Seoul｜Gyeongbokgung—Slow Down Time Under the Painted Eaves

Stepping into Gyeongbokgung, the stone steps, wooden windows, and layers of colorful eaves feel like a breathing painting. Whether under sunny skies or cloudy ones, the palace is stunning, and even the footsteps of the gate guards seem to compose a soundtrack for the day.

My Experience: Light on the Stone Pavement, Breeze Beneath the Pillars

Looking at my photos, I’m instantly transported back to the courtyard in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall: the stone pavement glistens under the sun, with shadows slicing the ground into geometric patterns. Looking up at the eaves, the intricate layers of green, red, indigo, and gold create a meticulous order. Walking into the corridors, the wooden pillars absorb the city’s noise, leaving only the sound of the breeze and footsteps. Light dances on the beams, and you can’t help but slow down—in Gyeongbokgung, the most beautiful moments are those few minutes spent waiting for the light to shift.

Exiting through Gwanghwamun Gate, I happened to catch the changing of the guards. As the drumbeat ended, the guards in red and blue uniforms seemed to step out of a painting. Travelers in hanbok and photographers courteously made way for each other, creating a scene that felt both polite and quintessentially Seoul.

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Background and History
• The First Royal Palace: Founded in 1395, it served as the political and ceremonial center of the Joseon Dynasty.
• Periods of Destruction and Restoration: Burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea, it was extensively rebuilt in the 19th century by Heungseon Daewongun. During the Japanese colonial period, it suffered further damage, with gates and halls being relocated or demolished.
• Modern Recovery: Since the 1990s, long-term restoration projects have gradually brought back structures like Gwanghwamun Gate and ceremonial spaces such as Geunjeongjeon and Sajeongjeon. What you see in photos today is the result of the city piecing its history back together bit by bit.

This isn’t just a textbook story—it’s how I feel every time I walk in front of the halls: what’s being restored isn’t just the architecture, but also the rituals and rhythms of life.

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Recommended Route
1. Gwanghwamun → Geunjeongmun → Geunjeongjeon: Walk straight through the central axis of the palace. At Geunjeongjeon, stand on the 3rd to 5th step of the stone stairs for the best frontal shot.
2. Sajeongjeon Corridor: This is the perfect spot for close-ups of the painted eaves. Tilt your camera up 10–15° to capture the eaves as diagonal lines for a more dynamic composition.
3. Around Jagyeongjeon and Gyotaejeon: The palace garden suddenly feels more intimate here, ideal for photographing window frames and slanting light.
4. Guard Ceremony: Arrive 5–10 minutes before the hour at Gwanghwamun Gate. Use a wide-angle lens for the entire procession and a telephoto lens for close-ups of expressions—one camera for each is perfect.

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Tickets, Hours, and Attire (Quick Guide)
• Tickets: Typically under 1,000 KRW for adults; free entry for hanbok wearers (subject to onsite policies).
• Closed Days: Usually closed on Tuesdays; hours may vary during holidays or events.
• Best Times: 9–11 AM or late afternoon for the softest light. Overcast days are great for capturing the details of the painted eaves.
• Attire: The stone pavement reflects strong sunlight, so bring a hat or sunscreen. If wearing hanbok, be cautious on the stairs.

Getting There
• Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5): About a 5–8 minute walk.
• Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2): Walk straight along Sejong-ro.
• Nearby Walks: From Gwanghwamun, head straight to Sejong Cultural Center or Admiral Yi Sun-sin Square. To the east, you’ll find Insadong and Anguk; to the north, Cheong Wa Dae Sarangchae and Bukchon Hanok Village.

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Where to Eat｜Two Nearby Options (with Addresses + Mini Reviews)
• Tosokchon Samgyetang
Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (west of Gyeongbokgung, about an 8–10 minute walk)
What I ordered: Signature ginseng chicken soup. The broth is light and sweet, with rice soaking up the flavors. Perfect for summer rejuvenation or winter warmth. There’s often a queue, but around 3 PM is usually less crowded.
• Cafe Onion Anguk (Hanok-style Cafe) ➡️ Check out my other travel post for more details
Address: 5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (3 minutes from Anguk Station Exit 3; 15–20 minutes on foot from Gyeongbokgung)
What I ordered: Seasonal fruit croissant + latte. Sitting by the window lets you frame the eaves and courtyard in your photos, making it a great stop before heading to Bukchon.

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Where to Stay (Near Gyeongbokgung, Walkable for a Full Day)
• Four Seasons Hotel Seoul｜97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (near Gwanghwamun)—City views and reliable service, perfect for special occasions.
• Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun｜71 Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul—Budget-friendly and within walking distance to Gyeongbokgung and Insadong.

If you prefer apartment-style accommodations, Orakai Insadong Suites is also within walking distance.

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Photography Tips (Phone-Friendly) 📸
1. Water Reflections: After rain, crouch low to capture reflections in the puddles in front of Geunjeongjeon.
2. Overcast for Colors, Sunny for Shadows: Overcast days bring out the colors of the eaves; sunny days let you play with the shadows of the wooden pillars.
3. Tilt Up 10–15°: Extend the eaves’ lines without cutting off the ridge ornaments.
4. Portrait Positioning: Stand 30–50 cm away from the pillars, face the side light for the best skin tone.
5. Outfit Contrast: Choose solid colors or small floral patterns for hanbok to complement the painted eaves.
6. Guard Ceremony: Use a shutter speed of 1/250s or faster to capture movement; burst mode is even better.

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6 Reasons I Recommend Gyeongbokgung
1. Rich Historical Layers: From the main gate to the inner halls, the palace’s axis is clear, and the stories are compelling.
2. Photogenic in Any Weather: Stone pavements, painted eaves, rooftops, and ceremonies—beautiful in both sun and clouds.
3. Prime Location: Connected to Gwanghwamun, Insadong, and Bukchon, you can explore the area on foot all day.
4. Cultural Rituals: The guard ceremony and seasonal events make history feel alive.
5. Family-Friendly: Flat courtyards, plenty of restrooms, and ample seating areas.
6. Diverse Dining and Lodging Options: From ginseng chicken soup to hanok cafes, luxury hotels to boutique stays, the itinerary is highly flexible.

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Practical Tips (Avoiding Crowds/Costs/Etiquette) 💡
• Avoiding Crowds: Weekends from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM are the busiest; weekday mornings or evenings are more comfortable.
• Tickets: Discounts may be available during hanbok days or seasonal events; check onsite or online.
• Etiquette: Some halls are off-limits for stepping inside; avoid blocking pathways when taking photos, and respect the guards and staff.
• Weather: Summer sun is strong, and winter winds are harsh—bring water and dress appropriately.
• Budget: Tickets + transport + one meal can cost 15,000–30,000 KRW per person for a half-day visit; add more for coffee and desserts.
• Safety: Stone steps can be slippery; slow down in the rain. If wearing hanbok, hold up the hem of your skirt.

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Basic Information (Info Card)
• Attraction: Gyeongbokgung
• Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Transportation: Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5); or Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2)
• Hours/Tickets: Check onsite or online (usually closed on Tuesdays)
• Nearby: Gwanghwamun Square / Insadong / Bukchon Hanok Village

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Gyeongbokgung｜Gwanghwamun｜Geunjeongjeon｜Tosokchon Samgyetang｜Cafe Onion Anguk｜Four Seasons Seoul｜Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun