Gyeongbokgung and Chandeokgung palaces (walking)

Tour of the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung.

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first residence of the new dynasty of Korea - Chosun, that is "Moring Calm". Construction of the palace was completed in 1395.

During the war with Japan (1592-1598), the palace was almost completely destroyed; but it was rebuilt in the middle of the 19th century, and again became the residence of the Korean kings.

There is a regular guards changing changing ceremony in the palace, recreated according the to court etiquette of the Lee/Chosun Dynasty.

Chandeokgung Palace

"Palace of prosperous virtue" (1405-1412). In this very palace, the Korean kings - wangs - resided mostly during the 500 years (1392-1910) of Joseon dynasty history.

Destroyed in the 1592-1598 (Imjin War)

Restored in 1609

From 1623 to 1868 it was the official residence of the Korean kings. Since 1997, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The highlight of the palace is the so-called "Secret Garden" pivon (비원), or huvon ("back garden") 후원, recognized as a model of classical Korean garden and landscape design (not included in this excursion).