Travel Squatters: Tracy's Trip #6: Geongbokgung Palace (Seoul)

Geongbokgung Palace

When your're travelling to South Korea, there are some must see places to visit including the Geongbokgung Palace. In this palace, you can learn the rich history, lifestyle and cultural beliefs of Korean people during that time and how that history has shaped Korea today.

Gwanghwamon Gate: main entrance

Some brief history of the palace. This palace was built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty and was considered the main palace as it was situated in the heart of the capital city, Seoul. It had many residents including kings, their families and the government of that era until the Imjin war; better known as the Hideyoshi invasions of 1592-98 were the Japanese came and burnt down the palace. It was left abandoned for two centuries until the prince's regent called for a reconstruction in 1867.

Standing in front of the gates

As soon as we entered the gates, we had the opportunity to wear the traditional costumes of the different statuses of men during that era.

Wearing their traditional costume

We also witnessed a ceremony that took place during the ancient times. We learnt that the royal guards of the Joseon Dynasty performed the task of guarding the entrance to the palace where the king who ruled the country resided. The ceremony has taken place since 1469 with the present reenactment ceremony beginning in 1996.

Traditional changing of the guard ceremony

Guards to guard the gate

Walking in the grounds of Geongbukgung palace, we came across the national museum of South Korea named The National Folk Museum of Korea. This museum contained many things including historical artifacts and replicas that were used in the daily life of Korean people as well as representations of the Korean way of life.