Seoul 2014: Day 3 Part I (Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village)

23 MAY: Gyeongbokgung

                            Bukchon Hanok Village
                Samcheongdong

     Insadong

Before heading to Gyeongbokgung, we headed to the famous Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕)

Toksokchon Samgyetang

To get there: Gyeongbokgung MRT station Exit 2.

Walk straight until you reach a cross junction with a convenience store GS25 on your left. Turn into the lane and you should see Tosokchon.

Toksokchon was honestly speaking not as amazing as i thought. Maybe it was because I had super high expectations. My friends enjoyed it but it was just okay for me. Tender chicken meet with sticky glutinous rice hidden inside. They have a small cup of ginseng for you to add in so you can adjust the amount you want to your own liking. 

From Toksokchon, we headed to Gyeongbokgung! 

To get there*: 
From Toksokchon, exit from the small lane. Facing the main road, turn left. Walk all the way straight until you see a traffic light on your right and cross over. Continue walking straight and you will see the traditional palace walls. Turn right and walk along the walls. You will see some entrance on your left. Enter and walk all the way in to reach the main entrance area of Gyeongbokgung. 

Areas you will pass by

*Sorry for the long directions

Gyeongbokgung was really pretty and a definite MUST go when you come to Seoul. Especially if you love all those ancient drama series. It was amazing to be at the same place where they filmed dramas like "The Moon that Embraces the Sun".

Some shots of the beautiful Gyeongbokgung

Next Up, Bukchon Hanok Village!

We asked the ice-cream ahjusshi on how to get there and it was rather complicated. Can't really remember it well but I'm sure the ice-cream ahjusshi will be there to help! I can only remember that you turn left when u exit from Gyeongbokgung's main entrance, then turn left again and walk all the way straight. 

Two prominent sculptures you will pas by on your way to Bukchon Hanok Village

Upon reaching Bukchon Hanok Village...

They have sort of a route for you to follow to finish the touring the whole area but we ended up walking to only one part and u-turned back unintentionally. 

Bukchon Hanok Village

Although it's a tourist attraction, there are people living there in those traditional houses so it's important to keep the noise level low. It's a beautiful place though you have to be prepared to climb a lot of uphills. 

I give Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Village my two thumbs up!