5th December 2013
...but first breakfast :D
OMG CHECK OUT THE SIZZLING HOT SOUP!!
IT'S DELICIOUS!!
...NOMNOMNOM...
The Gyeongbokgung Palace was also holding the History of Kimchi Festival, another event to add to our list, we got lucky.
I think they were also televising this event.
I saw a lot of camera crews and stage sets.
The traditional performers were very entertaining.
This was perhaps my favourite part: They had long ribbons attached to their heads and they were swaying it around, jumping in between them and dancing.
"...ancient hair whip..."
Once the performance was done, we made our way to the entrance gates to have a look at the guards.
The day was not too clear, the place was slightly polluted.
But the entrance gates were grand...
I found the art work in the arches of the gates very beautiful and colourful...
It looked like 2 hybrids of a giant sea turtle with a dragon.
Waiting out side were the guards.
They are real.
Keeping a straight face.
Not making a single move.
Looks like i've traveled back in time.
hehe... even got a snap.
We were even lucky enough to see the changing of the guards.
Obviously they couldn't stand there for the whole day.
(Image below was behind the gates)
The National Palace Museum of Korea, and the National Folk Museum is located within the area.
You can purchase your tickets at the Gyeongbokgung Palace for the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum.
Apparently the premises were destroyed by fire during the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919)
.
The palace was absolutely stunning,
i really like the details in the ceiling,
...and the details on the roof tiles.
(Below: Monkey statue, circling are the other 11 animal zodiacs)
As we were making our way to the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum my phone died. But we were told that we weren't allowed to take pictures in these areas anyways. meh.
But its okay, I think I enjoyed the experience more without a camera. Especially the National Folk Museum.
I was in awe to see so many historical artefacts that were used in the daily lives of ordinary Korean people back in the days.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a place I will definitely visit again.
Directions:
Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5.
(p.s: unless disclaimed, all pictures were taken by me on iphone 4s, apologies for any blurriness)
