As our first full day in Seoul, we started wandering around Jong No Ill Ga and Insa-Dong where our accommodation was located.
Our first major stop of the day was at Jogyesa Temple, the main Zen Buddhist temple. It’s a rather pretty temple located right in the heart of the city. When we visited, unfortunately the tourist information was closed but we were able to wander around the grounds.
Our second, and last major stop of the day was Gyeongbokgung Palace. Just north of Jogyesa Temple, this palace was first built in 1395, but was destroyed several times before being reconstructed in 1867. This palace is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty, and has rather beautiful architecture. The paintings on the wood reminded me a bit of the Thai temples, although a bit more subdued with more green rather than red.
The National Folk Museum is also just outside the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds and is worth a visit if you’re at the Palace to learn about Korean history and see various agriculture and cultural items.
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- Central Seoul, South Korea
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- Parade through central Seoul, South Korea
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- Close up of parade through central Seoul, South Korea
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- Gate into Jogyesa Temple, Seoul, South Korea
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- Buddha at Jogyesa Temple, Seoul, South Korea
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- Jogyesa Temple, Seoul, South Korea
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- Heading into Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
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- Guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
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- Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
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- Floating Pavillion at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
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- Gyeonghoeru at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
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- More pavillions at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
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- Leaving Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea
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- Cultural Dance at the National Folk Museum, Seoul, South Korea
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- Dancers at the National Folk Museum, Seoul, South Korea
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- Go Pro at the National Folk Museum, Seoul, South Korea
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- Outside the National Folk Museum, Seoul, South Korea
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- Preserved street near the National Folk Museum, Seoul, South Korea