Gyeongbokgung Palace

A Little History, A Lot of Magic

A trip to Seoul never feels complete without stepping into the grand beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395, it served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty and became the center of royal life and government. Despite centuries of fires, invasions, and rebuilding, it still stands today as a proud symbol of Korean heritage.

A fun fact that always surprises people is that Gyeongbokgung used to have more than seven thousand rooms. Imagine how busy and majestic it must have been in its golden era.

My Third Visit with Jini

This was already my third time visiting, but this trip felt extra special because I was with my best friend, Jini. We tried to go inside the palace buildings, but the slots were already full. Still, with our spontaneous personalities, we enjoyed wandering around the palace grounds.

The architecture always amazes me. You can really feel how much Koreans value preservation and respect for their history. Walking through the open courtyards and grand gates almost feels like stepping back into the old Joseon Dynasty.

I still haven’t tried wearing a hanbok here. If you wear one, you can enter the palace for free. Maybe on my next visit, I’ll finally try it.

Tips for Your Visit

Gyeongbokgung is beautiful and very popular. Here are a few simple reminders for a smooth and respectful experience:

• Book your tickets early because the palace often reaches full capacity
• Wear a hanbok if you want free entry
• Take lots of photos because the whole place is picture-perfect
• Always respect the area by keeping it clean and staying mindful of noise

Until Your Next Trip

If you’re planning to visit Seoul soon, make sure Gyeongbokgung Palace is on your list. It never loses its charm, no matter how many times you come back.