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Whether they are an international guest visiting Korea or a local tourist from out of town, palaces are the first place people head to when visiting Seoul. Seoul was the capital of the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted for 600 years, so you can see the palaces of kings that have stood throughout the ages. Standing tall in the middle of the modern, dynamic Gwanghwamun area full of skyscrapers, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a striking contrast. It is one of the five Joseon-era royal palaces standing within the four gates of Seoul. Other palaces include the Deoksugung Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Gyeonghuigung Palace. On a nice day, it's not uncommon to see tourists dressed up in hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) and taking pictures at the palace.
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But all this is not to say that Seoul only has historic sites. Seoul’s most notable strength as a tourist site is that it allows you to enjoy nature, such as mountains and rivers. Many major cities worldwide are formed around rivers, such as London’s Thames or Paris’ Seine, but not many are as big as Hangang River. Indeed, the Thames is about 265m in width, while the Hangang River’s width is 1km. The river is also home to parks and waterside facilities like Yeouido, Banpo, Ttukseom Island, and Nanji Hangang Park, which allow you to get the most out of Hangang River’s charms.
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Want to see a more modern landmark? Head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). Designed by Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid, it looks like something out of the world of the future, with no straight lines or walls between the exterior and interior. The DDP comprises a museum, a lounge, and shops for souvenirs. All these show that Seoul is a dynamic and colorful place where traditional and modern, natural and artificial landmarks meet in one place.
The people of Joseon used many symbolic motifs in their clothing and accessories. Both the royal court and the people loved tree peonies, which were loved as “the king of flowers” for their grace, and princesses’ wedding robes were embroidered with patterns of butterflies, pomegranates, and tree peonies in golden threads. Butterflies with vines symbolized long life or prosperity for one’s descendants.
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FLOWER BOUTONNIERE
This boutonnière is inspired by the traditional knot craft of Korea. Each flower is handmade, and its elegance is enough to add a highlight to your suit.
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GYEONGBOKGUNG JAGYEONGJEON FLOWER WALL SCARF
The Jagyeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most recognizable palatial buildings in Seoul, is home to a beautiful Flower Wall engraved with plum blossoms, tree peonies, chrysanthemums, and bamboo. The wall represents a wish for the king and the queen’s longevity and prosperity. Recently, a scarf capturing this wish is gaining popularity. Gyeongbokgung Jagyeongjeon Flower Wall Scarf recreates the beautiful Flower Wall with the hopes of good fortune for the wearer. The viscose material adds a unique flair, and the scarf comes in three colors: Dancheong Red, Namsan Green, and Giwa Deep Grey.
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Bukchon Hanok Village is where traditional Korean architecture meets contemporary life, a residential neighborhood inhabited by hanok (traditional Korean house) and Seoulites. The name “Bukchon” comes from its location north of Jongno. Originally a residential district for the aristocracy in the Joseon period, it still retains its shape quite well despite the passage of time.
