after leaving changdeokgung & the secret gardens,

we took the subway one stop from anguk to gyeongbokgung & folowed the signs to exit 5. ^^

behind gyeongbokging to the north is bugaksan (북악산-北岳山, 342m). it’s the tallest of 4 mountains surrounding gyeongbokgung, as described here.

we entered from the left side entrance.

Gwanghwamun 광화문 光化門, the palace main gate, is in front (which is to the right of above photo).

“The four gates of Gyeongbok Palace, arched gates with a gate tower built above a stone buttress, are magnificent additions to this majestic palace compound. Gwanghwamun 광화문 光化門 , the palace’s main gate with a two-story gate tower and a series of three arched gates, is the grandest and stateliest of the four”.

Gwanghwamun was first constructed in 1395 as the main gate to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main and most important royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. it was burnt down during the imjin wars in 1592 & later rebuilt.

the Geungjeong-jeon ( 근정전 ) 勤政殿，was the throne hall.

It was used on the most formal occasions such as royal audiences with all the officials, receptions for foreign envoys,kings etc.

and like changdeokgung, there was a court outside where palace officials stood in designated positions according to their ranks/appointments.

it was drizzling, & getting more than just light drizzle. we did not bring along the daiso S$2 raincoats. i had my parka hood, wife needed an umbrella. we managed to buy one at the souvenir shop for 10,000won, so problem solved.

“The most famous places for relaxing on the ground of Gyeongbok Palace are ⑪ Gyeonghoe-ru and ⑫ Hyangwon-jeong.Gyeonghoe-ru is a two-story pavilion built on an island in the middle of a lotus pond. Its construction was based on cosmic principles espoused by the Book of Changes. The king used this pavilion to entertain foreign envoys or hold large-scale banquets for his ministers”.

we walked by Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion 庆会楼. bugaksan is in the distance.

we came to Taewon-jeon, a royal coffin hall where the bodies of a deceased king or queen would lie in state until the burial.

turning back, we came to beautiful Hyangwon-jeong & another pond.

beautiful place indeed. very peaceful.

we walked by the folk museum.

The crown prince, heir to the throne, was compared to the rising sun.His quarters was placed on the eastern side of the palace compound and referred to as the Eastern Hall (⑩ Dong-gung).

i just wanted to take the photo to show the raised heated floor & the 2 chimneys by the side.

after a very fulfilling 3 palaces & secret gardens guided tour in as many hours or more, we were ready for some good eats.