before heading over to Gyeongbokgung, we stopped by Oneday Hanbok to collect our hanboks.
we got ours with compliments from Oneday Hanbok and they were b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l.
(i joined their facebook contest and won a 24-hour rental for two sets of hanbok, sweet!)
Oneday Hanbok has a wide range of hanboks in various sizes for both male and female, including children. to top that off, they also have lovely accessories like headgears and purses. prices are reasonable - i would definitely rent one the next time i'm back in Seoul!
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Fun Fact: you can enter the Gyeongbokgung for free if you're wearing a hanbok, just make sure to show them your hanbok at the ticket booth!
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Directions: Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station
this station is somewhat different from other stations as it has this 'ancient' feel to it - love it!
loving this feature in the station itself
then there is this gateway in the station
where you're supposed to walk through it for everlasting youth!
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we headed to Tosokchon for samgyetang (ginseng chicken) before visiting the palace.
it is quite a distance from the palace itself.
if you took exit #5 like we did, walk towards the gate in the direction of the main road.
take the left turn at the first intersection and walk straight.
you will see a cross section soon, cross the main road to the opposite side
and you should see Tosokchon.
Tip: they serve ginseng wine before the samgyetang is served. of course, you can drink the ginseng wine on its own. however, it does tastes better if you pour it in the samgyetang.
Tosokchon is built as a hanok (traditional korean house), thus the ambience is pretty nice.
we went around lunchtime so it was quite packed.
but the service was fast so not much problem with the crowd.
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Gyeongbokgung
and our mini photoshoot
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the interior of the great palace
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the changing of guards ceremony
at Gyeongbokgung, you can also try on the guard costumes for free.
bodyguards for the day (?)
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At Gwanghwamun (Square)
(a SuJu reference for ELFs out there)
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we headed to Bukchon Hanok Village next, though we were not able to cover the whole village.
a quaint little shop that was too pretty
Bukchon Hanok Village is basically a preserved cluster of tradition Korean homes. some have been converted to businesses such as restaurants and boutiques but many of these hanoks are still residential so be sure to keep down the noise level when you're there!
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next on our list: Oksu Station!
Thoughts:
the whole palace experience was definitely different (in a good way) all thanks to the chance to put on the hanbok. i would suggest that you give it a shot by renting yourself hanbok the next trip you make to Seoul! this is also one of the many things i love about South Korea - the medley of modernization and preservation of its ancient history and cultures. i must admit there were times when i wondered how would life be if i were born in a different space and time - don't we all?
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