Trip to Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo Shrine is the supreme shrine of the state.

It was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Inside the Shrine, you can find some old stuff that the Kings used.

This thing was used by the King for bathing. LOL.

The exhibits here are simpler and fewer compared to Gyeongbukgung Palace. 

Again, winter isn't recommended to visit this place. It's too cold to walk for an hour.

I went there with a Filipina friend. I arrived there at 11:20, which is the Korean tour. They said that the English tour begins at 12:00 but we don't want to wait so we just walked with the Koreans even if we barely understand what the tour guide was saying. LOL.

The ambiance here is so "Koreanovela-ish"

Some pathways are for the spirits. Beware of the signs. :)

This is the place where the memorial services/ the oldest ancestral rites are being held.

How to go there:

Take the subway to Jongno 3-ga station.

Admission:

Adult: 1,000 won

Children: 500 won

Except for Saturdays, only guided tours are allowed in this place. 

English guided tours are available on 10am, 12am, 2pm, and 4pm.

Trip to Gyeongbukgung Palace

Gyeonbokgung Palace is the oldest palace in Seoul. 

It literally means "wish for your blessing and prosperity."

Gwanghamun gate is the main gate of the palace.

There are lots of complex inside the palace. I think half day isn't enough to explore it.

This is my favorite spot. Anyone would look good with this background. hihi!

Gyeonghoeru pavilion is used for royal gatherings.

I didn't take too much photos because my hands are freezing! For me, winter is not a good time to visit the palace.

Before you go there, you must check the schedule of changing of guards. This is one of the activities that you can do inside the palace.

National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum can also be found in the palace. You should check them out too in my next blog posts. :)

How to go there:

Option 1

Take the Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5)

Option 2

Take the Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2)

Admission:

Adult: 3,000

Teenager: 1,500

*Free guided tours in English are available at 11:00, 13:00, and 15:30.

*Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at the top of every hour from 11:00 to 15:00.

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.