Day 2: Hanbok experience in Gyeongbokgung Palace

There are tons of palaces in korea and some of them are really huge and classic. We didn't have enough time to visit every palaces so I decided to pick the best one based on tourist reviews.

So there we visited Gyeongbokgung on our second day in South Korea. The palace is conveniently located in Seoul. It is just around 30 minutes away from Myeongdong via subway (Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5) or 15 to 20 minutes walk.

The palace has multiple entrance, Gwangwhamun gate (in this photo) is the main entrance. The mountain behind is Mt. Baegaksan(Bukaksan)

The name Gyeongbok means “Greatly Blessed by Heaven.” Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 and it served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty. It is the biggest palace out of five Joseon royal palaces

Make sure to watch the "Changing of the Royal Guard" ceremony. It is being held at the Gwanghwamun gate around 10 am and 1 pm everyday except Tuesdays as the palace is close during this day.

Gyeongbokgung palace is my first choice of place to wear hanbok as its architectures are very picturesque. There are so many spots in the palace to take lovely pictures.

For hanbok rentals, you can either book online in advance like in klook, kkday and trazy or walk around Gyeongbokgong palace and you will see a lot of rental shops.

There is a make-up room in the hanbok rental shop where you can barrow a pouch and hair accessories You can do your makeup there (hair curler & flat iron provided) and you can also ask the attendants to braid your hair for free :)

Hanbok rental costs 20,000 won plus 10,000 deposit that you will claim upon returning of the hanbok.

Since it was so cold during that day, we were impatient and chose the nearest shop. Little did we know that shops nearby offers hanbok for less, some costs around 10,000 won only; Nevertheless, I am happy with the design of my outfit.

We visited 23rd of February, there are still few traces of snow in covered areas.

Entering the palace...

There is an entrance fee of 3,000 won for adults and 1,500 won for age 7 up-to 18 years old.

However, there is a free entrance for people wearing proper hanbok attire, Korean traditional clothing, Children ages 6 years old and below and adult ages 65 and above. There's no entrance fee as well every last Wednesday of the month.