Friday 20 December 2013

Photo Diary : Gyeongbokgung Palace

In 1395, three years after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty by king Taejo, the new main place, Gyeongbokgung Palace was completed after the capital of the new dynasty was moved from Gaegyong to Seoul . The palace was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and was mot reconstructed until 1867, the fifth year of King Gojong. During the Japanese occupation grom 1910 to 1945, most of the palace was torn down; only few buildings including Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Geunjeongjeon Hall were left standing. An effort to fully restore Gyeongbokgung  to its former glory has been ongoing since 1990. The Japanese Government General building was removed, making the way for the full restoration of Heungnyemun Gate to its original state. In 2010, restoration of Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to the palace, was completed. (Souce : Combination Ticket for Palaces)

















Photo Diary : Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung was originally built as a residence of Prince Wolsa, the elder brother of King Seongjong. After all other palace buildings were destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion in 1592, King Seonjo established a temporary residence here. King Gwanghaegun, who succeeded King Seonjo, named the palace Gyeongungung in 1611. King Injo held a coronation ceremony in Jeokjodang Hall in 1623. It was here in 1897 that King Gojong proclaimed to the nation and the world the establishment of the " Great Han Empire". The palace was renamed Deoksugung in 1907 when Emperor Sunjong ascended the throne, and it has been known by that name since then. (Source : Combination Ticket for Palaces)










Photo Diary : Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

Changdeokgung was constructed in 1405, the fifth year of King Taejong. It was the secondary palace of Gyeongbukgung, the main palace. All of the palace buildings were destroyed by the fire during the Japanese invasion in 1592. Changdeokgung was restored in 1610 and served as the main palace for about 270 years until Gyeongbukgung was finally reconstructed in 1867. Changdeokgung is relatively well-preserved and is representative of Korean palace architecture. The Secret Garden of Cheongdeokgung is one of the most attractive place in Korea. The Changdeokgung Palace complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1997 for its outstanding architecture and a design that is in harmony with the landscape. (Source : Combination Ticket for Palaces

Changdeokgung Palace














Secret Garden













Photo Diary : Myeongdong

Myeongdong is one of the main shopping districts in Seoul featuring local and international retail stores.  It is also a paradise for every girl who loves make-up and cosmetics as every Korean cosmetics brands such as Nature Replic, Missha, Etude House, The Skin Food and The Face Shop are located here. The list of Korean cosmetics brands goes on and on and each brand has one or more stores located close to each other. Another thing to look forward when visiting Myeongdong is the various coffee shops,cafes and restaurants scattered in the area. You can also enjoy of Korean street food in Myeongdong while walking and doing your street shopping.

I believe that Myeongdong is always part of every tourist itinerary as you can have retail therapy and food adventures here. Be prepared to have an empty wallet once you step in here as you will surely go home with something in your hand or in your tummy.