Saturday, June 18, 2011

Seoul City Tour 1st part; inside Deoksu Palace

every budget traveler's dream, feel the chill !!
February 23-28, 2011 wednesday to monday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.
additional tasks: to conquer the Everland’s T-express (world’s most steepest roller coaster) and experience the snow for the 1st time


continue...

DAY ONE:
FEELING THE KOREA'S WINTER CHILL FOR THE 1ST TIME

At the incheon terminal 20 minutes after aircraft touchdown, waiting for the train transfer to the immigration office. Around 7am we left the airport riding an airport limousine bus, costs 10,000 won, going to our hostel near hyehwa subway station. We arrived around before 9am, then we waited for the landlord to arrive. Had our breakfast first in dunkin donuts nearby, unpacked our luggage, proceed to kfc for our lunch then head to subway for our 1st tour and 1st palace visit and witness the changing of the guards. Deoksugung is located near the cityhall station exit 2 with an entrance fee of 1,000 won. deoksugung has also changing of the guards @ 1100H, 1400H and 1500H

deoksugung (deoksu palace)

deoksugung (deoksu palace)

Deoksugung, also known as Gyeongun-gung, Deoksugung Palace, or Deoksu Palace, is a walled compound of palaces in Seoul that was inhabited by various Korean royalties until the colonial period around the turn of the 20th century. The buildings are of varying construction, including some of natural cryptomeria wood, painted wood, and stucco.

Located at the corner of Seoul's busiest downtown intersection, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone-wall road. It is also the only palace that sits alongside a series of western style buildings that add to the uniqueness of the surrounding scenery. Deoksugung Palace originally belonged to Wolsandaegun (1454~1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469~1494) of the Joseon Dynasty. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575~1641) ascended the throne and gave the palace the name Gyeongungung in 1611. Afterwards, the name was then changed back to its orginal title of Deoksugung.

deoksugung (deoksu palace)

deoksugung (deoksu palace)


deoksugung (deoksu palace)

deoksugung (deoksu palace)

Mt. Namsan is a symbolic mountain located at the center of Seoul. Although not as high as other surrounding mountains, Mt. Namsan is a very popular nonetheless as a resting site. At the top, there are various facilities such as Palgakjeong (octagonal hall), Seoul Tower, Maritime Aquarium, fountains, and Namsan Library. You may take a cable car to the top or walk up the stairway path. Other than this path, there are many other walkways to Namdaemun, Hoehyun-dong, Taegyero 3(sam)-ga, Jangchung Park, Itaewon, Huam-dong and much more. The driving courses here are also popular for couples.

namsan park

namsan park

Namsan Park is a historical site. You will find Bonghwadae (beacon mound) at the top as it was once the center of capital defense. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) the capital was changed to Hanyang,(current Seoul) and to protect the city from invasions, castle walls were built on the 4 major mountains like Mt. Bukaksan, Mt. Inwangsan, Mt. Naksan and Mt. Namsan. On Namsan peak, five beacons were built to report the news from local governments to the central government with a five-signal system.

namsan park

namsan park

Operating Hours:
Cable Car: 10:00 - 23:00
Admission Fee in Namsan Park is Free

Directions:
Hoehyeon Area: Go out exit #4 at Hoehyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4, then walk for 20 minutes.


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