Gyeongbokgung, boasting over 600 years of rich heritage, was the main palace of the Joseon dynasty. Its name, "Gyeongbok," signifies the dynasty's aspirations for prosperity and blessings. Immerse yourself in Korea's vibrant culture and captivating past within the palace walls. Gyeongbokgung offers a unique opportunity to truly connect with the spirit of Korea by experiencing its traditional attire. Wear stunning hanbok, the beautiful Korean dress, for free when entering the palace grounds. This immersive experience allows you to step back in time and appreciate the rich cultural heritage that shapes Korea today.

Jongmyo is a Confucian shrine in Korea that houses the souls of royal ancestors of the Joseon dynasty, similar to the Pantheon in Rome. It is located in the heart of Seoul and was built in 1395. The stone path in the photo leads to the main hall and is divided into three sections. The middle section is reserved for the soul, the right side for the reigning king and the left side for the prince. A memorial service honoring these ancestors is held four times a year and it is listed as a UNESCO world cultural heritage. People back in the day thought that humans were a combination of energy of yang and yin. The body is like a house in which the soul resides. The wooden tablets represent that house for the souls invited to the ritual to receive offerings from their descendants.

"Bukchon"- Back in the Joseon Dynasty, Bukchon, which means "north town," was where all the important people lived - government officials, the royal family, that kind of crowd. Down south in Namchon, which means "south town," that's where the regular folks lived. The Japanese settled in Namchon first and figured they'd just keep expanding to the north after bringing in more of their own people from Japan. But, a Korean property development company threw a wrench in their plans. They bought up the land, divided it into smaller lots and built a whole bunch of Korean traditional houses at affordable prices for Koreans. That's what really saved this area and made it what it is today - a popular tourist spot. In the end, the CEO of the company was imprisoned because of his involvement in the Korean independence movement.

Unlike Kyeongbokgung, the main palace where major buildings are arranged along an axis, Changdeokgung is laid out in harmony with the area's topography: it was constructed on the base of the mountain. Buildings were positioned naturally, taking into consideration the geographical features of the slope. Changdeokgung is a unique case in the history of palace architecture in East Asia as it retains remarkable asymmetric beauty in terms of layout, and it's exceptional for the way in which the buildings are integrated into harmony with natural settings. 

Thus, the palace was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. Furthermore, its Royal Garden boasts unique features that set it apart from both Chinese and Japanese styles. Don't miss the chance to experience it.