Grand Palaces in Seoul

More than six centuries ago, Seoul was made Korea’s capital by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Becoming the capital meant being transformed into the country’s hub for politics, economy and culture. In short, Seoul became the soul of Korea, a role it still retains to this day. With the passing of time, Seoul has undergone so much development and transformation attributed to the success of its economy. But amidst the glitter of its skyscrapers, high tech and modern structures, the legacy of its previous era has been well preserved. Numerous mega buildings towering above elegant and opulent Korean architecture of palaces and temples are a testament to the perfect blend of the old and new that makes the city enthralling.

The palaces in Seoul are incomparable; nothing comes close to their majestic and magnificent designs. Steeped in history these grand palaces namely, Changdeokgung; Changgyeonggung; Deoksugung; Gyeongbokgung; and Gyeonghuigung, were all built during the Joseon Dynasty. These palaces were built as monuments of the greatness of the various kings during their reign. Although some have been rebuilt and undergone a few renovations, the unique charm and beauty of Korean architecture as well as its rich heritage is still very much evident in these structures.

Changdeokgung
Changdeokgung or Changdeok Palace (gung in Korean means palace) which literally means “Palace of Prospering Virtue”, covers an area of 58 hectares and is the largest of the five royal palaces. It is also referred to as the East Palace because it lies east of another main palace, Gyeongbok Palace. Considered as the most Korean among the palaces, this is the only palace that preserves the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty. A distinctive feature of Changdeokgung is that it was built to harmonize with nature as completely as possible and with minimum effect on the natural environment. Built in 1405 and was completed in 1412, the palace was burned down during the Japanese invasions and was partly rebuilt in 1611. Changdeokgung was inscribed in the Unesco World Heritage List 1997.

Changgyeonggung
Changgyeonggung or Changgyeong Palace was originally the Summer residence of the Goryeo Emperor and later included as one of the Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. Originally built as a “Suganggung” by King Sejong for his father Taejong, it was renovated in 1483 by King Seongjong, and was also renamed Changgyeonggung, a name it carried from then on. During the Japanese colonial period, the once royal palace was demoted to a mere garden and became part of a zoo. Moreover, the Japanese also decorated the ridge’s roof of the Injeongjeon (the royal audience chamber) with flower patterns; a very unusual pattern which they say was included by the Japanese to disgrace the royal family. The palace underwent renovation in 1987 to remove any traces of the Japanese colonial rule and to restore the old glory of the palace.

Deoksugung
Also known as Gyeonggungung, Deoksugung, or Deoksu Palace, was originally the residence of Prince Wolsan and became a royal residence during the Seven Year War, when the Japanese burnt all the other palaces to the ground in 1592. Deoksugung is a compound of palaces and is famous for its elegant stone-wall road. Its name, Deoksugung, literally means “The Palace of Virtuous Long Life”.

Gyeongbokgung


Gyeongbokgung or Gyeongbok Palace was first constructed in 1394, and served as the primary residence of the royal family. It is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. Also referred to as the Northern Palace because it is located in the northern part of the city, its name, Gyeongbokgung, literally means “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven”. Because all of the palaces were burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion at the end of the 16th century, Gyeongbok was left neglected for the next 250 years and was only rebuilt in 1867, only to be destroyed again by the next Japanese invasion, of the 330 original buildings, only 10 were left intact. Since 1990, efforts to fully restore Gyeongbok to its former beauty and glory have been on-going.

Gyeonghuigung
Gyeonghui Palace or the “Palace of Serene Harmony”, is situated on the west side of Seoul, thus it was called Seogwol (a palace of the west) and served as the secondary palace for the king. A secondary palace usually serves as the King’s residence in troubled times or in time of emergency. Like many of the palaces in the past, Gyeonghui was also destroyed during the Japanese invasion and was rebuilt in the early 1990s.

Palaces may just be a boring structure for some, but, for most, just having the chance to experience and have a glimpse of the glorious past of the country is reason enough to trek to these places.

So, if you have the chance to go to Korea, aside from visiting the must see sites, why not include a stop-over to these palaces and be overwhelmed by the charm that bestows this Sparkling City, truly... Limitless Possibilities... that's Infinitely yours, SEOUL!!!

Must-See Landmarks in Seoul

Seoul is not only the capital of South Korea, it is the largest city in the country and is also considered as the soul of Korea. A befitting moniker for a place which is considered as the center of Korea’s activities, may it be in politics, culture or economy. Seoul has earned this major role for over six centuries now, ever since King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty made it the capital of the country.

Seoul is not only considered as the 5th largest city in the world but also the 2nd largest mega city; it is home to more than 10 million people; and the host of the 1988 Summer Games, and, together with Japan co-hosted the 2002 World Cup.

But when you come to Korea, you land at the Incheon International Airport, the gateway of Korea. You still have to travel an extra 52 kilometers, or about an hour to reach Seoul. You can either take a taxi or bus that will transport you to Seoul via the airport’s expressway.

Seoul offers the perfect blend of a modern city of glitzy skyscrapers and a place rich in history, cultural sights, historical landmarks and impressive monuments. Seoul offers limitless possibilities to do and see for every type of tourist. The following are the must-see landmarks of Seoul which proves that it is fast becoming a major international tourist destination.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Built in 1394, and one of the five grand palaces built in Seoul by the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbok is considered as the crown jewel although it is the oldest, it is the most beautiful and grandest of all the palaces. The palace served as home to the ruling family when Seoul became the capital of Korea.
Within the palace complex is the National Folk Museum of Korea. The museum showcases the lifestyle of the Korean people from the prehistoric age to the Joseon Dynasty. Items on display are those for everyday use, major works of art and replicas.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex
Also known as Changdeok Palace, Changdeokgung Palace which literally means the “Palace of Prospering Virtue” was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1997. The palace was built in 1405, and together with Gyeongbokgung Palace is part of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Considered as the most Korean of all the palaces, it covers a total area of 58 hectares, comprising of 13 buildings and 28 pavilions, and was built pleasingly blending with the surrounding landscape and with minimum effect on the natural environment.

Bongeunsa Temple
Built in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong of the Silla Dynasty, the temple sits on Sudo Mountain in the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul. Bongeunsa is one of Korea’s major temples and is a popular tourist attraction because of the temple stay program, where visitors are allowed to “live” like a monk within the temple grounds.

Jongmyo Shrine
One of the two World Heritage Sites in Seoul, the Jongmyo Shrine is the first and most genuine Confucian royal shrine in Korea. It is dedicated to the memorial services of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty and is considered as the longest Korean building of traditional design.

National Museum of Korea
First established in 1945, but re-opened in a new building in Yongsan-dong, Seoul on October 2005, it is considered not only as one of the best national museums in the world but also the largest museum in Asia and the 6th largest museum in the world in terms of floor space.

Namdaemun Gate
Also called Sungreymun or the “Great Southern Gate”, this historic structure was once part of an ancient city wall. Considered as National Treasure #1 and is currently undergoing repair and reconstruction due to the major damages it incurred in a fire in 2008.

N Seoul Tower

Built on top of Mt. Namsan, this 236.7-meter communication tower features four (4) observation decks, the 4th and highest deck is a revolving restaurant which makes a complete rotation every 48 minutes. Visitors must take a cable car to enable them to climb the tower. Because of its elevation, a panoramic view of Seoul awaits the visitors of the tower. The tower can be seen from almost any point in the city.

63 Building
The third tallest building in Korea stands at a commanding height of 249-meters. 63 refers to the total number of floors: 60 are above-ground while 3 are devoted to basement levels. It houses as IMAX theater, convention center, aquarium, banquet hall, an observation deck known as the 63 Golden Tower, and a lot of stores and boutiques.

Admiral Yi Sun Shin Statue
A major landmark in Seoul, this monument commemorates the 16th century admiral and Korean maritime hero who designed the metal-clad turtle boat known as geobukseon. This warships were used in combating Japanese naval vessels during his time. To have a glimpse of how Admiral Yi Sun Shin looks like, you just have to look at a 100 Won coin, his face is immortalized in the Korean coin.

Mount Pukhansan
Located near Seoul, this mass of granite is a favorite nature trail for Koreans who would like to have a respite from the rigors and stresses of urban living. Its tallest peak is called Baekundae, and for those who can conquer this peak, the reward is a 360-degree view of Seoul.

Dongdaemun Market
Considered by Koreans as “world’s extraordinarily large shopping town” – this is probably the world’s largest wholesale shopping district. Popular destination not only to local residents but as well as tourists, this area offers almost every unimaginable product one can ever think of at really very cheap prices. A shopping district that never sleeps, it is practically open 24 hours a day. A must stop for all bargain hunters.

Seoul is truly sparkling and offers countless possibilities to all its visitors. This is an open invitation for everyone to come explore, experience and enjoy its sites and sounds and have an experience of a lifetime in the Land of the Morning Calm.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

What would you expect to see when you have a stream flowing right smack in the heart of not only the 2nd largest mega city in the world but also one of the world’s largest and busiest city. I guess you would say, a filthy, polluted, trash-laden and stinking waterway. This may hold true for some, but not in the case of Seoul’s present-day Cheonggyecheon stream. The stream boast of sparkling clean waters and a major public recreation place for everyone. Thanks to the vision and political will of then Seoul Mayor and now President Lee Myung Bak. Cheonggyecheon has been lauded as a major success in urban renewal and revitalization. But this was not always the case for this culturally and historically significant waterway.

Cheonggyecheon is a 5.6 km stream that runs from west to east traversing through downtown Seoul before connecting to the Han River via the Jungnangcheon which eventually empties into the Yellow Sea.

Originally called Gaecheon during the Joseon Dynasty, it was only during the Japanese colonial period that the stream got its name Chonggyecheon .

In the years following the Korean War, migration to Seoul increased tremendously and the Cheonggyecheon area was not spared from becoming a slum area, a place called home to the less fortunate.

From the 1960s till the 70s, the stream was covered. Economic activity flourished and soon, elevated expressways were constructed leading to more and more commercial facilities sprouting in the area, and of course traffic became busier. With continuous economic growth in the 80s and 90s, the area had grown into the most prosperous economic district not just in Seoul but in the entire country as well, the more Chonggyecheon was buried into oblivion.

Cheonggyecheon’s renaissance started in 2003, when a project that would bring back the old glory and beauty of this once neglected stream got underway. Then Seoul Mayor Lee Myung Bak, amidst all the opposition, started the Cheongyecheon Restoration Project. A project that would eventually cost US$ 281 million in taxpayers money.

The project called for the removal of the elevated highway and for the restoration of the stream, which almost dried up due to years of neglect. Almost 120,000 tons of water was pumped daily into the stream for a period of time.

Finally in 2005, the Cheonggyecheon stream was opened to the public – a stunning 5.6 kilometer-long greenway and sparkling stream right in the heart of Seoul.

TRULY, KOREA SPARKLING!!!!