Gyeong-bukgung Palace, Seoul, Korea

This complex is patterned after the Forbidden city in Beijing, China. All the main buildings are on an axis, with wide plazas and gardens. While the Forbidden City seemed subdued, the Korean palace felt more like a festive gathering. A mix of Koreans and tourists gathered to stroll the grounds here, many of them in bright silk costumes.

My favorite part of this complex is definitely the 2-story pavilion set in a pond surrounded by graceful spring green willows and cherry trees. With the mountains in the background, it is so picturesque, and I wasn’t the only tourist who couldn’t get enough of it.

I almost skipped this site, but I’m glad we experienced it. Well worth the small admission price (about $3). We arrived before the 11:30 changing of the guard, an impressive and colorful ceremony.

Kate stood near one of the guards for a picture, and he actually responded when she said ‘kamsamneda’ (thank you). Not sure he was supposed to!

We had a short visit to the folk museum and saw some lovely Hanbok, artifacts and village art. One regret: we didn’t have time for the free National Palace Museum of Korea, right beside the palace. The main displays hold jewelry from the royal court, clothing and art. For anyone interested in the culture, this is a must-see.  But we only had a partial day to sight-see; we had a plane to catch back to the states.

Korea is a whirl of colorful silks, friendly people, modern technology and ancient sites packed into a country the size of Florida. We thoroughly experienced it and I highly recommend you see it for yourself!

~ Jenny Morin