Triumph & Disaster

The Gyeongbokgung subway station brings you back instantly to the Joseon era with its dynasty theme. Here I am posing at the "Never Old Door" which I found later on is a replica of one from Changdeokgung.

We went to the National Palace Museum of Korea first and was mobbed by Korean teens who wanted to take photos with us. I think my darker housemates attracted these fellas' attention. One boy came to us, holding a note and read from it (in English): Can I take photo with you. After we nodded, a swarm of them ran to us and we became instant celebrities. Hoho!

The museum houses a magnificent collection of art and objects from the palaces of Joseon which displays the rich royal cultural legacies and historical artifacts of that era. Free guided tours are available as well at selected times. Free admission. 

Our next stop is Gyeongbokgung, the first palace to be built by the Joseon founder. It is also the largest of all the Joseon palaces. Ticket price: 3,000 won. The 11am Changing of the Guard show is cancelled due to the rain so we had to miss that. We had been praying that at least it would not rain when we got to Gyeongbokgung, but it still did.

The inner court contains the residences for the King, Queen, Crown Prince and Queen Mother. Gangnyeong-jeon is the place where the King read privately and relaxed, in short the King's quarters. 

The Queen's quarters, Gyotae-jeon. 

Amisan, the garden behind the Queen's quarters. This terraced mound is covered with trees and flowers, and hexagonal chimneys with various images on it. 

Indeed this area's atmosphere is warm and relaxed, as opposed to the imposing halls of the outer court. 

My favourite spot lies at the rear garden, the Hwangwon-jeong, a small, two-story hexagonal pavilion built on an artificial island on the lake Hyangwonji. The bridge that connects the pavilion to the palace ground is made of wood and forbidden to cross. The view is very splendid and the pavilion stood so proudly on the lake, a Royal pavilion indeed!

Geoncheonggung, a private Royal residence built by King Gojang. Queen Myeongseong was assassinated here by the Japanese in 1895. King Gojang left the palace and never returned...

The National Folk Museum of Korea. We did not enter though, short of time.

Behind the museum is the Cheongwadae, or famously know as the Blue House. Boy, seeing the Cheongwadae brought so much suspense feeling, guards are everywhere! I'm imagining myself in City Hunter all over again! Of course we did not enter, only see from afar. Pre-register first if you're interested to visit.

Sinmumun, the north gate of the palace.

We have a very packed second day! We walk along the road from Cheongwadae and I was very impressed as security guards stood a few hundred meters from each other and even after a kilometer (my rough estimation only) from the Cheongwadae, men in suits can still be seen!