Potato in Seoul - Gyeongbokgung/경복궁 (Again!)

If you're friends with me on Facebook or follow me on Instagram (@lilea_ishere), you've probably seen all of these photos already, however, you're about to see them again! Yay! I decided to make a post using some of my favorite shots from this trip to the Palace.

Last month, I went to one of the palaces that I went to last summer, but this time, I was dressed in traditional regalia. I went with two friends, and we made a quick stop to a hanbok rental place that was right next to the palace where we got all dressed up before heading to the palace. Though palace entry isn't expensive to begin with, if you go to the palace dressed in traditional Korean clothing (hanbok), you get free entry! The hanbok place that we went to was small, and I didn't get any photos of the inside. The staff spoke a variety of languages, and everything was very quick and efficient.

Although hanboks traditionally come in bright colors, I opted for one that's more modern-looking made with darker colors. Those who know me, know that I'm always wearing dark colors. I haven't worn brights in...a long time.T and you get to try on two different options, but if you're still not satisfied with the first two tries, you can pay extra to try on more. I got lucky and ended up going with the first hanbok I tried on.

Potato in Seoul - Gyeongbokgung Palace / 경복궁

 Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395, it is located in northern Seoul, South Korea (Wikipedia)

Gyeongbokgung is one of Seoul's most famous historical landmarks. Otherwise known as the Northern Palace, its history runs long and deep. Most of the palace that's there today are replicas or re-built buildings based on the originals. Many of the original buildings were destroyed or taken by the Japanese government and then set up in Japan. All of the buildings were restored or re-built in the late 1800s under King Gojong.

The palace is also the setting for many popular Korean dramas such as Moon Embracing the Sun (해를 품은 달), Mirror of the Witch (마녀보감), and Scarlet Heart: Ryeo (보보경심: 려). It's seen its fair share of famous Koreans, past and present. 

This archway is in the subway station closest to the palace. It's said to bring good luck if you walk under it