Gyeongbokgung
The main Seoul palace, home to the Joseon Dynasty, lies at the end of the main boulevard in town. It is extensive and magnificent in many ways. Built in 1395, it was destroyed in a few hundred years ago and laid abandoned until the 19th century. However, when Imperial Japan invaded they systematically destroyed the palace. Now, it is being rebuilt building by building. Most of the main complex is complete, but other buildings are being added each year.
One fun thing about the Seoul palaces is the discount they offer for people dressed in traditional Korean outfits. This means people are wandering the palaces appearing as the original inhabitants would have looked. It adds a special feel to the place bringing them to life as more than a museum.
Neighboring the palace is the National Folk Museum, which is free with a palace ticket. Don’t be disappointed that the museum is not a historic building that is part of the palace complex. From some points in the palace, this pagoda-like tower looks impressive. It is, but it isn’t old and is merely a museum. The museum itself houses a lovely collection of Korea folk artifacts and art. It is a fascinating glimpse into the life of Koreans who may have lived or worked at the neighboring palace.
My favorite building at Gyeongbokgung is a pavilion on a lake. The two-storied structure is open on all sides and seems to be floating over the water. I can only imagine the magnificent parties hosted there in ages past.
Deoksugung
The last of the palaces in Seoul we visited, Deoksugung, is the smallest and most unusual. Right in the heart of the city and surrounded by glass and steel towers, this palace mixes architectural styles from East and West and ancient and modern.
Home to an exiled former emperor, sent their by his son, this palace was his place to do what he wanted. This allowed him to bring in western architects to build two classically inspired buildings. They are not grand in scale, but they are perfectly proportioned in the details. They sit behind traditional Korean structures creating a marvelous juxtaposition.
This palace is also open late. Visitors get to see the buildings as they are lit. Like lanterns, some of them glow through the rice paper-covered walls with delicate wood frames.
Visiting the Seoul’s Palaces
There is a fantastic offer available to someone interested in visiting all of the palaces in Seoul. It is a combination ticket that is valid for many months. So, if you’re in the city for a short time like us or a long stint for business, you can get the ticket, which is discounted from the price of buying all tickets separately, and visit all of the palaces. This combination ticket also includes the Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also located in Seoul. A post will come soon about that peaceful place. Until then, adventure is out there, so go have one!
