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Wear Hanbok and Visit Palaces

Published Date : Feb 24, 2016 / Edited Date : Sep 04, 2023
 Wear Hanbok and Visit Palaces


 

Hanbok Rental Shops

 
 
 

Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun, and Gangnam are famous shopping spots and extremely popular with tourists and are usually on the itineraries of Seoul's visitors. Seoul's palaces are other places of interest that should not be missed. Korean heritage and style can truly be felt and seen at the palaces. Where better to experience Korean traditions and heritage than at Korean palaces? 

Seoul's palaces are: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung. Each palace has its own energy and charms. All five palaces waive admission fees for visitors wearing hanbok. The fee is waived for hanbok wearers even on holidays and on special event days. These days hanbok can be rented for a relatively low price. Eulji-ro Underground Shopping Center, located near Myeong-dong and Jongno, has a number of shops that rent out hanbok at fixed rates and times. You can dress from head to toe in traditional Korean clothing as even hair accessories and purses are available at these shops. In colder weather, you might want to rent a traditional fur vest to stay warm. Lately, the hanbok and palace experience has become popular with Korean women, particulary young women and girls. But it's not just Koreans who are taking part, more and more foreign tourists are renting out hanbok and touring palaces. Wearing hanbok and touring Seoul's palaces can make for a unique experience and a lasting memory.

The Visit Seoul editing team took part in the hanbok and palace experience in order to write the most thorough article for visitors.

 
TIP
- Hanbok rentals usually run 4hrs. and cost 13,000~15,000 won. Hair accessories and a purse are included in the hanbok rental price.
- Fur vest rental is an additional 2,000~5,000 won.
 
Sun Han Hanbok : +82-2-2277-3004, 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul(Seoul Plaza 20)
Youngji Hanbok : +82-2-2278-5116, 226, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul(5F)
 
 


Gyeongbokgung Palace



A panorama of the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace can be taken in from Gwanghwamun Square. It is the oldest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Construction of the palace began in 1394 and ended in 1395. Its name means, "the greatly blessed palace." Gyeongbokgung is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces and in the early Joseon Dynasty was crucial to the king as it housed major government offices. Its location, with running water before it and a mountain, Bugaksan, was considered very auspicious. Haechi (mythical lion-like creatures) stand in from of the palace's main gate, Gwanghwamun Gate. The buildings within the palace and the haechi were built to align in straight lines so as to ward off danger.

The first building you will see after entering Gyeongbokgung is Geonjeongjeon Hall, where coronations and other important state events were held. Geonjeongjeon Hall was of great symbolic significance to the royal family during the Joseon dynasty. Behind the hall are the royal residences, the Council Hall where the King handled state affairs, and a variety of other buildings as the banquet hall and several pavilions.

 
TIP
Gyeongbokgung Palace's Best Photo Spots

○Geonjeongjeon Hall : The most majestic and symbolically representative building of Gyeongbokgung Palace; its sheer size lends for beautiful photos at any angle.

○Gyeonghoeru Pavilion : The pavilion was once hosted banquets for foreign dignitaries, exams were taken here, and an archery range once stood here. It is the most beautiful site of Gyeongbokgung Palace regardless of the season.

○Hyangwonjeong Pavilion : The king once used the pavilion as a place to relax and unwind in luxury. The two story pavilion was built atop a small round island in the middle of a square, man-made pond. It is an extremely popular photo spot for visitors.
 
Address : 1-91, Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Directions :  Gyeongbokgung Station, (line 3) exit 3 or Gwanghwamun Station, (line 5) exit 2 
Website :
  www.royalpalace.go.kr
Opening Hours : 09:00 ~ 18:00 KST (Closed Tuesdays, closing time varies seasonally)
 

 

Changdeokgung Palace



Out of the Five Grand Palaces, Changdeokgung Palace is the only that's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located east of Gyeongbokgung Palace. While Gyeongbokgung Palace's structures were built in straight lines to ward off danger, Changdeokgung Palace was built in line with the contours of the surrounding land so as to harmonize with nature. After Gyeongbokgung Palace was razed in 1592 during the Imjin War, Changdeokgung Palace took its place as the primary residence for the royal family and major government offices. Changdeokgung's importance would hold for the next 300 years, until the end of the Joseon Dynasty. The Joseon Dynasty's royal families resided in Changdeokgung Palace longer than any other palace. Because Changdeokgung's layout follows the curves of its location's natural topography, it differs greatly from the other palaces. Some buildings can feel hidden away, so it's great fun to wander the grounds and "discover" the buildings for yourself.

Injeongjeon Hall is symbolic main hall of Changdeokgung Palace. Just behind it is Seonjeongjeon Hall. Pass through Seonjeongjeon and you will arrive at Huijeongdang Hall. Huijeongdang was the king and queen's residence and government affairs were conducted here. It may feel like walking through a maze while going from hall to hall. There is also the Nakseonjae Complex, a fine example of hanok architecture. Sunjong, the last monarch of Joseon, resided here with his wife. Although located inside of Changdeokgung Palace, it feels separate from the palace. 

 
TIP
Changdeokgung Palace's Best Photo Spots

○Donhwamun Gate : Changdeokgung's main entrance; after you walk through the gate, Changdeokgung Palace lies before you. Changdeokgung feels at once like a stately palace and a lush garden.

○Daejojeon Hall : Daejojeon was once the king and queen's residence. Behind the hall is Huwon Garden. The sloping hills were kept intact when the garden was installed; view how the hall, hills and garden compliment each other.

○Huwon Garden : Located at the rear of the palace, the garden and a small beautiful pond were installed for the use and pleasure of the royal family. There is a beautiful pond here. Parties and banquets were held at Huwon. There are several buildings here and one can see how the natural surroundings and buildings harmonize with each other.
 
Address :   99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Directions :  Jongno 3ga Station (lines 1, 3, 5) exit 6 or Anguk Station (line 3) exit 3
Website :   www.cdg.go.kr
Opening Hours :  
09:00 ~ 18:00 KST (Closed Mondays, closing time varies seasonally)
   

 

Changgyeonggung Palace



Changgyeonggung Palace sits right next to Changdeokgung. Government affairs were never carried out at Changgyeonggung; instead it was the residence of queen mothers and other high ranking ladies of the court. Many historical tv shows and movies have used this palace as a filming location as many famous events have occured here. The machinations of Jang Hui-bin against Queen In-hyeon during King Sukjong's rule and the sad story of Prince Sado took place here. Although many sad events took place at Changgyeonggung Palace, the palace was also the birthplace of many the Joseon Dynasty's kings. There is almost no chapter of Joseon history where Changgyeonggung does not make an appearance.

 
TIP
Changgyeonggung Palace's Best Photo Spots

○Haminjeong Pavilion : The pavilion lies inside the palace. Looking out at the palace from between the pavilion's pillars makes for a beautiful sight.

○Myeongjeongmun Gate : Myeongjeongjeon Hall can be glimpsed from the gate; it's almost as if the hall is calling out a greeting to visitors at Myeongjeongmun Gate.

○Sungmundang Hall : The hall was constructed by order of the king and was built utilizing the slope of the mountain. The southern part of the hall was set with tall stones and the building blends well with the surrounding structures.
 
Address : 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Directions :  Hyehwa Station (line 4) exit 4
Website :   cgg.cha.go.kr
Opening Hours :
09:00 ~ 21:00 KST (Closed Mondays)
 
Tags

#Hanbok #Palaces #Cultural

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  • 解説を進行する時に発生する安全事故に対し、徒歩観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は
    責任を負いません。
  • 気象特報(猛暑、台風、豪雨、PM2.5)によりウォーキングツアーの運営が難しいと判断された場合、全ての予約は中止とさせて頂きます。(発効後直ちにキャンセルを行う)
    ※ 下記のリンクにてご予約当日の気象特報をご確認ください。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/ja/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
预约前说明事项
  • 观光日基准最少3日前方可进行预约。
  • 最多可申请10人。
    (※ 景福宫, 昌德宫, 昌庆宫是例外 最多可申请20人)
  • 在已登记的预约团体中,只接待不超过预约人数的团体,可在前一天17时前追加预约。
  • 下个月的预约可从前一月15日开始。
  • 如有发热或呼吸道症状(发烧、咳嗽、痰液、肌肉痛、鼻塞、咽喉痛等),请避免参与解说活动。
  • 无保护者随同的未满14岁儿童游客,会在现场取消解说活动。
  • 气象特报(酷暑、台风、暴雨 、雾霾 等)导致徒步观光项目暂停时,所有预约将一律被取消。(发布紧急措施时立即取消)
    ※ 请在以下网站上随时确认预约当天的气象特报。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
  • 对于解说活动中发生的安全事故,首尔徒步解说旅游事务局和首尔文化观光解说社不予负责。
预约前说明事项
  • 观光日基准最少1日前方可进行预约。
  • 本线路是为了行动不便者(行动不便的高龄者、残疾人、婴儿车利用者等)的路线。
  • 无辅助人员(或同行人)伴随时,不可利用。
    ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的辅助人员陪同。
    ※ 电动辅助器具(电动轮椅、电动独轮车等)使用者时,每一位辅助人员最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
  • 希望观光的日期及线路上无解说员时,预约有可能被取消。
  • 为了确认预约,徒步观光事务局(02-6925-0777)会致电进行确认。
    (最少5日~一个月前) 3次以上无法连接时,预约将被取消。
  • 进行解说时,对于有可能发生的安全事故,徒步观光事务局和首尔文化观光解说员概不负责。
  • 气象特报(酷暑、台风、暴雨 、雾霾 等)导致徒步观光项目暂停时,所有预约将一律被取消。(发布紧急措施时立即取消)
    ※ 请在以下网站上随时确认预约当天的气象特报。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
預約前說明事項
  • 最晚請於預約日期3天前完成預約。
  • 最多可申請10人。
    (※ 景福宮, 昌德宮, 昌慶宮是例外 最多可申請20人)
  • 已完成預約的團體若人數超過限制,可於前一天下午5點前追加預約。
  • 每月15日將開放下個月的預約。
  • 若有發燒或呼吸道症狀(發燒、咳嗽、咳痰、肌肉酸痛、鼻塞、喉嚨痛),請避免參與本活動。
  • 未有保護者同行的未滿14歲兒童遊客,會在現場取消參與資格。
  • 氣象特報(酷暑、颱風、暴雨 、霧霾 等)而導致徒步觀光無法進行時,將一律取消所有預約。(發布限令時將立即取消)
    ※ 請在以下網站上隨時確認預約當天的氣象特報。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
  • 進行解說時,對於有可能發生的安全事故,首爾徒步解說觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光解說員概不負責。
預約前說明事項
  • 觀光日基準最少1日前方可進行預約。
  • 本線路是為了行動不便者(行動不便的高齡者、殘疾人、嬰兒車利用者等)的路線。
  • 無輔助人員(或同行人)伴隨時,不可利用。
    ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的輔助人員陪同。
    ※ 電動輔助器具(電動輪椅、電動獨輪車等)使用者時,每壹位輔助人員最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
  • 希望觀光的日期及線路上無解說員時,預約有可能被取消。
  • 為了確認預約,徒步觀光事務局(02-6925-0777)會致電進行確認。
    (最少5日~壹個月前) 3次以上無法連接時,預約將被取消。
  • 進行解說時,對於有可能發生的安全事故,徒步觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光 解說員概不負責。
  • 氣象特報(酷暑、颱風、暴雨 、霧霾 等)而導致徒步觀光無法進行時,將一律取消所有預約。(發布限令時將立即取消)
    ※ 請在以下網站上隨時確認預約當天的氣象特報。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)