After our wander through Bukchon we found ourselves outside Gyeongbokgung – the most important of the the 5 palaces in Seoul City. The walk around the outside of the wall was lovely with the late afternoon sun shining on the golden ginkgo trees. There was a group of school kids all in yellow tracksuits that matched the trees perfectly – Seoul is so full of yellow!

Entering Gyeongbokgung from a side gate, we walked into the square behind Gwanghwamun Gate. We ummed and ahhhed about going inside, but we were quite tired after our walk through Bukchon so we decided against going into the actual palace. Bit of a bummer (at least for this post) but we will be going to Changdeokgung later.

Through the gate into Gwanghwamun Plaza, and partway down the road we found ourselves surrounded by cops – we were walking past the American Embassy where some sort of protest was happening (think it was anti-Trump) and there were busloads of police (including plain clothes) out for 3 protesters. I guess they don’t take any risks!