SEOUL SEARCHING DAY #2: Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong & Cheonggyecheon Stream

It was only our second day in Seoul and we were looking forward to the plans we had for the rest of the day! If you missed our adventures on the first day in this exciting metropolitan city, here’s a link to it!

Bukchon Hanok Village

We began our adventures by travelling back to the ancient times of the Joseon dynasty. Located in the middle of a bustling city, Bukchon Hanok village showed us the traditional side of Korea. It feels amazing to travel back in time to a different era…sounds like a typical Korean storyline, doesn’t it?

Similar to the Jeju Folk Village, the Bukchon Hanok Village offers a glimpse into the historical settings and vibes of the prominent dynasty in Korea. This quaint neighbourhood houses hundreds of Korean traditional residences, known as Hanok. It lies at the north of two iconic sites in Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno, giving the name, Bukchon, which literally translates to “northern village”. Formerly resided by aristocrats, Bukchon Hanok village is well preserved and now, many hanoks were converted into restaurants, guesthouses, and teahouses, giving visitors a whole new Korean experience.

We walked through the busy passageway filled with boisterous tourists while admiring the neatly arranged rows of hanoks at both sides. The steep passageway brought us to the top of the slope where you can observe a picturesque view of the village. Along the way, we could not resist to take pictures of the beautiful wall designs and antique wooden doors.

Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

How did we get there?

Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2. Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village. You may enquire at the information counter for more suggestions on the route.

No admission fee

While on our way to Gyeongbokgung, we saw a group of crew filming a scene!

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Continuing with our odyssey in the Joseon dynasty, we came across an ancient royal palace surrounded by high walls, established majestically in the heart of the country’s capital. Built in the 14^th century, Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace during Joseon dynasty. Also located far north from the two points of interest which are Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace, Gyeongbokgung is colloquially known as the Northern Palace. Looks like we had been going up to the north, on the quest of meeting the King of the North!

Entering from Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance of the palace, we were welcomed by the palace guards who were getting ready for a performance. It seems like we were just in time for the royal guard changing ceremony. This ceremony is scheduled twice daily in front of Gwanghwamun at 10 am & 2pm except on Tuesdays. Back then, the palace guards of Gyeongbokgung had day and night shifts. Thus, the changing of palace guards ceremony was performed once a shift was over.

Besides the changing of palace guards, you may even want to witness other performances as well.

The schedule is as following:

Gwanghwamun Gate Guard-on-Duty Performance

11:00, 13:00 / 10 minutes per ceremony

Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Military Training (outside Hyeopsaengmun Gate)

09:30, 13:30 / 15 minutes per ceremony

The reenactment of the ceremony gave us a little insight of the monarchy era in Seoul. We then proceeded to the ticketing booth situated on the far right of the palace compound. More ticketing information will be stated below. However, if you enter the palace donning a hanbok, a Korean traditional wear, you are eligible for free admission! You can even get the most out of the Joseon experience. Korean drama fanatics could also reenact a melodramatic scene from Dong Yi. Alright, that’s the only Korean drama I know which was set during the times of the Joseon dynasty.

We did not rent hanbok from elsewhere because you can get to try it at a booth in front of Gyeonghoeru pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace. In addition, you may even try on the palace guard’s uniform. Unfortunately, we missed the chance as we were supposed to register earlier and wait for our turn at the Traditional Costume Experience kiosk. But it was too late for that. Oh well.

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

How did we get there?

Line 3 (Orange) to Gyeongbokgung & Exit 5 (through ancient palace like corridor)

Operating hours:

November-February 09:00-17:00

March-May 09:00-18:00

June-August 09:00-18:30

September-October 09:00-18:00

* Last admission: 1 hr before closing

* Operating hours are subject to change depending on conditions or circumstances.

*closed on Tuesdays

Admission fee:

[Korean Citizens]

Adults (ages 25-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won

[International Visitors]

Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won

Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Group (10 people or more): 1,200 won

Insadong

Calling for all artsy people, this place is heaven for y'all! Located 15 minutes away from Gyeongbokgung, Insadong is a well-known cultural and artistic hub of Seoul. Insadong had earned its recognition as a cultural centre a few hundred years ago. In addition to the deep rooted history of the street, Insadong was known for having a school for painters back then.

To date, it remains as a focal point for art enthusiasts, offering a variety of artworks such as earthenware, calligraphy materials, antique furnitures, souvenirs, and dainty accessories. There were even valuable relics such as ceramics, antique books, and white pottery from the Joseon period where its value can go up to a few hundred million won. Besides, many Hanbok rental shops were clustered in this area. In the midst of the crowd, you may even see a Korean girl clad in the fancy and vibrant looking traditional wear while lifting up a promotional sign, calling the passersby, particularly tourists, for a Hanbok experience.

Insadong is also a perfect place for souvenir hunting! You needn’t have to worry about getting something that represents South Korea for your friends and relatives who were eagerly expecting them back home. There are many shops that sell the exact same items with same designs and prices along the street. You may be spoilt for choices as the souvenirs come in various types ranging from keychains, nail clippers, metal chopsticks to traditional Korean paper fans. The prices were pretty much reasonable and ranged from 8000 won (~RM28.32)- 20 000 won (~RM70.8), depending on the items.

We had a light stroll along the streets of Insadong till we reached an artsy and modern complex. Ssamziegil consists of cafes, art galleries, and even workshops under one roof. This complex features a more contemporary side of Insadong. You may find benches and structures creatively modelled from recycled items and brilliantly adorable murals painted on the walls, giving a lively spirit to the place.

As dinner time was approaching, we stumbled upon Tofu restaurant, a restaurant which its main specialty is tofu dishes. All of us ordered seafood tofu individually, which was served in claypot.

The hot bubbling soup was cooked with large pieces of soft tofu, prawns, and egg, finished with spring onions. This delicious broth is eaten with rice, or soaked with rice, according to personal preference. The main course was paired with the accompanying sides, which were gosari namul (fernbreak), spinach, kimchi, and yangnyeom gejang (spicy raw crabs which we were too skeptical to try!)

Personally, I do not enjoy tofu generally, even when it is cooked in a soup form. But, this dish surprisingly pleased my taste buds. Probably because the soup was sufficiently seasoned with flavours, complementing the plain tofu taste.

Address: 62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

How did we get there?

Jongno 5(o)-ga take Line 1 (Blue) to Jongno 3(sam)-ga

- Transfer to Line 3 (Orange) to Anguk Station

- Exit 6. Go 100m forward, then turn left onto Insa-dong Street

Namsan tower was seen from far, in between the high rise buildings. What a sight!

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon stream was a restoration project conducted in 2005, by removing the elevated highway which was built after the Korean War that covered the stream. The 11km stream that stretches through the city, has become one of Seoul’s city attractions. This beautiful and serene nature landscape juxtaposed with the surrounding lively and fast-paced city. Taking an evening stroll along the sidewalk by the stream sounds like a perfect idea for a date or for chilling out after a long day’s work.

There was even a mini art gallery beneath the overpass! Truly admire the city's cleanliness...Such a rare sight to us.

The water flowing in Cheonggyecheon is so pristinely clear that I could see the base of the stream. Before you doubt its cleanliness, the citizens of Seoul relaxingly soaked their feet into the water. You may want to experience ‘fish spa’, as there were fishes swimming in the stream. It was truly an amazing exposure for us Malaysians to witness a clean and well preserved public stream in the middle of a city. It just never happened in Malaysia.

Can you see the fishes?

There was a mini waterfall in the middle of the stream, and another artificial waterfall at the exit of the walkway. We finally sat down by the stream and rested while staring at the quiet waters. Occasionally, we looked up at the skyscrapers to remind ourselves that we were in the middle of a concrete jungle.