Gyeongbok Palace
Built in 1395 (!!) by the Joseon Dynasty as their primary residence, this palace remained the main seat of power for Korean kings throughout much of history. The main gate separates Gyeongbok Palace from one of the busiest areas of northern Seoul. The palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and left in ruins for over 250 years. Starting in 1865, it was rebuilt to its original grandeur. The website for the palace is pretty cool and gives you a nice visual of the complex.
On the grounds of the palace is another popular destination, the National Folk Museum. The museum was actually established by the US Military Government in 1945. The museum has three exhibition halls which illustrate 'The History of the Korean People' from pre-historic times to the end of the Joseon Dynasty in 1910, 'The Lifestyle of the Korean People', and 'The Lifecycle of a Korean from Birth to Death'. It also houses a children's museum and an outdoor exhibition.
3 comments:
I highly recommend this destination. It was amazing. Ask for the English booklet at the information window... This was my second favorite part of the trip... I bet you know my fave thing! :-)
Oooo, I can't wait!!!!!
we loved visiting the palace! you are going to love it too! i can't wait to see your own pictures of the palace!
btw - you are doing an awesome job educating yourself about Gabe's birth country. you will have so much fun teaching him about it someday and eventually visiting it with him!!!
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