Post: Maples in Seoul

Youth (and not only youth) enjoy strolling along the streets separating the northern wall of Seoul's main royal palace, Gyeongbokgung, from the former presidential palace, Cheongwadae, as well as along the western and eastern streets. If you continue walking along the northern wall to the east, you'll reach the fashionable and picturesque neighborhood of Samcheong-dong. Ginkgo and zelkova trees will delight your eyes during this meditative walk!

On a pedestrian-friendly one-way street, the old stone walls of Deoksugung Palace blend harmoniously with ginkgo and hackberry trees, as well as potted plants, allowing you to enjoy beautiful autumn foliage.

Here you will encounter professionals - with large and heavy cameras and tripods. And it will immediately become clear what they are looking for: as soon as you enter the spacious courtyard, your gaze will be struck by the spectacle of the enormous 600-year-old ginkgo and maple trees. The ensemble of the main Confucian educational institution creates a unique atmosphere of solemnity and tranquility, justifying the name "Songgyungwan," which can be literally translated as "The place where you achieve excellence and harmony."

The splendid children's park boasts the entire traditional autumn palette - from ginkgo to maples and plane trees. Additionally, you will find interesting sculptures here that evoke nostalgia for the 1970s and 1980s in South Korea (nostalgia is evoked even if you didn't live in Korea during those turbulent times).

By the way, the park also houses a magnificent free zoo and a paid amusement park.

At Changgyeonggung Palace, you can not only admire the beautiful architecture of the Joseon era, but also stroll through a magnificent park, with two private ponds, its own ducks and herons. By the way, in the greenhouse you will find a wonderful collection of punzhe (bonsai).