Seoul｜Walking Along the Stone Walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace—Between the Shadows of the Walls and the Light of the Ginkgo Trees, Bringing the Joseon Dynasty into Daily Life 🧱🌿

#September2025
A leisurely stroll along the outer stone walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace. On one side, memories of the royal capital stretch back six centuries, while on the other, the traffic and aroma of coffee in modern Seoul unfold—history and life converse within the cracks of the stone, naturally slowing your pace.

A Little Background and History | Why is this wall worth walking?
• Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace became the principal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It endured the destruction of the Imjin War by the Japanese, its reconstruction by King Gojong, and numerous renovations throughout the 20th century. The granite and clay brick walls along the street bear witness to the passage of dynasties, colonization, and modernization.
• The "Outer Stone Wall" isn't a single attraction; it's an entire pedestrian zone encompassing Sajik-ro, Hyoja-dong, Samcheong-dong, and Sejong-ro. It faces Gwanghwamun Square to the south, Sajikdan Altar to the west, a small slope to the Bukaksan trailhead to the north, and all the way to Samcheong-dong/Bukchon Hanok Village to the east.
• My favorite reason for this walk is simple: the wall feels old, and the city feels new. The grayish-white stone surface seems to breathe in the sunlight; a gust of wind brings the shadows of the locust trees and ginkgo trees to the wall, like the turning of a page.

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My Real Route
1. Starting Point: Gwanghwamun Square → South Section of Gyeongbokgung Palace Wall
Coming from MRT Exit 5, the first thing you see is Gwanghwamun. Heading northwest, stone walls alternate with clay brick walls; the black tile drains on the wall's roof resemble pearls. Even on cloudy days, the scenery is captivating, as the walls absorb light very softly.
2. Western Section: Sajik-ro Intersection → Hyoja-dong Road
This section is less crowded and more shaded by trees. Inside the wall are the Sajik Altar and the palace grounds, while outside lies the everyday community. Occasionally, a mother with a stroller passes by; history lives right beside you.
3. Northern Section: Hyoja-dong → Foot of Bukaksan Mountain
As you encounter a gentle slope, you look up to see the ridgeline of Bukaksan Mountain. In autumn, the ginkgo trees gleam with golden hues, while in winter, the gray tones of the wall become even cleaner. 4. East Section: Samcheongdong Entrance → Museum Road
Approaching the National Folk Museum/National Palace Museum of Korea, cafes and handicraft shops begin to appear. Sit on a bench by the wall and you'll hear the distant drumbeats of the gatekeeper ceremony.

Tip: If your time is right, the gatekeeper ceremony in front of Gwanghwamun is worth watching. On rainy days, walk the corridors outside the palace instead, where the raindrops dancing on the roof tiles is soothing.

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8 Reasons You'll Resonate (Key Points)

1. The "city wall + street trees" composition is timeless: The gray-white stone and green leaves create a low-saturation contrast, perfect for photos even with a phone.

2. Pedestrian-friendly: The path is gentle, shaded, and there are often seats around corners; even the elderly can take breaks.

3. Highly Historical: Within a wall, you'll find the National Palace/Folk Museum, and a modern thoroughfare. 4. Rich seasonal changes: Spring with fresh green cherry blossoms, summer with chirping cicadas, autumn with ginkgo trees, and winter with frost—perfect for all seasons.
5. A great way to connect art and coffee: A ten-minute walk to Samcheongdong/Bukchon will definitely get your hipster radar going.
6. Most sections are free: You can experience the palace atmosphere without entering; if you want to explore deeper, buy a ticket.
7. Family-friendly: The stone walls, tiles, and door nails are all living teaching materials; children will be curious about how ancient city walls were drained.
8. High sense of security: Guards and volunteer guides are always on site, and the tour route is clear.

Photography Tips 📸
• Corner perspective: Choose a corner at a 45-degree angle, shoot from a low angle, and the rhythm of the tile ridges will be captivating.
• Tree shadows on the wall: On a sunny day at noon, place a tree branch in the top quarter of the frame. The shadows cast on the stone surface will create a layered and seasonal effect. • Portraits: Stand someone at the edge of the shadow where the wall meets the sidewalk, facing the sidelight. This creates a clearer complexion.
• Storyboards: You'll often see Korean-language signboards or road signs on street corners (as you can see in your photo). Use them as the foreground to enhance your sense of travel.

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Half-Day Itinerary (Copyright directly)
• Morning: Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5 → Gwanghwamun Square → Stroll along the west section of the outer wall → Visit the National Palace or the Folk Museum (the free area is also very nice)
• Lunch: Walk 10-15 minutes to Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken Soup for lunch
• Afternoon: Continue to Samcheong-dong/Bukchon Hanok Village for a stroll → Stop at a cafe → Return by subway

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Food Review (with restaurant address!) - After walking along the wall, it's time for some hot soup
• Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken Soup Tosokchon
Address: 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (about an 8-10 minute walk from the west gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace)
I ordered: Ginseng Chicken Soup (Ginseng Glutinous Rice Chicken) + a small glass of ginseng wine. The broth is clear and not greasy, and the glutinous rice is imbued with the aroma of chicken and the sweetness of Korean ginseng. The heat warms my body from shoulders to fingertips. The slightly sticky rice is peeled and paired with kimchi, creating just the right balance of salty, sweet, spicy, and fragrant.
Recommended: Fast turnover, a long-standing reputation, and close proximity to the outer wall promenade. Perfect for a rainy or winter stroll after a stone wall walk, this spot is perfect for both quenching your appetite and calming your spirits.

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Accommodation Recommendations (The names are easy to choose from)
• Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (Close to Gwanghwamun Plaza, I'd choose this if you want to see the night view)
• Sotetsu Hotel Seoul Myeongdong, Nine Tree Insadong (Affordable prices, excellent walking routes connecting Bukchon and Insadong)

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Super Practical Tips (Avoiding Pitfalls/Seasons/Safety) 💡
• Avoid Peak Times: Weekends are most crowded from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM; walking before 9:00 AM or after 4:00 PM is recommended for optimal light conditions.
• Clothing: The path is flat but long, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring water and sunscreen in the summer, and a scarf in the winter.
• Palace Access and Closures: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays (normally), but special events may occur on holidays. For gatekeeping ceremonies or nighttime openings, please refer to the official announcement on the day. • Etiquette: The stone walls and tiles are cultural heritage sites; please refrain from climbing or carving on them. When taking photos, please be courteous to pedestrians and nearby residents.

• Families: Assigning tasks like "identifying tile patterns," "counting door nails," and "finding drains" will make the walk more enjoyable for children.

• Rainy Days: Walking along the walls with an umbrella is a unique experience; please proceed slowly as the ground is slippery.

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Basic Information
• Attraction: Walking the Stone Walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace)
• Transportation: Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5 / Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 2
• Admission: Free for the walking tour; Palace entrance is approximately 3,000 JPY for adults; Hanbok clothing is free (depending on location)
• Nearby: National Palace Museum of Korea, National Folk Museum of Korea, Samcheong-dong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwanghwamun Square

Gyeongbokgung Stone Walls | Gwanghwamun | National Palace Museum of Korea | Samcheong-dong | Bukchon Hanok Village | Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken Soup
#Seoul #Gyeongbokgung #Gyeongbokgung #Gwanghwamun #StonewallWalk #Samcheong-dong #Bukchon Hanok Village #KoreaTravel #SeoulTravel #WalkingCity 🧱🌳☕️

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Ending - True Feelings

I love walking slowly beside this stone wall: watching children chase pigeons, seeing travelers in hanbok taking photos against the wall, and watching the clouds spread like an ink painting across the stone surface. This isn't a quick-check-in attraction, but a journey where you give yourself over to the city and its history. When you turn the corner and smell the first sip of ginseng chicken soup, you know this walk has quietly imbued the warmth of Seoul into your heart.