STROLLING AROUND GYEONGBOKGUNG (경복궁) & CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE IN HANBOK

Do you ever watch Kingdom in Netflix? Or Legend of The Blue Sea? Both are my favorites. If you pay more attention to those Korean Drama Series, you will realize that some of the scenes were taken on the same place. Yes! It is Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) and Changdeokgung Palace . I love how the Kim Hye Jung wearing her beautiful Hanbok during the dramas especially when she's at the Gwallamjeong Pavilion scene.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) is one of the remaining palaces from Joseon Dynasty. The palace which is located in the Northern Seoul, turned out to be the largest out of the other 5 grand palaces since it was the home of Kings of Joseon Dynasty. It is really beautiful. I bet you will be extremely tired to go around the palace because it is really big. Meanwhile, Changdeokgung Palace is the second royal villa that was built in 1405. It is located more to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The entrance fee for the Gyeongbokgung Palace is ₩3,000 / IDR 37,500 for Adults and ₩1,500 for Visitors age 7 to 18. However, there's other way if you'd like to skip the entrance fee. Yup! Wearing hanbok!

It is really easy tho to get there. I stayed in Myeongdong area and there are 2 options to reach there, whether you get to subway or bus. Both transportation will take you there for only around 30 minutes. You can take Bus 401 from Gwanghwamun to Gyeongbokgung Palace (4 Stops) and then take  a walk to north for about 10 minutes. Or else you can also take Subway from Myeongdong Station by taking line 4호선 to Chungmuro then transfer to Subway line 3호선 to Gyeongbokgung Palace and then take a walk to the north for around 9 minutes. You might find that the walking distance is quite far, but believe me you will enjoy the view around.

Hanbok is a traditional dress of South Korea for semi formal and formal attire during traditional occasions. So, as I was about strolling around the palace, to feel the real feel of Joseon Dynasty, I decided to put on my hanbok as well. I rented the hanbok on KLOOK. You might rent it from Bukchon One Day Hanbok Rent that costs only around IDR 200,000 - 300,000 (Depending on your time spent of rent. There are 2 options : 4 or 24 hours. I suggest you to just have the 4 hours because it is really enough). As you walk around the palace, I bet you'll see a lot of Hanbok Rent Stores across the street. You can rent from there as well, but I suggest you to take this one because this store has a lot of variation of Hanboks, from the color and design and the place seems legit. It is really small from outside and you have take the stairs because it is located at the 2nd floor of the building.

I suggest you to stop by Tosokchon Samgyetang before or after you start your activity in the palace by the way. Because the area of those places are close to each other.

My itinerary back then was like this :

09.30 - 10.00 Depart from Airbnb in Myeongdong Area to Tosokchon Samgyetang

10.00 Arrive at Gyeongbokgung Station (Because I decided to take subway there)

10.00 - 10.30 Strolling around leisurely to Tosokchon Samgyetang

10.30 - 11.30 Have my brunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang

11.30 - 12.00 Go to One Day Hanbok Rent

12.00 - 13.15 Fitting & make up for Hanbok

13.15 - 14.15 Strolling around Cheongdokgung Palace

14.15 - 15.30 Strolling around Gyeongbokgung Palace

15.30 - 16.00 Back to One Day Hanbok Rent and change my clothes

16.00 - 17.00 Stroll around Bukchon Hanok Village and chasing the sunset there (You might be able to stroll around Bukchon Hanok Village with Hanbok as well because it is also close to the area)

Click here to find more about Tosokchon Samgyetang! >> (2 BEST KOREAN RESTAURANTS YOU SHOULD VISIT IN SEOUL!) 

As you step in to the store, you have to take your shoes off and them on the shelf. You are welcomed with the officers and they will help you to put your other stuffs such as coat, bags, etc and put them inside the locker. Don't worry because the key will be given to you.

First thing first, before you start the day, I suggest you to google first : What color you'd like to wear for your hanbok. Believe me, there are tons of choices. You might lose your time if you start thinking as you get the store. Second thing to think is, your hair style. Whether you'll up do or braid or just let it be. Moreover, the store provides a lot of hair pins as well. If you're done, then let's stroll around the palace!

By the way, you don't need to be shame on wearing Hanbok. Because almost everyone, especially tourists, whether women or men are proudly wearing Hanbok as well in Gyeongbokgung Palace area. You also can stop by in some stores around because there a lot of street foods, souvenirs, accessories, apparels and etc in that area (Outside the palaces). Don't forget to take many pictures there!

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)

Telp : +82-2-1330

Closed on Tuesday

Changdeokgung Palace

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99 (와룡동)

Telp : +82-2-1330

Closed on Monday