In 2014, I travelled alone to Seoul in the Republic of Korea, better known as South Korea. Thus far, it’s my last big solo trip. It was an interesting experience. I’ve forgotten many details and activities I did. That’s why we blog since 2017. But anyway, thanks to photos on Facebook, my guidebook, Wikipedia and Wikitravel, I can reconstruct parts of the adventure.  

When I travel solo, I my days are packed with activities. I rarely stop for a drink or food. I just visit, visit visit. I started with the big royal palace. 

Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung (Korean: 경복궁; Hanja: 景福宮), also known as or Gyeongbok Palace, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.

Built in 1395, it is located in northern Seoul. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty, the Kings’ households, as well as the government of Joseon.

Gyeongbokgung continued to serve as the main palace of the Joseon dynasty until the premises were destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592–1598) and abandoned for two centuries.

However, in the 19th century, all of the palace’s 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Prince Regent Heungseon during the reign of King Gojong. Some 500 buildings were restored on a site of over 40 hectares. The architectural principles of ancient Korea were incorporated into the tradition and appearance of the Joseon royal court.

In the early 20th century, much of the palace was systematically destroyed by Imperial Japan. Since then, the walled palace complex is gradually being restored to its original form. 

Today, the palace is arguably regarded as being the most beautiful and grandest of all five palaces. It also houses the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum. 

National Folk Museum of Korea

The National Folk Museum of Korea is a trip on Korean Memory Lane, as it recreates old Korea in the same way as Bokrijk does in Limburg in Belgium or Skansen in Stockholm in Sweden.