Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Take a step back in time in one of the historic places in Seoul, the Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty. If you want to to visit just a single one, it has to be Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Entrance of the Royal palace

It was our first day and we don't know where to start. Thankfully, we found tourism eonnies who helped us and directed us to the palace, pointing out that instead of taking the subway, we can just walk because it is good for our body. So we walked to Gyeongbokgung palace for 15 minutes.

For those who have to get there by subway:

Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) Exit 5
161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)

Admission fee to Gyeongbokgung Palace is 3,000 won for adults but its is free when wearing a hanbok. We rented ours in Insadong for 12,000 won (including Sok Chima- similar to petticoat, head piece and small handbag) for 2 hours. You can stroll around Gyeongbokgung, Insadong and Bukchon in your hanbok.

Make use of the pillars in your photos :)

What to do?

Bask in the grandness of the palace.

Catch autumn foliage.

Make friends.

Witness changing of guards ceremony (though we missed the schedule) - we will definitely catch next time.

Schedule: 6 times a day, every hour on the hour starting at 10:00 (10:00~16:00) - 10 minutes per ceremony.

You can also check Visit Korea website, this helped us a lot.

Related:
7-Day Seoul Itinerary
Day 1: Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong