Seoul – the most important tourist attractions

Seoul, South Korea, the most important tourist attractions, what to see, travel plan, must-see

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions. How to choose them and not omit anything important? What should drive your choice? Should you follow the UNESCO World Heritage list places, or should you follow the National Treasure List? However, not everyone is interested in architecture and monuments. Therefore, maybe it is better to choose modern attractions, the highest buildings, street art or colourful murals. There are those for whom the city’s attractiveness means modern shopping malls or duty-free shops. Some prefer local stalls with old souvenirs or popular flea markets. An interesting side of Seoul is numerous festivals and concerts, exhibitions, museums and fairs. There are several thematic parks, large aquariums, amusement parks and water parks for families with children.

After choosing only a few reasons to visit Seoul, I have decided to present the places that made the biggest impression on me. So, my post about “Seoul—the most important tourist attractions” will be based only on my personal feelings. It also does not mean that there are no other places in Seoul that have impressed me. I just consider them to be “optional,” and I will describe them in the next post.

Below is a short table of contents. If you are interested only in one subject, please click the link and go there directly.

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions and secrets of the city

Yes, there are a few “secrets” that I would also like to share with you. These curiosities are not always described in tourist guides, or it is difficult to find them in the thicket of information. I want this knowledge to make you more aware of Seoul’s diversity, and the experience gained will be more interesting. If you decide to use my hints, you may need to make some changes to your current plan or even resign from something else. I think it’s worth it – and you? Decide for yourself!

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Short history

Gyeonbokgung Palace is considered the most beautiful palace in Seoul, and this is no exaggeration. It was the first palace I visited in the city and one of my favourites, but it is not the only one!

It was founded at the end of the fourteenth century as the main palace, on the orders of King Tojeo (Joseon dynasty). The name of the palace, Gyeong-Bok, literally means “brilliance and fortune”. The palace was partially destroyed by fires during the Japanese invasion in the late 16th century and abandoned by the royal family for over 270 years. It was rebuilt only in 1867 and regained its former glory and rank. In the same year, the royal family returned to the palace.

Unfortunately, during the Japanese occupation in 1910-45, over 90% of the palace’s buildings were demolished or changed their place (e.g. gates). An additional act diminishing the rank of the palace was a big building that was built on its main square. That building, which covered the view of all remaining palace complexes, was the main seat of the Japanese occupation authorities. The decision to dismantle this building was made only at the beginning of the 90s of the twentieth century, thanks to which nothing obscures the main entrance today.

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions. Gyeongbokgung Palace

In Gyeongbokgung, there are numerous gates, courtyards, halls and pavilions. There are also gardens, ponds and two museums: The National Museum and The Folklore Museum. In the spring and summer, concerts and performances are often held in the palace, and several times a year, there is a possibility of visiting the palace after dark.

I believe that sightseeing in Seoul should start from this palace. In a nutshell, you will find everything that deserves your attention in Korea: beautiful traditional architecture, colourful roof decorations, cast iron bells, bronze vessels, lanterns, stone sculptures depicting mystical creatures, stone bridges, fragrant gardens, a small lake, and a pond.

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions, Gyeongbokgung Palace, South Korea travel plan, must-see places

Although the palace is located in the very centre of a modern city, thanks to its location in a park surrounded by a wall, it has a pleasant atmosphere that is inviting for rest.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changing Guards Ceremony

You can watch the changing of the palace guards ceremony every day (except Tuesday). The show starts at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and lasts about 20-25 minutes.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changing Guards Ceremony, Seoul, South Korea, travel plan, must-see places
Gyeongbokgung Palace Changing Guards Ceremony

It combines a colourful military parade with the ceremony of exchanging banners between sentries. This spectacle is very interesting and closely related to Korean history and tradition. There is free entrance. The show occurs in the palace’s inner courtyard, inside the Gwanghwamun gate. Gate Guard Duty Performance is also happening outside of the Gwanghwamun Gate at 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. More information is available at Visit Seoul.Net.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and its secrets. What should you know?

  • It is worth booking a min for a quiet passage through the whole area. three hours.
  • Free guided tours. There is a possibility to visit the palace with a guide in English, FREE (the guide is free, not the entrance to the palace)! The meeting point is located opposite the Tourist Information office, inside the Heungnyemun gate. The tour takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Tours in English start three times a day at 11.00, 13.30 and 15.30. There is no need to book in advance; everyone coming to the departure point can join the group. Guiders will tell you everything about palace history that you will not find in any guide, so joining the group is worth it.
  • There is a small traditional teahouse in the palace gardens. It is worth finding and visiting! Attention: payment is possible only with a payment card.
  • Tourists (including Koreans) are an additional and colourful attraction of this place. They come to the place dressed in the traditional Korean national costume, Hanbok. People so dressed can enter the palace area for free!

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions, Gyeongbokgung Palace, South Korea, Hanbok, travel plan, must-see places

  • Take my advice if you plan to visit the Bukchon Hanok village after visiting the palace. I recommend going out through the side gate, near the Folklore Museum (and not through the main gate), because from there, it is a distance of about 10 minutes on foot.
  • Sightseeing after dark. Between April and October, but only on selected days, Gyeongbokgung Palace opens its gates after sunset. It is an ideal opportunity to walk around the castle grounds after dark. Visiting the palace in the moonlight creates a magical atmosphere and an unforgettable experience.
  • Seoul Gyeongbokgung Palace Morning Tour* – 2h tour with an English-speaking guide.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is worth knowing

  • The palace can be visited daily, but it is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Opening hours depend on the season. From November to February, the palace is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; in other months, it is open until 6:00 p.m.; in July and August, until 6.30 p.m. The last admission is one hour before closing.
  • The admission fee is 3000 WON (about $2.5). Children under 6 are admitted free, but they must have a free admission ticket issued by the ticket office.
  • Royal Palace Pass for 5 attractions. Not many people use it, but this is a very convenient option. I recommend buying this pass because it will allow you to avoid standing in long queues at the ticket office and will save you some money. The pass price is 10,000 WON (approx. 8,5 $). It is valid for 3 months from the date of purchase. Royal Palace Pass is valid in 4 palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung with Secret Garden, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and the Jongmyo Shrine. You can buy tickets for the above attractions at the ticket office.
  • With the palace Gyeongbokgung entrance ticket (also on a Royal Palace Pass), you can leave the palace grounds and visit the Folklore Museum, which is located just behind the fence. It is also worth going to the park to see the Museum of the Earth in the open air. After visiting, you can return to the palace area using the same ticket.

Bukchon Hanok Village

A visit to the Bukchon Hanok village on the same day as the Gyeongbokgung Palace seems to be the most rational use of time. The distance from the palace (exit next to the Folklore Museum) to the village takes about 10 minutes on foot.

Bukchon is like a village frozen in time for ages. It is one of the last places in Seoul where you can still see the traditional Korean buildings called Hanok, dating back to the Joseon dynasty. The settlement consists of about 900 old houses, several small museums, numerous cafes and restaurants, and several very interesting vantage points. Bukchon is near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jonmyo Shrine, so influential Korean families mainly lived here during the Joseon Dynasty.

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions, Bukchon Hanok Village, South Korea, Seoul, travel plan, must-see places

Bukchon is still inhabited today, therefore you should not treat it as an open-air museum. Please remember – there is a special zone of silence, and also, you can’t enter everywhere because of private ownership. There are also several houses where you can rent a room for the night, taste the local cuisine and experience the Korean lifestyle. Visiting the village, it is also worth paying attention to numerous galleries, shops with traditional handicrafts and ordinary souvenir shops.

There is a specific atmosphere here. On one hand, the endless crowd of tourists effectively discourages walking along the narrow streets. On the other hand, descending from the main tourist route allows you to enjoy peace. Traditional architecture, winding narrow streets, wooden gates, cobbled streets, and fragrant private gardens are the strong points worth seeing there. It’s also worth getting lost for a while and feeling the atmosphere.

Bukchon Hanok village and its secrets. What should you know?

  • There is a nice Tourist Information Centre on the spot. You can get a handy map of the area. Additionally, you can ask for a specific place you are looking for, and the IT staff will draw a route on the map and tell you exact directions on how to get there.
  • There are eight official viewpoints, all marked on the map (which can be taken at the IT point), but I recommend one of them the most.

Being there, follow the signs for Bukchon Observatory. The viewpoint is located on the top floor of a private apartment. A charming older couple runs it. Entrance ticket 3000 WON (about 2,5$) and the price includes a complimentary refreshment with coffee, tea or juice. Resting in this place is an absolute pleasure. Not many people know this place; therefore, there are no crowds, and the views are the best!

Address: 22-3 Bukchon-ro 11da-gil, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

  • Bukhon Hanok is inhabited by private people, so there is a silent zone in many places. In some places, guards pay attention if tourists are behaving too loudly.
Seoul South Korea Bukchon Hanok Village
Private people inhabit Bukhon Hanok, so in many places, there is a silent zone

Bukchon Hanok village is worth knowing

Bukchon Hanok is a popular spot for selfies in traditional Korean outfits (Hanbok). Traditional costumes are really beautiful and very colourful, and it is nice to see people dressed like that.

So, if you want to take pictures of traditional houses with a crowd of colourfully dressed people in the background, come here over the weekend. This place gets bustling on weekends, because not only do tourists like to wear Hanboks, but also Koreans themselves.

However, if you prefer fewer people around you, come here at the beginning of the week and avoid weekends.

Jogyesa Temple – a symbol of Korean Buddhism

Seoul Lantern Festival

It is said that Seoul changes its face so often that visiting it several times a year can give you completely different impressions each time. I was lucky to come to Seoul when the Lantern Festival occurred here. Some streets, gardens and temples were decorated with thousands of colourful paper lanterns. Such a view was impressive during the day and was breathtaking at night when small lamps were switched on in the lanterns. All places decorated in this way looked just amazing, and so, they remained in my memory for a long time.

The Jogyesa temple was an impressive surprise during the day and a breathtaking experience after sunset.

Seoul Jogyesa temple

The Jogyesa temple is considered a symbol of Korean Buddhism, so visiting it is a must for every tourist. However, I did not expect that my first visit there would make me return to Jogyesa three more times. Additionally, I did not expect that after each visit, I would be highly impressed.

The original temple, founded in the fourteenth century, did not survive to the present. Destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt in 1910 as the main headquarters of Korean Buddhism. Although the temple is located in the very centre of the city, it is surrounded by a wall, and inside, you can find a sense of peace.

Jogyesa is eagerly visited by followers of Buddhism; however, it is also visited by all who want to meditate or relax here. Dharma Hall (the main building of the temple) is the central place of all Buddhist events, rituals, lectures, and solemn ceremonies. Throughout the day, its interior is filled with the sounds of prayer, but anyone can enter inside, regardless of their profession of faith.

During the Lantern Festival week, the temple’s whole patio is covered with a roof made of colourful paper lanterns.

Jogyesa temple symbol of Korean Buddhism, Seoul, South Korea, Lotus Lantern Festival, travel plan, must-see places

A small paper card is attached to each lantern, on which the faithful write their wishes. After sunset, when the lights turn on in all the lanterns, the magic begins. This night view completely stole my heart and hypnotised me.

Jogyesa Temple and its secrets. What should you know?

  • Within the temple, there is a ten-story pagoda with a Buddha relic. For this reason, the faithful from all over the country come here all year round. During my visit, the pagoda was covered with a roof of colourful lanterns, so I couldn’t see it in its entirety.
  • White lanterns are dedicated to the souls of ancestors and are hung in a separate place in the temple.
  • It is worth paying attention to the trees growing on the patio, especially the oldest ones, which are almost 500 years old.
  • The temple hosts daily classes dedicated to Korean Etiquette. You can join a tea time with the monks, during which a tea ceremony is presented. Participants can also learn how to prepare salt mandalas or make paper lotus flowers. These classes occur on the first and second Friday of the month between 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m.
  • The temple also offers full-day programs, 1-2 days, so-called Templestay. In Jogyesa temple, the motto is: “To be a true hero” – Experiential Templestay. Staying in the temple allows participants to experience the life and habits of Buddhist monks. Participants can learn about various aspects of Korean culture and history through stories told by monks. During the stay, participants are taught different forms of meditation or they listen to Dharma instruments. They also have the opportunity to eat a traditional meal with the monks living in the temple. Guests can also learn the art of hand re-writing Buddhist books or about the secrets of the practice of “108 prostrations”. These classes take place on the fourth Friday and Saturday of the month.

Templestay, a short story

It is worth mentioning that the Templestay form was created in Korea recently. It was created for the 2002 Football World Cup in Korea and Japan. At that time, Buddhist monks decided that this was an excellent opportunity to spread Korean culture and knowledge about Buddhism. Therefore, they decided to open the gates of their temples to a wide audience. During the World Cup (within a month), 1,000 foreigners and over 10,000 Koreans took advantage of the program “Discover Your True Interior.”

In a short time, the program became popular worldwide, mainly thanks to foreign TV stations and social media that supported his ideas. Currently, Templestay is considered one of the major tourist programs in Korea. In 2009, the OECD chose this program as one of the world’s five most successful combinations of culture and tourism.

It is estimated that only during the first 10 years (since 2002) did over 700,000 people use this option. Currently, around 30 temples in Korea offer the program. Some are located in the main cities (Seoul and Busan). Some are in the mountains, and others are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Several of them offer a Templestay program in English. Prices vary depending on the temple, but the fee for the entire stay varies between 40000 – 80000 WON (34 – 70 $).

More about the program and how to book it, you can find on this website: Templestay.

Bongeunsa Templesilence in the middle of the city

Be careful, it’s easy to fall in love with this place ….

The original temple was built in the eighth century in the heart of the Gangnam district. At that time, it was placed near the royal tombs of Seonjeongneung, about 1 km from the current place. In 1545-67, it was moved to its current location and expanded. Until 1936, it was considered the main temple in Seoul teaching ZEN. Unfortunately, almost the whole complex completely burned down in 1939. However, it was rebuilt and enlarged. On one side, the whole complex is surrounded by mountains and forests. On the other side, it is surrounded by a modern city and skyscrapers.

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions Bongeunsa Temple – silence in the middle of the city

The temple’s main attraction is 28 meters tall and made of a stone statue of Maitreya – the future Buddha.

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions, Bongeunsa Temple, silence in the city, Seoul, South Korea, travel plan, must-see places
statue of Maitreya

It is one of the highest stone Buddha statues in Korea and one of the most recognizable Buddha statues in the country. This beautiful monument stands on the mountainside, surrounded by nature and numerous small Buddha sculptures.

You can go there by narrow paths leading through the forest, along which colourful lanterns hang.

Once you reach the place, the Buddha statue will make a fantastic impression on you. This place surprised and amazed me the most among all the Seoul temples. In front of the Buddha statue is a small patio with pillows. After removing your shoes, you can enter the patio, take a pillow, and sit. You can then pray in peace, meditate, or just take a deep breath and relax.

My feelings

I will never forget the emotions I felt while visiting the Bongeunsa Temple. As the sun set, it was slowly hiding behind the mountain. The intensity of light began to change in a short time. At the foot of the hill, there was a view of the temple buildings, traditional architecture, and colourful lanterns. One of the monks began to beat the temple bell, summoning the faithful for the evening prayer.

In the background was a modern city, glass skyscrapers and a COEX shopping centre.

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions, Bongeunsa Temple, silence in the middle of the city, South Korea, Seoul, travel plan, must-see places

There were also large lanterns placed on the temple’s premises, prepared for the Lantern Festival. It is a great place to visit! There are beautiful views, a majestic monument, silence, fragrant flowers, and colourful lanterns. That’s how I remember this place.

Bongeunsa Temple and its secrets. What should you know?

  • I do not know any secrets about the Bongeunsa Temple. I have only one good piece of advice—do not miss this place while in Seoul! I recommend a visit just before sunset.
  • The temple is located away from the city centre, so there are no crowds of tourists, which is an additional advantage of this place.
  • The temple offers 24-hour Templestay and daily Templelife programs. Special classes for foreigners are held every Thursday around 2:00 PM and last 2.5 hours. Pre-booking is required.

Changdeokugung Palace and Secret Garden

Changdeokugung Palace is the second-largest palace in Seoul. Built at the beginning of the fifteenth century, it was also the second palace built in the city. For almost 270 years, it served as the main royal residence. This happened when all other palaces in the town were destroyed after the Japanese occupation. At that time, the Changdeokugung was rebuilt as the first one in 1610.

The palace is distinguished by its beautiful architecture and location in the park, which looks like a forest. Changdeokugung has been integrated into the surrounding nature, in harmony with the terrain and its natural features. In contrast to Japanese Zen art, where the landscape was adapted to the buildings, in Korea, the buildings were adapted to the existing landscape. It gives the impression that the palace has blended with nature. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, appreciated due to the harmony of architecture and nature. It is the best-preserved and oldest original palace in Seoul.

Seoul, South Korea Changdeokugung Palace
Gate of the Changdeokugung Palace

Despite its role and high rank for over 270 years, Changdeokgung Palace is not as crowded today as the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Thanks to this, visiting this place is a real pleasure. This is another one of my favourite places in Seoul!♥ Even though the palace is over 400 years old, its architecture is beautifully preserved! On top of that, all the colourful decorations have lush colours, and wooden sculptures still arouse admiration.

Seoul South Korea Changdeokugung Palace

The palace underwent a thorough renovation in 1990-99, which can be seen at every step. Every place delights. Any part of the pavilion, tree, stone bridge, or colourful roof decoration gives unforgettable memories. It is truly a wonderful place. I can’t imagine that you could skip this place while visiting Seoul.

Seoul Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is a place that was not available to tourists a dozen or so years ago. This is because, until 1989, the last members of the royal family lived in the palace. It is a beautiful place in the forest, partly in a slightly hilly area, a bit wild, natural, and delightful. It’s worth visiting at any time of the year because each time it shows a different face. When I visited the garden, there were some trees, azaleas, and irises already blooming.

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions, Changdeokugung Palace, Secret Garden, Seoul, South Korea, travel plan, must-see places

Among dense vegetation, there are small wooden pavilions and pagodas. Some are used today as small reading rooms or places where garden visitors can rest for a while.

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions Changdeokugung Palace, Secret Garden, Seoul, South Korea, travel plan, must-see places
a small reading room where garden visitors can rest for a while

There is a small pond in the garden, where the royal family used to sail with boats. There is also a small waterfall, a stream, and the only pavilion in Seoul covered with rice straw.

Seoul – the most important tourist attractions, Changdeokugung Palace, Secret Garden, Seoul, South Korea, travel plan
a small pond in the garden

There are also pavilions where the king took lessons and meditated, but they are not open to the public.

Seoul Changdeokugung Palace, Secret Garden, Seoul, South Korea, travel plan, must-see places
Pavilions where the king took lessons and meditated

I planned to visit Changdeokugung Palace long before arriving in Seoul. With big emotions, I was awaiting a visit to the “Secret Garden”. Previously, only the royal family and its guests could access it. Today, the garden is open to visitors. However, specific entry hours are set, and a particular number of people can visit the garden daily.

It is worth planning a visit there in advance. Remember that an “ad hoc” entrance may not be possible.  You can also waste a lot of time waiting for the exact hour when you can enter the garden.

Secret Garden. What should you know?

  • You can only enter the garden with a guide. However, after crossing the gate, the guide will inform you that you can leave the group anytime and visit the garden yourself. It is quite a spacious area, taking up 2/3 of the entire area occupied by the palace. I think booking a minimum of 1.5 hours for a walk through the garden is worth booking.
  • You need a separate ticket to enter the garden, as the one bought to visit the palace is not valid here. Only Royal Palace Pass holders do not have to buy a separate ticket to the garden. However, they must exchange the Secret Garden Voucher for a valid ticket at the ticket office on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchasing a Royal Palace Pass does not guarantee entrance to the Secret Garden.
  • Only 100 people can enter the garden at any time. 50 people enter through online reservations, and another 50 through tickets exchanged or bought at the ticket office.
  • Internet reservations can be made at least 6 days in advance and no later than one day before the planned visit. Foreigners with the English language have only 4 possible entrances during the day: at 10.30, 11.30, 2.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. Internet reservation is possible only by credit card payment. You can make an online booking and purchase ticket.uforus.co.kr

Changdeokugung Palace and Secret Garden are worth knowing

  • Please allow yourself 20 minutes to get to the Secret Garden from the main gate. Also, remember that once the tour has started, no one can enter the Secret Garden.
  • You can enter the palace every day except Mondays. The palace is usually open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., in July and August to 6.30 p.m. Entrance ticket 3000 WON (about 2,5$)
  • You can enter the Secret Garden on the same days as the palace. In the season, the garden can be visited between 10.00 a.m. and 5.30 p.m., in July and August until 6.00 p.m. Entrance ticket 5000 WON (about 4,2$) + general admission ticket 3000 WON (about 2,5$). Note, that having a Royal Palace Pass (I wrote earlier about it), helps you to avoid these costs.
  • You can read more about the palace’s history and secret garden directly on the palace’s website or the page dedicated to the National Cultural Heritage of Korea.

Changgyeonggung Palace

This is the last place on my list proposed as a “must-see” place in Seoul. After seeing the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokugung Palace, nothing else can surprise me. Meanwhile, the visit to the Changgyeonggung Palace left an incredible mark on my memory and heart. I had an excellent opportunity to see this palace before and after sunset. This fact had a significant impact on my emotions and final impressions.

Seoul  – Changgyeonggung Palace

The palace itself can boast a beautiful and long history. It was built in 1483 as a gift from his son (King Sejong) for a retiring father (King Taejong). It has survived almost unchanged to modern times, and in 1983 it underwent a thorough renovation.

During the Japanese occupation, a zoological and botanical garden were established in the palace. There is also a pond in a park, half of which once served as a rice field. The Japanese, however, liquidated the rice field, and the lake served as a recreation area where small boats could sail.

Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul, South Korea

It is worth paying attention to Queen Tongmyeongjeon’s residence, the largest building in the entire complex. Also, the pond is interesting, as I mentioned before, as it is picturesque and covered with fragrant flowers. At the end of the garden, there is an interesting building – a type of greenhouse called the “Grand Greenhouse“. It was the first building in Korea built in a Western style. Both the greenhouse and the zoo were built under the pretext of the consolation of the last emperor of Korea, Sunjong. As a result of the Japanese occupation, he had to hand over the throne after signing the annexation of Korea by Japan.

Greenhouse Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
Grand Greenhouse in Changgyeonggung Palace

The main structure of the Greenhouse is made of steel and wood, and the walls are made of glass. Inside, mainly tropical plants imported to Korea from abroad were grown. Local plants were planted only after their renovation in 1986. In 2004, this building was added to the list of the National Cultural Heritage of Korea under heading 84.

The Palace is also on the list of Historic Monuments, under item 123.

Changgyeonggung Palace and its secrets. What should you know?

Now it’s time to explain why this palace made such a big impression on me. Green areas are generally an interesting attraction beside the main buildings. There is a large garden, pond, botanical garden, and greenhouse.

Seoul, South Korea, gardens, Changgyeonggung Palace

However, the most important attraction of this place is the possibility of watching it after sunset. This is not possible (or very rarely) in any other palace.

In spring and summer, it is worth coming here around 5.00 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. First, go around the whole area during daylight. After 5.30 p.m., at the main entrance (already inside the palace), you can rent a paper lantern for free. About 100 of them are “first come, first served.” Lanterns have LED lamps. After dark, however, magic begins, and it is worth going through the whole area again.

What has happened?

The sunset began, so the sun started to go down quickly in the sky and hide behind the horizon. Small lanterns were around the pond and along the garden alleys, where lights were turned on. Those strolling around with a rented paper lantern realised that the light also started to turn on in their lanterns. Sitting on a bench on the pond’s surface, we thought it was the whole attraction. Sunset and lanterns were already an enjoyable experience enough. We thought that was all, and so we were ready to leave …

Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul, South Korea

However, we quickly changed our minds. When we returned to the part of the garden where the royal pavilions were located, what we saw took away our speech. It was utterly dark, but all the pavilions were illuminated from the inside.

Seoul Changgyeonggung Palace by night, Seoul, South Korea, travel plan

Delicate light filtered through the paper windows, illuminating the buildings from the outside with a slightly dim, dark yellow glow. Buildings with such light looked like a beautiful dream or a part of a fairy tale.

Changgyeonggung Palace by night, Seoul, South Korea, travel plan, must-see places

Only the main contours of the building were visible, and light shimmered through the walls. First of all, I had the impression that I jumped back in time because everything seemed unrealistic. Until now, I only knew about such views from movies. Anyway, to be there and to see everything with my own eyes was a great experience.

Changgyeonggung Palace by night, Seoul, South Korea

Changgyeonggung Palace is worth knowing.

  • Do not miss this opportunity. I recommend you come to the palace for an evening sightseeing tour because you can have this experience anywhere else. The palace is open daily except Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (the last entrance is at 8:15 p.m.).
Changgyeonggung Palace by night, Seoul, South Korea, travel plan
Changgyeonggung Palace entrance Gate
  • Admission ticket 1000 WON (less than 1 $), free lantern rental. You can also use the Royal Palace Pass here.
  • An English service is provided to help tourists understand the palace’s history every day at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • More about the palace can be found directly on the palace website.
  • Interesting (affiliate) link: Walk In Joseon! Korean History Walking Tour*. You can see two courses at Seoul Munmyo ~ Changgyeonggung, in the centre of Joseon. You can listen to a character-centred storytelling commentary from a cultural tourism commentator. You can see the palace at night at Changgyeonggung Palace, which can be visited anytime.

Seoul – the most important tourist attraction, what else do I recommend

All attractions mentioned above can be seen in 2 – 2.5 days. In addition to the Bongeunsa temple (Gangnam district), all other attractions are located quite close to each other, within 2-3 metro stations.

In my next posts, I will describe what else is worth seeing in Seoul, write about where to go for a half-day or full-day trip, and prepare a short guide on how to get around the city and where to eat.

SOUTH KOREA – MY OTHER POSTS

I also encourage you to read my other posts about Seoul and South Korea:

South Korea – tailor-made travel plan

Lotus Lantern Festival

South Korea photos

TRIPS:

*Links to the offer from Klook are affiliate

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