Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace).

Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces.

Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond are still relatively in tact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculpture of contemporary art.

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong.

Current Status 
Historic Site No.117 

The named Gyeongbokgung means the "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven."

An effort to fully restore Gyeongbokgung Palace to its former glory has been ongoing since 1990. The colonial Government-General building was removed, and Heungryemun Gate was restored to its original state. The royal quarters and the East Palace for the crown prince were also restored to their original state.

 

Dress Code: 

• No slippers 
• No sleeveless 
• No ripped pants 
• No too short pants 
• Please refrain from using Selfie Stick (even though it is not illegal we are trying to curb soon, as July 1, 2015) 
• No drone and the like 
• No abnormals 

 

Notice: 

• Close on Tuesdays. 

UNESCO Cultural heritage.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built by 22nd King of Joseon dynasty, he was Jeongjo (Reigning 1777 ~ 1800). It was constructed after moving the tomb of his father Sadoseja, Crowned Prince who couldn't became the king.

This fortress is distinguishable from those of China, japan or other countries. It has political function as well as economic function. The crane had been used to construct the fortress . The crane was new invention by Jeonyakyong. 

 

There is blue print which was recorded while construction of this fortress. It is historically important file for study. For example wages for workers, man/month, technology to construct the fortress wall.

 

 

 

Jogyesa (조계사) is the first Buddhist Temple which is located inside the Seoul Fortress Wall. Locating inside the fortress wall has special meaning that all the temples were located in the mountain.  It is head quarter of Jogyejong sect - there are some sect in Buddhism.  

 

Around Buddha's birthday, there is beautiful lotus lantern festival. My second picture is that scene. There is 600 years old white pine tree in the temple. 

 

One another point to see is the first office and head office of post. It is just next to the temple. It is one of the core of the modern history where the modernity movement was started here. 

 

:) 

Gwanghwamun square is the heart of Seoul. It is connecting palace and common place for ordinary people. There are two great people. The great King Sejong and the general of the navy Lee, Soon shin. King Sejong invented Hangeul. There are 24 alphabets in Hangeul. Nowadays we can write all thoughts, sounds and jestures with only 24 alphabets. He invented the Hangeul, because he loved the people so much that he wanted to make all people how to read and write. Hangeul is culture, science, power of economy and love from the Great King. General Lee, soon shin was great soldier especially during war between 1592 and 1598. There are his famous sayings. "You want to die, you are alive. You want alive, you are dead." "Your majesty still I have 12 war ships" and then he defeated 133 enemy war ships by using sea current. This is the place where we warshop two GREATs who love the people so much.

Yongpyeong(=Yongpyong) Ski Resort. This is kind of original resort. Because it is far from Seoul and deep inside the moontain. If has the best snow on the slope. Also if has long history. And summit is also the location of famous Korean soap opera(drama) "Winter Sonata". On the high season of the winter (late december ~ January - In the middle of Feb), you can go up to the summit and enjoy just sightseeing(Snow Scenery) by gondola. Korea is helding winter Olympic games in 2018 at here in Pyeongchang-Gun. This is main ski resort. Enjoy the scenery as well as Ski and Snow boarding.

Changgyeonggung palace is one of the 5 palaces during Choseon Dynasty(=Joseon Dynasty). It has origin from 1418 as a palace for father, the name was Suganggung.  Changgyeonggung has been originated from 1483. Many buildings were destroyed by Japanese invasion in 1592. After that war it was reconstructed in 1616, during incumbency of Gwanghaegun. Closed for Korean in 1950 and reopened 1954.

 

Gyeongbokgung palace is famous for its nomination "First palace and main palace of Joseon Dynasty. Nevertheless, it is famous for Korean people as "Beauty of four seasons".

 

In my opinion, fall(autumn) is most famous and beautiful season for autumn leaves. Secondly, winter season with snow. It is not so beautiful without snow. The reason by my opinion is TREE in the palace.

 

Best Regards,

Kevin Hwang.

Dream.

Gwangjang market(광장시장) is pure Korean traditional market. It started with Hanbok - Korean Traditional Costumes. Still it is very famous for Korean costumes. It has Bindaeddeok and Beef Tatar as must try food. There is very popular food street in this market selling Jokbal (Pig feet), BBQ, Gimbap, Sundae, Fried chicked, etc. 

 

:) 

Dongdaemun market (=Dongdaemun Shopping Center, 동대문 시장) is the place where wholesalers go. Nowadays it is also tourists. it is famous for clothes but it sells every item.  It started with Gwangjang market by the pure Korean capital. 

There is another side of Cheonggyeocheon stream, so don't shop too much to mess the beautiful Cheonggyeocheon stream. 

DMZ is a buffer zone between two Koreas. It was established to prevent a clash of arms. 

DMZ is an area looks like a belt from East to West. It covers 2 kilometers from the MDL to the South Korea and 2 kilometers from the MDL to the North Korea. So it is located in the middle of the Korean peninsula.

Actually some area is narrow than 2 kilometers because of the shape of a river or mountain which was the front line during the Korean War.

•  The Value of DMZ nowadays
•  Perspective of Peace: the last relics of Cold War. Now it is very peaceful.
•  Perspective of Ecology: the eco-system of DMZ is an area symbolizing the nature’s recovery ability (self-cleaning ability) – destroyed during Korean War and recovered after the Korean War
•  Perspective of Future: DMZ is emerging as the land of opportunity for unification (it can be a model of world-wide eco-tourism and peace tourism) 

DMZ Tour sample destinations: it is vary 

• Imjingak park 
• Check Point (Civilian Control Line) 
• the 3rd Tunnel 
• Dora Observatory 
• Dorasan station 
• Tongilchon (Unification village)  

Photo regulations (as of July 1, 2015) 

• No picture inside the 3rd Tunnel and inside buildings 
• No pictures of Soldiers or military facilities 
• No pictures at the Check Point in CCL(=Civilian Control Line) 
• and the guide says "No" 

 

MUST bring: Passport (ALL of you)  

 

Related Destinations: 

• Incheon Landing Memorial Hall in Incheon
• Weolmido
• Freedom Park with the general MacArther

 

Notice: DMZ can be canceled with notice, because of security, conflict, military operation, to isolate military from virus, etc.