Gwanghuimun gate was one of the small four gates that made up the Fortress wall that surrounded the palaces, city and protected Seoul from invaders. It is one of the less known gates and doesn’t get much attention due to the much bigger Dongdaemun Gate situated nearby. Gwanghuimun was built in 1396 [...]]]>

Gwanghuimun Gate

Gwanghuimun gate was one of the small four gates that made up the Fortress wall that surrounded the palaces, city and protected Seoul from invaders. It is one of the less known gates and doesn’t get much attention due to the much bigger Dongdaemun Gate situated nearby. Gwanghuimun was built in 1396 in the southeastern part of the walled capital. The gate was rebuilt in 1711 and the gatehouse was completed in 1719. The gate house and battlements around it were destroyed during the Korean War, only to be restored in 1976. The current Gwanghuimun gate is located slightly further south of the original site due to roads being built there.

How to get to Gwanghuimun Gate:
Take line 2 or 4 to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station and leave exit 3 or 4 and follow the map below.

The National Treasures of South Korea are a numbered set of treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural heritage and historical value. Currently there are 315 National treasures. The Cultural Heritage Administration of [...]]]>

National Treasure No. 107 Korea

The National Treasures of South Korea are a numbered set of treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural heritage and historical value. Currently there are 315 National treasures. The Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea monitor, decide and protect the National Treasures. The treasures are numbered according to the order in which they were designated not according to their individual value.

On February 10th, 2008 National Treasure No. 1 was destroyed. Namdaemun Gate which was designated as the first National Treasure of Korea on December 20th, 1962 was destroyed by an arson attack.

I had the chance to view and picture National Treasure No. 107. It is located in the free museum at Ewha Womans University. Treasure 107 is a Jar with Grapevine Design in Underglaze Iron. It is from the Jeseon Period in the 18th century. It stands at a height of 53.3cm

How to get to Ewha Womans Museum:
Take line to Ewha Womans University station and leave exit 2 or 3 and continue walking straight until you reach the university.

Bosingak Bell Tower was used during the Joseon Dynasty. The purpose of the bell tower was to notify the people of the opening and closing of the city gates and in case of emergencies. In the morning at 4:00am the bell rang 33 times which symbolized the 33 cheon (Heaven) of Buddhism. In the evening [...]]]>

Bosingak Bell Tower

Bosingak Bell Tower was used during the Joseon Dynasty. The purpose of the bell tower was to notify the people of the opening and closing of the city gates and in case of emergencies. In the morning at 4:00am the bell rang 33 times which symbolized the 33 cheon (Heaven) of Buddhism. In the evening at 7:00pm the bell rang 28 times which symbolized the 28 su (location of stars) of the constellation. The bell is no longer used except at midnight, New Year’s Eve when it is rung 33 times. Because of the massive number of people who attend this ceremony, line 1 of the Subway does not stop at Jonggak Station on New Year’s Eve.

Bonsingak Bell Tower was built in 1396 but destroyed numerous times of the years from fires, Japanese occupation and the Korean war. The bell melted due to fire in 1455 and was rebuilt in 1468. The bell which still survives to this day was put on display in the National Museum to preserve it. The current bell in Bosingak Tower was made and installed in 1985 by the Seoul Municipal Government.

How to get to Bonsingak Bell Tower:
Take line 1 to Jonggak station and leave exit 4 and it will be right in front of you.

Namsangol Hanok Village is located at the northern foot of Namsan Mountain. During the Joseon Dynasty, there were valleys making this an ideal place to visit as a summer resort. In order to gain a glimpse into the lives of traditional Korean, five houses were moved here or rebuilt to create Namsangol Hanok Village. The [...]]]>

Namsangol Hanok Village

Namsangol Hanok Village is located at the northern foot of Namsan Mountain. During the Joseon Dynasty, there were valleys making this an ideal place to visit as a summer resort. In order to gain a glimpse into the lives of traditional Korean, five houses were moved here or rebuilt to create Namsangol Hanok Village. The houses represent houses from different social classes, ranking from peasants to the king. The houses display various types of furniture and household goods that would have been found in the Joseon Dynasty. Also at Hanok village you can find a pond, a time capsule, pavillion, Namsangol traditional garden and many areas to relax or have a picnic.

After you enter through the main gate you will find a very nice view of Cheonu-gak building to the left and Seoul Tower and mountains in the background. To the left of Cheonu-gak building you will find the five Hanok houses. Heading north of the houses you will walk through some wooded areas / ponds and reach the pavilion and time capsule. The time capsule is made of stainless steel, fibreglass, silica gel among other materials. 600 items were placed inside the capsule and the capsule was sealed air tight on November 29th, 1994 by then mayor of Seoul, Byun Yul Choe. November 29th, 1994 marked the 600 year anniversary of Seoul being designated as the capital city. The capsule will be opened again on November 24th, 2394 celebrating 1,000 years of Seoul.

The main attraction is the Taekwondo performance in front of the Cheonu-gak building. The performance is held every Wednesday and Saturday at 4pm from April to October (excluding July and August). It consists of many fighters on the stage performing moves and punching pieces of wood and bricks. They also have a special Taekwondo experience for foreigners. They teach you easy, fun and the basics of Taekwondo. This is held April to October (excluding July/ August) on Wed and Sat at 11:00, 14:00, 17:00.  Reservations are needed and can be made at www.taekwonseoul.org . A one time fee of 20,000 won is required to join. See picture below for more details.
A short video of the Taekwondo performance at Namsangol Hanok Village

Admission / Opening hours:
Admission is FREE
April – October, 09:00 ~ 21:00
November – March, 09:00 ~ 20:00

How to get t0 Namsangol Hanok Village:
Take subway line 3 or 4 to Chungmuro Station. Leave exit 3 or 4 and Hanok Village will be right in front of you.

Gyeonghuigung Palace was constructed as a detached royal villa, where kings of the Jeseon Dynasty stayed during their daily excursions. It is one of the Palaces that make up the Grand Five Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. Its construction began in 1617 and was completed in 1623. Gyeonghuigung Palace was originally composed of 100 [...]]]>

Gyeonghuigung Palace Entrance

Gyeonghuigung Palace was constructed as a detached royal villa, where kings of the Jeseon Dynasty stayed during their daily excursions. It is one of the Palaces that make up the Grand Five Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. Its construction began in 1617 and was completed in 1623. Gyeonghuigung Palace was originally composed of 100 units of large and small structures. Gyeonghuigung like many palaces in Korea fell victim to disaster during the Japanese occupation. The Japanese destroyed the palace so that they could build a school for Japanese citizens.

In 1980 the old site of Gyeonghuigung Palace was designated a historic site. The Seoul Metropolitan Government excavated the old site to restore its major structures. Due to major urban growth in the area and decades of neglect, the government was only able to reconstruct about 33% of the former Palace. In 2002 this site officially opened its doors to the public.

After entering through the main Heunghwamun gate you can see the Sungjeongmun gate and the steps leading up to the palace. After heading up the steps you arrive into the courtyard. Here you can see Sungjeongjeon. It is the main hall of Gyeonghuigung Palace. Here, kings met with their subjects and arranged official ceremonies. Behind Sungjeongjeon is Jajeongjeon, the king’s living quarters. Also you can find Geumcheongyo bridge, which was part of the original palace in front of the Seoul Museum of History located on the old grounds of Gyeonghuigung Palace.  It was buried by the Imperial Japanese army but restored in 2001.

This palace is very small compared to the other Five Palaces. It is recommended that you also visit the Seoul Museum of history located nearby.

Admission / Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00
Weekends and holidays: 10:00 – 18:00
Closed on Mondays and January 1st.

Entry to this palace is free.

How to get to Gyeonghuigung Palace:
The Palace is located near 5 subway stops.
Line 5 exit 7 at Gwanghwamun Station
Line 5 exit 4 at Seodaemun Station
Line 3 exit 6 at Gyeongbokgung Station
Line 2 exit 12 at City Hall Station
Line 1 exit 3 at City Hall Station
Please click on the map below for the location of the palace

Seoul Museum of History was founded by Seoul Metropolitan Government to present the history and culture of Seoul from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day. The museum was opened on May 21st, 2002. Prior to 2002 the museum was called Seoul City Museum.

Outside the museum you will find the outdoor exhibition. This comprises [...]]]>

Museum of History Seoul Entrance

Seoul Museum of History was founded by Seoul Metropolitan Government to present the history and culture of Seoul from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day. The museum was opened on May 21st, 2002. Prior to 2002 the museum was called Seoul City Museum.

Outside the museum you will find the outdoor exhibition. This comprises of a 1930′s street car that was operated in Gwanghwamun area. 27 stone monuments including the tombstone of Prince Eunsin and a water fountain. There are also some benches and rest areas where people can take a rest from the hustle and bustle of Seoul.

The Museum is split up into 5 zones, the Special Exhibition Hall and the Exhibition Hall of Donated Collections.

ZONE 1: This exhibition hall focuses on the historical status and role of Seoul as the capital city of the Jeseon Dynasty.

ZONE 2: This exhibition introduces the lives of Seoul’s inhabitant’s during the Jeseon Dynasty.

ZONE 3: This exhibition presents the culture of Seoul, including texts from books, maps astronomical charts and royal clothing.

ZONE 4: This exhibition provides information about 20th Century Seoul including the  development and achievements over the years and what we might expect from Seoul in the near-future

ZONE 5: This exhibition hall presents an amazingly precise model of Seoul built to a scale of 1/1,500. The measurements are extremely precise and it’s amazing to see how big Seoul actually is.

Admission / Opening Hours:
Admission is free to all.
Weekdays: 09:00 to 21:00
Weekends 09:00 to 19:00 (March – October), 09:00 to 18:00 (November – February)

How to get to the Museum of History Seoul:
The Museum is located near 5 subway stops.
Line 5 exit 7 at Gwanghwamun Station
Line 5 exit 4 at Seodaemun Station
Line 3 exit 6 at Gyeongbokgung Station
Line 2 exit 12 at City Hall Station
Line 1 exit 3 at City Hall Station
Please click on the map below for the location of the Museum

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the five palaces built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Construction of Changdeokgung Palace started in 1405, and was completed in 1412. The palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and then reconstructed in 1610. Tragedy struck again in 1623 when the palace was set on fire by [...]]]>

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the five palaces built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Construction of Changdeokgung Palace started in 1405, and was completed in 1412. The palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and then reconstructed in 1610. Tragedy struck again in 1623 when the palace was set on fire by Korean citizens revolting against the king. The palace was yet again restored and continued to be plagued by problems and fire over the next few hundred years. Finally from 1990 – 1999 large-scale restoration work began. In 1997 Changdeokgung Palace UNESCO list Changdeokgung Palace as a world heritage site. Unesco stated the reason for adding it to the list was for it’s outstanding architecture and a design that is in harmony with the landscape.

At Changdeokgung Palace there are things to see such as Donhwamun Gate, Geumcheongyo Bridge – Oldest bridge still in existence in Seoul, built 1411 and Injeongjeon Hall . However the main attraction, in my opinion, is the Biwon( Secret Garden). Being a 72-acre garden it wasn’t an easy secret to hide. The King spent a lot of his time here thinking and many high officials would not dare enter the garden without his permission. In the garden there a hundreds of different species of trees dating back over 300 years.  The garden also incorporates a lotus pond, a pavilion and landscaped lawns , trees and plants.

It takes about 2 and a half hours to stroll around the palace and gardens.

Admission:
Changdeokgung Palace
Adults : 3,000won
Children : 1,500won

Secret Garden;
Adults: 5,000won
Children: 2,500won

Opening hours:
April – October 09:00 – 18:30
March & November 09:00~17:30
December – February 09:00~17:00

How to get to Changdeokgung Palace:
There are many subway stations located nearby. Check the map for your best route.
- From Exit #3 of Anguk Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 3), walk 5 minutes.
- From Exit #6 of Jongno 3-ga Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 1, 3 and 5), walk 10 minutes.