The forgotten palace, that’s what jumps to mind when thinking about the beautiful Gyeonghuigung Palace. When visiting, the palace is always deserted, perfect for taking stunning pictures in hanbok or to create your own little K-drama, with all the necessary romance, drama and excitement.

Detail of Gyeonghuigung Palace Roof

This palace, built in the second half of the Joseon Dynasty, is one of 5 Seoul palaces and served as a secondary palace to the royal family during emergency situations or when going on excursions. This palace is obviously smaller than the others but that doesn’t mean it is less impressive. What gives it charm is its emptiness. The architecture and historical significance make it a unique site for tourists interested in history, architecture or even for taking the perfect Instagram picture. A unique experience to do at this palace and the surrounding area is hiring a photographer and do a romantic shoot with your ‘oppa‘.

Main Square of Gyeonghuigung Palace

Gyeonghuigung Palace used to be much bigger and was once connected with Deoksugung Palace. Unfortunately during the Japanese occupation, it was turned into a Japanese Middle School and big parts of the complex where destroyed.

What most local citizen don’t even know is that under Gyeonghuigung Palace lies an air-raid shelter also dating back to the Japanese occupation. The shelter is sealed off from the outside with a think blue gate. The huge shelter exits to a network of rooms and hallways. The bunker was rediscovered back in the 80’s and is currently not accessible to the public. The palace is free to enter and is open all year around from 9am to 6pm(Closed Mondays). The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn season. Spring, when all the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom and autumn to enjoy the Korean foliage.

Detail of Gyeonghuigung Palace Staircase

Gyeonghuigung Palace

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Experience local food in one of the oldest and largest covered traditional markets of Korea. The market used to be part of Dongdaemun Clothes Market but became its own independent market which is now one of the most popular food markets in central Seoul.

Gwangjang Market 4

Korean artifacts

Over 2,000 vendors are located in the 2 story building selling all sorts of Korean dishes including kalguksu, jeon, sikhye, live octopus and many more. With a budget of 15,000 won, you’ll definitely experience a couple of small dishes or drinks. Going to Gwangjang Market is perfect at any time of the day, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is open daily from 9 am till late at night, depending on the vendor. Other sites to visit in the area are Gyeongbukgung Palace, Tongin Market, Deoksugung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, the Seoul History Museum and many more places.

Gwangjang Market

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The beautiful traditional hanok is located in a quiet back alley of the oh-so famous Bukcheon Village. A traditional hanok village which used to belong to the noblemen (yangbang) of Seoul.

front of hanok

Bukcheon literally translates to the village of the north, an appropriate name as the village lies in the north of Seoul just next to Gyeongbukgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. From this village the noblemen working for the royal palace could easily and quickly reach the palace when summoned. Back in the day this was the best area to live in based on the Korean Feng Shui theory as the mountains all around and the river in front are providing natural protection.

big double bedroom

courtyard

This small but beautiful hanok offers modern style rooms. All rooms have a private modern bathroom and comfortable floor mattresses or beds. Visitors have the option to try out a traditional Korean style hanbok and take pictures in the inner courtyard, which has a picturesque little garden. Upon arriving, Korean snacks and tea are served in the bedroom. Traditional style Korean breakfast is provided, this includes side dishes, a soup, some fruit and coffee or tea. Different size rooms are available, suitable for friends, young couples or families. Price starts at 150,000 won a night, which is for a 2 person bedroom.

This hanok is the perfect place to stay when looking for traditional hanok experience in Seoul but with the comfort of a hotel. Easily accessible, friendly staff, beautiful building, great location, a hanbok experience and yummy food.

Detail of the double bedroom