NUS Gang in Korea Day 7 (3 April 2015) - Part I

After a couple of days of simplified breakfast at our Airbnb accommodation,we went back to the small eatery located inside the Yeongdeungpo station for breakfast around 9am. Their menu is limited to stews, udon and kimbab but food is pretty tasty!  

Gyeongbokgung Palace

We reached our first sightseeing spot slightly after 10 as we did enjoyed our leisurely breakfast. Construction of the Gyeongbokgung Palace was completed in 1395, 3 years after the Joseon Dynasty was founded by King Taejo. The Palace as the heart of the capital city of Seoul flourished as a small city, with over 500 buildings covering 64 hectares at the height of its glorious past. Sadly, it was destroyed by the Japanese invasion not just once, but twice in 1592-98 and 1915. Since 1990, there has been an ongoing enormous effort (a 40-year project) to restore this once-stunning palace grounds to its former glory. 

Among the 5 palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. If you just have time to go to one palace only, I guess this should be the one.  However, I'm determined to visit Changdeokgung Palace  (from Joseon Dynasty as well) and its secret garden next time I'm in Kimchi-land. With many pavilions and fountains dotting around the garden, especially under the autumn foliage, secret garden is bound to be mesmerizing (:   

Notable buildings  located in Gyeongbokgung  are 
- Gwanghwamun Gate
- Heungnyemun Gate (the gate visitors pass through after Gwanghwamun)
- Imperial Throne Hall
- Graceful two-story Pavilion in the artificial lake 

There is also a National Folk Museum of Korea located within the palace grounds.  You can gain free admission with your palace entry tickets and its a great way to learn about Korean culture.  There is also an outdoor exhibition, to bring us back in time to learn about lifestyles of ordinary folks.

How to get there: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Line 3, Exit 5 (or)

                            Gwanghwamun Station, Line 5, Exit 2

Closed: Tuesdays

Opening Hours:  

Jan- Feb 09:00-17:00

Mar-May 09:00-18:00

Jun-Aug 09:00-18:30

Sep-Oct 09:00-18:00

Nov-Dec 09:00-17:00
(Check schedule in advance to catch "Changing of the Guard" ceremony, right outside the palace's gate.)

Entrance Fees: 3,000 Won (Adult)

If you have time and are a history-buff, get 10,000 Won integrated ticket for entry to 4 palaces & Jongmyo Shrine.

Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang)

We left the palace grounds just after 1pm and walked a few minutes to Tosokchon (토속촌) - THE Legendary Ginseng Chicken Restaurant.  As expected, there was still a long line when we reached there around 1:30 pm.  However, with spacious interiors, the line moved pretty fast and we just had to queue for about 20 minutes.  

By the time our ginseng chicken soup was served at 2pm, our stomach were rumbling but the wait was worth it.  The broth was flavorful but did not give off an overwhelming herbal taste.  You would actually feel energized just by drinking soup.  Chicken was also cooked to perfection - flavorful and tender. There was even an entire piece of ginseng! Definitely a must-try when you are in Seoul.

How we walked: With your back to the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace (the green area occupying the right side of the above map, walk straight towards the right side. After crossing the second traffic junction, turn right and walk straight, till you reach GS25. Turn left into Jahamun-ro 5-gil street. Tosokchon is located on the left, most probably with a long queue outside.

How to get there (from subway): Gyeongbokgung Palace, Line 3, Exit 2

Go straight then turn left at Jahamun-ro 5-gil street. Tosokchon is located on the left, after GS25.

Opening Hours:  10:00-22:00

Price: 15,000 Won per bowl of ginseng chicken soup

Up next, we continued onto Samcheon-dong neighborhood from Tosokchon (the place marked with a red pin at the bottom left corner of the above map). Keep reading!

Adios!
xoxo
Miss N