As a fan of Asian cinema, I have always been immersed in Korean culture through films and music. I loved learning about historical palaces and ancient life back in the day. In Korea, there are five palaces that are open to the public to explore. These five palaces are Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung.
During this trip, I visited Gyeongbukgung and had the pleasure of witnessing evidence of the past. The palace with gorgeous and filled with history to explore. When the Japanese invaded Korea in 1592-1598, this palace with burnt down with many others and all was left was ashes. After being abandoned for 270 years, the palace with once reconstructed with the help from Prince Regent.
Shown above is the main throne hall called the Geunjeongjeon Hall. It is built in 1395 and is the largest most formal hall in the palace. At this location, the king held meetings, handled state affairs, and held receptions for foreign visitors and dignitaries. Also, grand celebrations, such as coronation ceremonies of kings were organized here.
Above, I am wearing Korean traditional clothing called Hanbok. These are available for rental all over the areas near the Korean palaces. When wearing the Hanbok, one can receive free admission to the palaces. In the past, Hanbok is worn daily where the upper class wore brighter colors and the lower class would wear white or plain colors.
Now, Hanboks are considered more of a semi-formal or formal type dress reserved for special occasions. On the day of visiting the palace, it was really humid while wearing traditional clothing so I did not get a chance to fully tour the palace. In that case, I will definitely return and learn more about it by joining the tours. I truly recommend anyone visiting Seoul to tour the palaces but be sure to choose a day with better weather!