No.1 Korean Palace-!!!

1. The History of Gyengbokgung

Do you know what Korea used to be called? About 500 years ago people called Korea to Joseon. Gyengbokgung is the first one of the five grand palaces in Korea which was built (1394) in the Joseon Dynasty period (1391-1910) by king Taejo and means people are blessed with a big happiness. During the Japanese invasions of Korea most of buildings were burnt but they were rebuilt in 1867 by Daewongun luckily. At that time, 330 buildings and 5,792 rooms were standing on 410,000 square meters of land. Can you imagine how big is it? Unfortunately, a number of buildings were demolished while Korea was was under Japanese rule so you can’t see same sight as the past. Although this palace doesn’t have a perfect look nowadays, this palace is represented one of the traditional Korean buildings because it has long history and is the biggest palace in Korea.
                                                        

2. Destination – How to get there?

People can easy to get Gyeongbokgung by subway or Seoul city tour bus

- Metro: Take metro line 3 and get off at Gyeongbokgung Station. After that, take exit 5 and then        you can get there in 5 minutes by walking. (Please look at the map!)

- Bus: Get on buses the following numbers 0212, 1020, 1711, 7016, 7022, 1020, 109, 171, 272, 602, 602-1, 606, 7025, 708, 9708

 

3. Opening hours, Ticket and convenient Facilities in the palace

This place normally opens for visitors from 9am to 6pm between March and October. However, during the other term it closes at 7pm. Admissions to the gyeongbokgung are 3,000 won (about 3.50 NZ dollars) for adults and 1,500 won (about 2 NZ dollars) for children until 18 years. If you go there with group, there is 20% discount for them. The web site link which is given below shows a map with amenities’ location.
http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/html/eng/guide/guide01_tab04.jsp?dep1=1&dep2=1

 

4. Recommended tour course

 
Hier is the link to web site showing many details with a map and visitor’s circulation.

http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/html/eng/guide/guide02.jsp?dep1=1&dep2=2

5. Tour tips !!

 

- There is a free guided tours in this palace for visitors. This tours are guided in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese. People will meet in front of the Information Office near by Hengyemun Gate. It needs to spend about 1 hour or 1 and half hours each. People will look around inside of Gyeongbokgung and hear explanation about each buildings stories.
- If you want to look at that place by yourself, don’t worry too much. Portable audio guide in different languages will be provided for 2,000 won (about 2.50NZ dollars) so you can rent it.