That was a beautiful day. The sky is extremely clear and sunny. We started our very first girls trip in the Hanok courtyard. A full-day journey was going to start in Seoul and I couldn't wait to explore this beautiful land of Kimchi.
We started our trip with a big bowl of famous Korean cuisine, Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) in 山内里 Hanok restaurant near to the guest house. The architecture with wooden structure amplifies the age of this antique and traditional house. We followed Korean tradition and sat on the floor mat to enjoy the Samgyetang. Yee Pei told me that Samgyetang is a must-try dish during summer in Korea. Samgyetang was traditionally served in summer for its nutrients which replaced the lost of stamina through excessive sweating in summer.
Samgyetang is cooked with spring chicken (not more than 49 days old) boiled in broth. It is totally different from the Chinese ginseng soup. There was a secret ingredient in the chicken.
Do you know what is that?
It's the glutinous rice. The glutinous rice is stuffed in the chicken. Other than that, I found ginseng, jujubes, garlic and some Chinese herbs mixed with the rice. The chicken soup tasted plain at first. Luckily the Korean expert was with me :D Yee Pei taught me the correct way to enjoy the soup. You have to add pepper and salt into the soup according to your preferred portion. The ginseng fragrance blended with the soft chicken and hot soup makes it very palatable.
English menu for the tourists :) It costed around RM 35 per bowl.
After having the superb Samgyetang, we were ready for our first destination - Gyeongbukgung Palace. It is in walking distance (around 15 minutes walk) from Hanok restaurant. On our way, we enjoyed the unique scene where traditional building meets the modern skyscrapers.
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| Watch tower, Dong-sipjagak is isolated in the middle of busy street intersection. |
I meet some traditional characters here! The royal guards were wearing traditional costumes. Remember to catch a photo with the royal guards before you enter or leave. What a coincidence, Yee Pei was wearing the couple dress with the guard. They were so matched. XD
I was over excited when I saw this building, Gwanghwamun! The main entrance gate to the Gyeongbukgung palace. This magnificent building caught my attention in the drama 'Queen Inhyun’s Man', a kiss scene between Ji Hyun Woo and Yoo In Na in front of Gwanghwamun was so romantic.
Gyeongbukgung Palace is surrounded by five metre high walls with four large gates - Geonchunmun (east), Gwanghwamun (south), Yeongchumun(west), sinmumun (north). Gwanghwamun Gate is the main gate of Gyeongbukgung Palace.
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Beautiful painting on the ceiling of the arch. |
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Ticket office for Geongbukgung Palace is on the right side after you enter Gwanghwamun. Ticket price: Adult -3000KRW. Things to note: Gyeongbukgung palace is closed on Tuesday. |
Gyeongbukgung palace was the main palace of the five grand palaces built by the Joseon dynasty. It is a destination not to be missed in Seoul as it is regarded as most beautiful and grandest. I love the historical architecture so much!
While we were waiting for Mandarin guided tour at 1 o'clock under the scorching sun, the symphony of musical instruments attracted us. We were happy to find out that it was time for royal guards changing ceremony.
The royal guards with colourful costumes marched in with weapons, traditional musical instruments and flags. Splendid changing of the guards! It is the most spectacular guard changing ceremony that I ever see, more spectacular than the guard changing ceremony at the Buckingham Palace in London! You shouldn't miss this! The changing of the guards happens hourly from 10am to 6pm daily except Tuesdays.
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The magnificent Geunjeongjeon is the heart of the palace. All important ceremonies including the Coronation Ceremony are conducted in this area. |
Interior of Geunjeongjeon Hall. Look at those exquisite paintings on the wood. Fantastic!
I love this place so much! Every corner of the palace is so pleasing to the eyes.
Gyeongbukgung Palace is so big. We couldn't manage to explore the entire palace due to extremely hot weather. Yee Pei started to feel uncomfortable after the guard changing ceremony.We decided to take a break and have some cold beverages.
What happened next to my travel partner Yee Pei? Do stay tuned for my next post :P
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Travel info:
Gyeongbukgung Palace:
Ticket price: 3000KRW (adult) , 2400KRW ( group of 10 or more)
Operating hours: 9:00 -18:00 (Mar-Oct)
9:00- 17:00 (Nov-Feb)
Last admission one hour before closing.
Changing of Guards: Free (every hour from 10am to 6pm)
Guided tour (1 hour): English (11:00, 13:30, 15:30), Chinese (10:30, 13:00, 15:00)
Closed on Tuesday
Transportation:
*Get off at Gyeongbokgung Subway Station, (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit # 5 and walk for 5 minutes.
* Get off at Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul subway line 5) , Exit # 2.
Travel tips:
1. Bring an umbrella if you travel in Summer. It's hot and humid and most areas are unsheltered.
2. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes, no high heels please. It involves a lot of walking, and the floor tiles are uneven.
3. Do remember to take a free guide book, you may get lost as the palace is big.
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