Trip to Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace

I'm so glad I arrived just in time for the changing of guards. 

This is the gate which divides the future (buildings) from the past (palace).

These are some antique stuff which can be found inside the palace. I've tried ringing a bell like that in the Bosingak Belfry. It's an awesome experience.

I think that's the main building in the palace.

I'm really more fascinated with the pathways that the buildings itself. LOL. 

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art can also be found inside the premises of the palace. Admission isn't free. It changes depending on the exhibit. I'm not into modern art so I skipped this part. ;)

Look how cute this sundial is! I like to see old stuff which I can touch. Hihihi. I hate the "Do not touch" signs in other museums LOL. 

This building is different from the others because of its Medieval Architecture.

I met some Korean girls wearing hanbok. If you wear one, you can go inside the palaces for free!

You can see some stuff like these inside the palace.

How to go there:
Take the subway to City Hall Station (Exit 2 or 12)

Admission:Adult: 1,000 won
Child: 500 won

It's open from 9am to 9pm but closed on Mondays.

Trip to Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace & Huwon Secret Garden

Changdeokgung Palace is the second oldest palace in Seoul.

This is my favorite part of the palace. This was built for the most beloved concubine of the King.

I'm amazed with the detailed designs of the palace. They said that this is the most preserved palace in Seoul. 

For the first time, I tried to join a guided tour. Guided tours in English of the garden are at 11:30, 1:30 and 14:30. This tour takes about 1 hour and  30 minutes.

The long walk was really worth it. 

I suggest that you go here during Autumn or Spring. I'm not pleased with the frozen pond and withered trees. 

This is the Bullomun gate which is also known as the gate of everlasting youth. 

This is where the king and queens stroll

How to go there:

Three Options

• Take Subway Line 1, Line 3, or Line 5 to Jongno 3-ga Station (Exit 6).
• Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 3).
• Cross the border between Changgyeongung and Changdeokgung. (I did this)

Admission Fee

Palace

Adult : 3,000  Child : 1,500

Huwon Secret Garden

Adult : 5,000 Child : 2,500

They are open from 9:00-17:00. (Tuesday to Sunday)

Guided tours in English are at 10:30 and 14:30.

Trip to Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace was built for the elders of the Royal family.

This is the first palace I visited in my "Palace Hopping."

I really enjoyed the hallways of the palace because of its unique architecture.

Honestly, I'm not familiar with the names of each hall. I've read the descriptions and the history of those buildings but it's hard for me to remember foreign names. LOL. 

For me, Chundangji pond is the best photo spot in this palace. I think it's best to go there on Spring or Autumn. During winter, the water in the pond is frozen.

How to go there:

Take subway line 4 to Hyewa Station

and follow the road signs :)

Admission:

1,000 won for adults

500 won for children

PS. 

They are open from 9:00 - 5:00. (Tuesday - Sunday)

They have guided tours in English at 11:00 and 16:00.

Trip to Petite France

Petite France is a small French culture village in Korea. 

If you wanna go there, you really need to make time for it. It's far from Seoul.

I enjoyed the "French feels" in the area. I felt that I was in Europe.

They have attractions which feature The Little Prince.

They have replicas of Eiffel Tower and other "French stuff"

PS Some scenes from the Secret Garden and My love from a Star were taken in this place. <3

How to go there: 
Take the subway to Cheongpyeong Station/ Gapyeong Station
Get on the shuttle bus for Gapyeong Tourist Attraction (Gapyeong Tour Bus) 

Keep in mind the schedule of the bus!

Admission:
Bus fee - 6,000 won
Entrance fee - 8,000 won