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Kyongbuk Palace

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jmineo
jmineo
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
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4
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Editor Pick

Kyongbok Palace

  • March 25, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by jmineo from L.A., California
Kyongbok Palace

Now here's a chance to see some of Korea's yester-year royalty in all its glamour and glory. Kyongbok Palace or the "Palace of Shining Happiness" was beautifully restored and many buildings had just been painted, with some yet to receive their new facelift. Quite an excellent opportunity to see some of Korea's best, restored history. It cost 700 Korean Won (less than $1) to enter. I suppose they expected revenue from the gift shops. The palace is actually a series of main buildings within a huge compound within Seoul's city limits. Its considered the biggest and most beautiful palace in Seoul. Built in 1394, it was the residence of the first royal family of the Chosen Dynasty. Set amidst the vast walled grounds are lotus ponds, ancient stone pagodas and elegant pavilions. My favorite building was to the north of the palace complex, the Hyangwonjong complex -- a secluded pavilion nestled in the middle of a man-made pond. This pond was so still, I could have taken a picture of the pond and seen the exquisite detail of the pavilion. No matter what time of year you come here, the grounds are spectacularly maintained for each of the four seasons. Groundskeepers were circling all around me, plucking weeds and tending to flower beds with what looked like perennial flowers. I could see why this was the favorite retreat of past royal families and is still used today to celebrate traditional Korea holidays. I highly recommend this place if you want to indulge yourself into a little bit of Korean history and royalty.

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