Palace or Changdeok Palace is set within a large park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. It blends well with its natural surroundings and boasts outstanding examples of traditional palace architecture and garden design. As such, this cultural treasure was selected for the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Changdeok Palace is called oen of the "Eastern Palace" because it lies east of Hangyang, capital city. It was first built to support the main compound, Gyeongbok Palace. Both were destroyed in the Japanese invasion (1592-1598), and Changdeok Palace was the first to be rebuilt immediately after the war, making it the king's primary residence until Gyeongdok Palace was rebuilt in the 19th century. There is rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond, and a pavilion.

The Palace is beautiful and I love the secret garden as it is a place to relax and breath some fresh air. Visit to the secret garden require extra payment. You cannot go to the secret garden alone. There will be a tour guide to explain the secret garden. You can choose your preferred language session which include English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.


Nice colourful roof. This palace looks more well restored compared to other palaces.

Changdeokgung UNESCO World Heritage.

Huge gate. Donhwamun.


Inside Changdeokgung.

Another palace building. Injeong-jeon. The throne hall.


The roof design is detailed.

Small pavilion.

This scenery is colourful and classic.

Autumn colour changing.


Maple leaves.

Me at the palace pool and garden.

Admission fee: 3000 Won.
Integrated Admission:
- Admission to the Four Palaces (Changdeokgung Palaces (including Huwon, Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Jongmyo Shrine
- Ticket price: 10,000 won per person (Valid for 1 month after purchase)
Coordinate/GPS: 37.57863,126.990384
Address: Seoul-si Jongno-gu Yulgok-ro 99
Seoul Metro: Anguk Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 3.
Go straight for 5 minutes.