SEOUL

Buddhist temples, palaces and traditional street food in the downtown Jongno-gu area of the South Korean capital

- HANNAH BRANDLER

1 GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE 

Start your tour of central Seoul by delving into the city’s empire-rich past at the largest royal palace, which comprises several offices, residences and royal gardens across 40 hectares of land. The palace was first built by the Joseon dynasty in 1395 but the buildings have been damaged and restored several times, first by fire during the Hideyoshi invasion in 1592 and then again during the Japanese occupation (1910-1945). A project to restore the structures to their former glory has been ongoing since 1990. Enter through the main Gwanghwamun Gate and proceed through two more gates to reach Geunjeongjeon Hall, an exquisitely decorated throne room with a captivating dragon-adorned ceiling. The hall was used for events such as coronations and receiving foreign envoys. Further highlights in these expansive grounds include two peaceful pavilions to the north and west, and the National Folk Museum of Korea to the east. Time your visit to coincide with the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place at 10am and 2pm just beyond the Gwanghwamun Gate. During your visit, you’ll notice plenty of people dressed in hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, which can be rented at various shops in the vicinity – those sporting the attire get free entry. Tickets start from KRW3,000 (US$2.3). Closed on Tuesdays.

2 CHEONG WA DAE