Gyeongbokgung Palace - Seoul, South Korea
My main goal today was to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the surrounding areas, including Bukchon Hanok Village and Changdeokgung Palace. I set out from my hotel near Seoul Station, deciding to make the journey on foot and enjoy the morning air along the way.
With the crisp, cool winter breeze and wide city streets, the walk was surprisingly pleasant. Seoul has this fascinating mix of sleek modern architecture and quiet pockets of tradition. Along the way, something unexpected caught my eye — a Tim Hortons. As a Canadian, it felt almost surreal to see that familiar red logo halfway around the world. Naturally, I had to stop in. Ordering was easy through a tablet with English options, but the menu itself was quite different from back home. The sandwich and coffee had a local twist, not quite the flavours of home, but comforting in their own way. After that brief nostalgic break, I continued my walk north toward the palace.
When I arrived at Gyeongbokgung Palace, I was immediately struck by the sight of so many visitors dressed in traditional hanbok. I soon learned that those wearing hanbok receive free admission, which explained the colourful flow of people entering the gates. I bought my ticket and stepped through the massive wooden doors into a world that felt centuries removed from the bustling city outside.
The palace grounds were vast and breathtaking — expansive courtyards, sweeping tiled roofs, and intricately painted eaves. The scale of the architecture made me pause more than once. I wandered slowly through the different sections, taking in the peaceful gardens and pavilions. There were couples having wedding photos taken and groups posing against the traditional backdrops, and I could see why. Every corner seemed like a scene from a painting.
After what felt like hours of exploring, I exited through one of the side gates and found myself along Samcheong-dong Street, where old Korean architecture meets modern cafés and boutiques. The street had a charm of its own — polished yet warm, lined with art galleries and teahouses that blended history with modern-day Seoul.
From there, I continued to Bukchon Hanok Village, one of the city’s most photogenic spots. The village dates back to the 14th century and is lined with beautifully preserved traditional homes known as hanok. The narrow lanes were filled with visitors quietly admiring the architecture. Volunteers patrolled the area, reminding tourists to keep their voices low, as many of these homes are still lived in. I wandered through the alleys until I stumbled upon the Bukchon Oriental Culture Museum.
The museum turned out to be a lovely surprise — small but full of character, with traditional exhibits, a charming tea house, and a peaceful garden. The admission ticket came with a complimentary cup of tea, which I enjoyed in a traditional-style room overlooking the courtyard. The rooftop offered one of the best views of Bukchon, with tiled roofs stretching out beneath the soft winter light.
After my museum visit, I made my way toward Changgyeonggung Palace, passing through quiet side streets before following a trail that ran along its outer walls. Built in the mid-15th century by King Sejong for his father, the palace has deep historical roots. Unfortunately, when I reached the main gate, it was closed for maintenance. Even so, I enjoyed walking the perimeter path, catching glimpses of its ornate rooftops through the trees.
By the time I began my walk back to Seoul Station, the city was slowly coming alive with evening energy. I passed through Insa-dong Culture Street, known for its blend of art galleries, antique shops, and traditional teahouses. The vendors were just starting to set up for the day, and though I didn’t stay long, it was enough to get a taste of its atmosphere.
One of the things I’ve grown to appreciate about Seoul is how walkable it is. Public transportation is efficient and reliable, but exploring on foot lets you stumble across the unexpected — a small shrine tucked between shops, a mural along a back alley, or even a Tim Hortons that makes you smile at the randomness of travel.
History & Background
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁), meaning “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” was first constructed in 1395, just three years after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty. It served as the dynasty’s primary royal palace and the centre of political and ceremonial life for centuries. The complex once contained hundreds of buildings — including throne halls, living quarters, and elegant pavilions — all designed according to Confucian principles of harmony, hierarchy, and balance with nature.
The palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century and remained in ruins for over two centuries before being reconstructed in the 19th century. It suffered further damage under Japanese occupation in the early 20th century, but large-scale restoration efforts have since revived much of its former grandeur. Today, Gyeongbokgung stands as a proud symbol of Korea’s resilience and cultural heritage — an enduring landmark amid Seoul’s modern skyline.
Just north of the palace lies Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을), a historic neighbourhood that once housed high-ranking government officials and aristocrats during the Joseon era. “Bukchon” translates to “northern village,” named for its location between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces. The area preserves hundreds of traditional hanok (Korean houses), characterized by their tiled roofs, wooden frames, and inner courtyards designed to reflect harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Unlike a museum setting, Bukchon remains a living community — residents still occupy many of the homes, while others have been converted into tea houses, cultural centres, and guesthouses. Strolling its narrow lanes offers a glimpse into Seoul’s architectural past and the daily rhythms of traditional Korean life. Together, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village illustrate the elegant balance between Korea’s royal heritage and the enduring beauty of its domestic traditions.
Getting There
Gyeongbokgung Palace is located in central Seoul, easily accessible by public transit. The nearest subway stations are Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5) and Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2), both just a short walk from the main gate. Several city buses also stop nearby. For those staying around Seoul Station, walking north through Sejong-daero offers a scenic and direct route — passing landmarks like Deoksugung Palace and Gwanghwamun Square along the way. Taxis and guided tours are available, but walking allows you to appreciate the gradual transition from the modern city centre to Seoul’s historic core.
Route Overview
Distance: 20.23 km out & back (Seoul Station)
Total elevation gain: 267 m
Duration: 5 hr 01 min (with breaks 5 hr 35 min)
Difficulty: Hard
Cost Breakdown
Food: ₩18,600
Entrance Fee: Gyeongbokgung Palace— ₩3,000
Entrance Fee: Bukchon Oriental Culture Museum— ₩6,000
Souvenir: ₩5,000
