Palaces & Insadong Walk

6 places

Palaces & Insadong Walk

Royal Seoul: From Palaces to Namsan Tower

This route covers two of Seoul's magnificent palaces, an ancient temple, colorful shopping streets, and ends with a panoramic view from Namsan Tower — the perfect program for experiencing the contrasts of the Korean capital.

Gyeongbokgung Palace — Morning Serenity

Start early morning at Gyeongbokgung Palace to see it without tourist crowds. In morning light, the palace is especially beautiful — soft sun highlights the bright colors of traditional Korean architecture: red columns, green tile roofs, white stone terraces.

The palace grounds are huge — you can spend several hours here. Don't miss:

Guard changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate (10:00, 14:00)
National Folk Museum (free, gives excellent insight into Korean life)
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion on an island in the pond — the palace's most romantic spot
Gyeonghoeru — "floating" pavilion for royal banquets

Palace museum shops sell quality souvenirs: fans, bookmarks with traditional patterns, replicas of royal jewelry.

Changdeokgung Palace

From Gyeongbokgung, walk to Changdeokgung Palace — about 15-20 minutes through the atmospheric Bukchon district. Changdeokgung is considered the most beautiful of the five royal palaces and is UNESCO-listed.

The palace's specialty is harmony with nature. Unlike other palaces built with strict symmetry, Changdeokgung is fitted into the terrain. Joseon Dynasty kings preferred to live here.

The Secret Garden (Huwon) is a must-see. 78 acres of forest, ponds, pavilions, royal libraries. The tour lasts about 90 minutes. Book in advance — spots fill up quickly!

Jogyesa Temple — Oasis of Peace

After the palaces, rest at Jogyesa Temple — an oasis of quiet in the noisy city. Korean Buddhism's main temple is a 10-minute walk from the palaces.

At the temple you can:

Meditate in the main hall before the Buddha statue
Try temple food at the vegetarian cafe
Sign up for a temple stay program (overnight with participation in rituals)
Buy Buddhist prayer beads, incense, and tea

Insadong — Traditions and Flavors

Insadong Street is the perfect place for lunch and shopping. The best traditional cuisine restaurants, tea houses, and craft shops are concentrated here.

What to try:

Bibimbap — rice with vegetables, meat, and spicy gochujang paste
Samgyeopsal — grilled pork belly wrapped in lettuce leaves
Tteok — rice cakes with various fillings
Traditional tea: omija (schisandra), yuja (yuzu citrus)

Cheonggyecheon Stream — Urban Idyll

After Insadong, descend to Cheonggyecheon Stream — an amazing urban oasis. This artificial stream runs 11 kilometers through central Seoul. Until recently, there was a highway here, but in 2005 it was moved underground and the historic stream was restored.

Walk along the water — it's cool even in summer heat. In the evening, lighting turns on, and the embankment becomes especially romantic. Along the way, you'll encounter art installations, fountains, and bridges.

Namsan Tower — Sunset Over Seoul

End your day at Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) — the city's main observation deck. You can go up:

By cable car — quick and convenient, beautiful views along the way
On foot — about 20-30 minutes through the park on Namsan Mountain

The observation deck offers a 360-degree panorama of Seoul. It's especially impressive at sunset when skyscrapers light up. At the tower's base is the famous wall with thousands of locks hung by couples in love.

The tower has restaurants with views and souvenir shops. The rotating n.Grill restaurant is one of Seoul's most romantic dinner spots.