Seoul - Hongdae street market and Gyeongbokgung palace

Hongdae street market

Hongik University Station exit to Hongdae street market.

Direction: Take subway to Hongik University Station.

Hongdae-ap (the area in front of Hongik University) is a neighborhood known for its youthful and romantic ambience, underground cultures, and freedom of self-expression. Unique cafes, cozy galleries, accessory stores, fashion shops, live cafés and clubs, art markets, and gourmet eateries make this a popular hang-out for locals in their 20s and 30s and a fascinating place to walk around.

Also in this same area is the ‘A ballerina who loves b-boy’ theater and other theaters dedicated to the art of b-boy dance. Another big draw of Hongdae is the weekend ‘Free market,’ (1pm to 6m) where artists gather each week to display and sell their handmade crafts and accessories. During the market time there are usually a variety of open-air concerts and events as well.

These unique place plus the cultural events, street performances, and festivals held here make Hongdae-ap an area that is always packed with people and excitement. Special streets such as ateliers’ street (with full of private institutions for art students preparing for university entrance exams), Picasso’s Street, and Club Street are also must-go places if you’re hoping to fully experience the Hongdae area.

If you are looking for food, Hongdae and Ehwa University is the place to go. The food is cheaper in these areas and you can get better quality food here. During my trip, after tasting so much of Korean food and not knowing where to go, I took the subway back to Ehwa and look for a restaurant there.

Recomended: For food

Gyeongbokgung

Entrance of Gyeongbokgung

Entrance fee: 3000 won. There is also an integrated ticket at the cost of 10000 won where you can visit many other palace and places. I did not buy the integrated ticket as I didnt plan to visit all those places but if you are going to, then it is cheaper.
Direction: Exit Gyeongbokgung Palace station and it is just a few minutes walk to exit the station. The signs are very clear how to get there as it is the main attraction in that area and can hardly miss.

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces.

The premises were destroyed by fire during the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919) .

Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond are still relatively in tact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculpture of contemporary art.

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong.

The palace is very huge and after entering the entrance, there are gardens, lake, and quarters you can explore. There is also another gate to enter the palace or exit if you want. In the middle, there is a small lake with a pagoda in the middle. At the main entrance, they have Koreans dress up as the guards standing beside the gates and you can take pictures with them. They will just stand still there but if you touch them they will react "aggresively". You are not suppose to touch them. There will also be many tourists there so you will have to que up.

Palace guard marching in front of the gates.

Main hall of the palace. It cannot be entered and only able to peek inside.

We saw Korean couples taking wedding photo's in the palace.