Okay, so we finally found the Korean Palace experience we’d been looking for. No, we didn’t hire hanbok, we just visited Changdeokgung! The place is just so photogenic, with lots of different styles of architecture and cool little details. One minute you’re gazing at a massive throne hall, painted in greens, pinks and reds, and the next you’re walking through a dark timber and white-plastered gate; both so impressive in their own ways.
Behind the King’s residence was a terraced garden and wall (over it was the “Secret garden”) and the trees peeking over the top were just so pretty. I think that was my favourite spot! My one regret is not going through to the “Secret Garden”, partly because you had to pay more, partly because we wanted lunch. Sometimes stomachs win out I guess.
As we left we walked across Seoul’s oldest bridge, built in 1411! (I only just read that now, I’m sure I would have paid more attention to it had I known at the time!!) Where is a teen tour guide when you need one?!
We spent 2 or so hours there and I could have spent even longer – one of my Seoul highlights!
The main gate – Donhwamun Gate.Injeongjeon, the main hall. The stone markers designated where the courtiers and officials were to stand during important meetings with the King.And here we see the wild tourist in their (un)natural habitat… A very common sight in Seoul, tourists in hanbok.You know I’m loving a place when I take selfies!These large metal bowls (for want of a better word) were filled with water in case fire broke out. Now they have a perspex sheet over top that makes them look like a fancy coffee table.We had lovely weather that day! We really thought Seoul was going to be freezing but we came at a nice time of year – mild and less tourists!The more low-key swag of the Nakseonjae Complex – a royal residence.How good is this wall! (Yes. I attempted a selfie but it was terrible.) I love the muted tones, this would be killer on a bathroom floor!People were going absolutely ham over these persimmon trees. Insta-boyfriends were hard at work and there were plenty of selfie-sticks to be seen (and avoid walking into). This reminds me, I still want to try a persimmon!There’s that beautiful paintwork again!My favourite spot at the back of the King’s residence – my camera could not capture the gorgeous colours!!And when I really like a place, I get Joel to take my photo 🙂These guys were polishing a piece of furniture throne perhaps??) – the smell of beeswax polish was lovely.So pretty!So much going on here, I wonder if this was the result of additions and renovations. And look at the HUGE mass of roof on the tiny doorway, lol.Injeongjeon Hall again as we left – just missed golden hour, but what a stunning building!!
STUDIO NELLOE 
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