The Amazing Time We Had On Our Trip

Beautiful Display (Rays of the Sun)

01.
Cheonggyecheon Stream (Lantern festival)

First, we went to the vibrant waterway in the heart of Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream which is a very popular tourist area. The Cheonggyecheon Stream starts from Cheonggye Plaza, a popular cultural arts venue, and passes under a total of 22 bridges before flowing into the Hangang River, with many attractions along its length. We were fortunate enough this time it was celebrating its 10th year anniversary of the Seoul Lantern Festival. The entire stretch of Cheonggyecheon Stream was lined with mesmerizing lanterns that light up the otherwise dull night scene. This festival offers some beautiful and romantic nighttime scenery in the heart of Seoul. It was fun to wander along the Cheonggyecheon to see the colorful lanterns displayed in & along the stream. It was a very nice and enjoyable festival, where many activities are displayed along with the cultural introduction. It was, ultimately, a wonderful international gathering. So many food stalls and food trucks were operating throughout the festival and we ate different delicious street food. This was a wonderful opportunity to see a lantern festival in Seoul and the best experience visit this festival. If you visit Seoul this tim,e don't miss this opportunity. You will remember it for the rest of your life.

02.
Bukchon Hanok Village

Fantastic View of Royal Hanok House

On the second day, we finished our delicious traditional Korean breakfast and checked out at 10 AM. We started our visit in the historic Bukchon Hanok Village. It brings you back to the Joseon Dynasty where the aristocratic classes lived during the Joseon Dynasty.

Nice View of Residential Hanok House

Others are used as teahouses, restaurants and guesthouses, giving people a chance to immerse in the traditional culture of Korea called 'hanok' line up. Yet despite all these changes, the exterior of all the houses still remains just like how it was built. Most of these are still residential houses so tourists are requested to keep quiet. It's a village kept original and it's beautiful with amazing views, gorgeous buildings, and the most gorgeous girls in hanbok dresses. It was like being whisked away to another world for a little while. Designs of doors, rooftops, and walls that are unique to the Korean culture are easily spotted here. It is a fantastic place to walk around and immerse yourself in some traditional Korean culture! It was difficult to understand and find where exactly to start the walk. The whole place is uphill and filled with alleys, so it's highly recommended to grab a map at the tourist info booth to avoid walking the same places twice. It was worth the visit.

03.
Changdeokgung Palace

After exploring around the Bukchon Hanok Village area we decided to go to Changdeokgung Palace as we are an UNESCO World Heritage Site hunter. The walk took about 15 minutes. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, built during the Joseon Dynasty in 1405, Changdeokgung Palace is both a highlight of Seoul and a must on any history lover’s itinerary.

Nice View of Changdeokgung Palace Complex

The history of the palace is an incredible journey back into thousands of years. Changdeokgung Palace was originally built as a secondary to the main Gyeongbokgung Palace. The palace structures are all situated to the south, with the immense "Secret Garden" at the rear and to the north. Although the original buildings of Changdeokgung Palace were destroyed by fire, the reconstruction is said to retain a high degree of authenticity. We went to Injeongjeon Hall and it was crowded with different international tourists. Several typical scenes can be spotted at the palace including visitors listening to the cultural commentary, tourists busy taking photo mementos in front of Injeongjeon Hall, as well as group visitors enjoying a tour around the palace. We took lots of photos.

Inside View of the Palace

Changdeokgung Palace remains one of the best-preserved examples of Korean historical architecture. If you want to understand the history of Korean kingdom, it is the place to come and cannot be missed as this is a key masterpiece of the Korean culture.

After meticulously exploring the areas of Injeongjeon Hall, we were really tired and there were still places that we failed to explore. Then we went out from the palace and finished our lunch and had some rest. Then we decided to go Jogyesa Temple nearby the palace.

04.
Jogyesa Temple

To go to Jogyesa temple we took the public bus that took only 5 minutes (from Changdeokgung Palace). Upon reaching the temple, the first sight that greeted us was flowers! Gardens around the temple were fantastic with these lovely flower arrangements. We were lucky enough to be here for the annual flower festival (beginning November) and it was amazing.

Front View of the Temple Main Hall

Outside View of Deungjeon Hall

Jogyesa Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea and a symbol of Korean Buddhism. Since 1936, it has been the head temple of the first district of the Jogye Order of Korea Buddhism. The temple was first established in 1395, at the start of the Joseon Dynasty. The modern temple was established in 1910 and was originally located at a different location. We took some pictures in the temple with respect. The best times to visit Jogyesa Temple are Buddha’s birthday or during the Lotus Lantern Festival when the courtyard of the temple is decorated with paper lanterns. Very calm and peaceful experience.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

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Bukchon Hanok Village

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Changdeokgung Palace

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Jogyesa Temple

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01.
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Nice Front View of the Palace

We went to Gyeongbokgung Palace from Jogyesa Temple by walking and it took around 10 minutes. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty and sits in downtown Seoul. Built in 1394 by King Taejo, founder of Joseon Dynasty, the palace was named Gyeongbokgung which also means "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven". Sadly, due to war, the original buildings were demolished. At present, renovation works are still in progress in order to bring this place back to its full glory. Nonetheless, visitors are still able to visit places that have already been renovated and this place promises to offer a vast array of architectural excellence (coupled with helpful explanations of the historical significance). Overall, this place is a good place to spend your day and is highly recommended for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Plenty of photo opportunities available over here, so remember to carry a camera with you when you come! It’s a must-see place in Seoul to know the history.

Sculpture Dragon Portrait Inside the Palace Museum

Located on the left side of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Palace Museum of Korea provides visitors the opportunity to learn about the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea for five centuries. This museum was interesting to me as I have always liked the vibrant colors used by Korean Royals in their clothing, food, and buildings. The museum is a perplexing part of your visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and shouldn't be skipped if you plan to visit the palace while in Seoul. The National Palace Museum of Korea (opening hours are 9:00-18:00 weekdays, 9:00-19:00 weekends, closed on Mondays and free entry)

02.
Gwanghwamun Gate & Square

Gwanghwamun Gate is the most beautiful of the five palace gates (Jahamun Gate, Dongnimmun Gate, Gwanghuimun Gate, Dongdaemun Gate, and Honghwamun Gate). It is the impressive main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The gate has been rebuilt many times over the years but remains an icon of Seoul.

Statue of King Sejong the Great

Construction began in 1395 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty. The gate quickly became one of the most important gates of the Joseon Dynasty since it guarded the main palace. There is a change of the palace guards a few times a day. We took the picture with palace guards and it was a really exciting moment! Gwanghwamun Square is a public area located in the heart of central Seoul that features museums, statues, restaurants, and beautiful surrounding views. The statue of King Sejong the Great is a golden statue located on Gwanghwamun Square who invented hangeul (Korean writing). This much respected fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty reigned from 1418 to 1450. There is also an entrance at the base of the King Sejong statue that leads down to an underground exhibition. There are some funny stuff: compass from the old dynasty, rain flow meter, and sun clock. Great spot to take pictures of the palace's gate.

Photo Posing With Royal Guard at Front Gate

Overall we really enjoyed our short trip around Jongno-gu area and back our home with lots of memories. This trip went like a dream. It takes time to digest the many impressions as we got in just two days. Naturally, what impressed us the most was everything that was different, all the traditions, hanok home stay, history, culture, street food, palaces, temple, etc. Working vacation or otherwise, it’s a great place to be, and I’d love to visit it again.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

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National Palace Museum of Korea

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Gwanghwamun Gate & Square

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For a night’s stay in a traditional hanok at Bukchon Hanok Village area was definitely a great choice for us. It’s a great experience that you won’t be able to try anywhere else outside of Korea.

Nice View of Hanok Yard with Barbeque Facility

We are living in Seoul and always wanted to stay in a hanok. It’s a traditional Korean housing usually found surrounding the palace, now preserved and transformed into restaurants or cafés, guesthouses, and gallery.

We booked one night at Hanok B&B Mon Oncle à Séoul and every single aspect of our stay from start to finish was perfect. It is located in the Bukchon Hanok area between the two palaces Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palace, a very central location when it comes to seeing the tourist sights. Mon Oncle is situated on a hill; we enjoyed an attractive outlook of the traditional Korean houses under the hill from the living room, a lovely sunset view, and a view of Inwangsan Mountain in the distance. Our hotel and the neighborhood are very quiet, which is very unusual considering the fact that it's right at the center of downtown Seoul. The front yard is not very big, but big enough for the guests to have a chat or enjoy barbecue. The living room serves as a café, where guests can share their experiences or have breakfast together.Guests of Mon Oncle can make use of free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and a kitchen. They also feature private bathrooms fitted with a shower, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Inside view of Hanok with Comfortable Bed

Mon Oncle is designed this way because the owner of the hotel likes to mingle with people. He built the Hanok not only for business but also to meet people who love to travel like him. He even named the place 'Uncle' because he wants to be close to his guests. The hanok is very beautiful, clean, and comfortable.

Nice View of Main Gate

Delicious Korean Breakfast

Andre Kim (hotel manager) was the most amazing, very helpful and personable host. He became friends with all the guests quickly and made everyone feel very easy. He was very knowledgeable with the history of the city and the neighborhood and gave us great tips on where to eat and drink around the area. He also cooks the most delicious Korean style breakfast and Andre Kim took our dietary restrictions into consideration I have stayed at 5-star hotels in Korea and outside Korea, but Hanok B&B Mon Oncle à Séoul was by far my favorite overnight experience and we will be going back to Mon Oncle before we leave the country.

If you are looking to stay in a hanok, look no further than Mon Oncle.
You will not be disappointed!