Lunch
Photo of the shop. It is just located beside the SKKU along this reoad Myeongnyun-gil.
The wall is covered with menu so u can basically just ordered from it.
Here is the lunch. Cheese baked pork cutlet. It costed only 5000 won and the portion is super big!! The big bowl on bottom right is the sauce for bibimbap. Just pour the rice inside and mix it ourselves. It is really nice and unique bibimbap. The pork cutlet is quite crispy and the meat is quite tender until other pork cutlet I tried here >.< I saw quite a lot korean students eating at this place so it must be quite popular. It is worth visiting if u are studying in skku looking for a nice lunch with decent price.
Bukchon Hanok Village
How to go there: Alight at Anguk station Exit 2. Walk around about 300m to reach Bukchon Hanok Village
It is traditional village where there is mixture of ancient and modern housing. It is preserved to show a 600 year old urban environment. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture. Drama like personal taste was also filmed here!!!
Some of these house were turned into cafe where customers can have a drink inside while experiencing the beauty of these building.
bukchon observatory is located in the middle of the village. It is pretty deep in the center not easy to find. Took me quite a while. Just look out for signboard direction and follow it. It costs 3000 won to go up come with a free drink. U can enjoy the nice scenery while taking a short break. It is really nice and amazing!!
View taken from top of the observatory. It is just beautiful!!
Chang Deok Gung Palace
How to go there: Alight at Anguk station exit 3 and walk for about 5min to reach Changdeokgung palace. It is also located about 10 minutes walk from Bukchon Hanok Village.
Initially built as a royal villa, Changdeokgung Palace became the central governance place during the Joseon Dynasty after the former principal palace; Gyeongbokgung Palace, burned down during the Japanese invasion in the 16th century. In addition to its political significance, the Palace is known for its aesthetics and architecture, set against the breathtaking natural scenery. In 1997, UNESCO desginated Changdeokgung Palace as a World Cultural Heritage site. It is closed every Monday.
Guided tour around palace (around 60 minutes)
korean: 09:30, 11:30, 13:30 15:30, 16:30
English: 10:30, 14:30
Japanese: 12:30
Chinese: 16:00
Nice photos taken inside the palace. There is some modern elements inside the palace as it was still used in 20 century until the last king died. This also what make this palace and unique from other palaces. There is also Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace which is hold at night. Remember to check out the specific date and timing. It is worth visiting to know about this interesting place.
Secret garden
Guided tour around Secret garden (around 90 minutes)
Korean: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 16:30
English: 11:30, 15:30
Japanese: 10:30, 14:30
Chinese 12:30
There is only guided tour for secret garden as it is really big and quite easy to get lost. One of the commonly asked question: Is there secret in this garden??? The truth is there is no secret at all. It is just a beautiful garden which has limited access to the commoners and even government officials in the past unless they have special invitation by the king. The garden occupied about two thirds of the whole palace. It was constructed in such a way that the original environment was preserved.
Nice photos taken in the secret garden. The tour guide in the traditional clothing while explaining the details of the garden. The tour for the garden is quite long and there is a lot walking so I dont think it is suitable for people who has problem walking long distance. The scenery inside the secret garden is really beautiful and the buildings are also well preserved. This is also another key attraction making it difference from other palaces. I really enjoy the tour and the tour guide is really friendly and good at explaining. If u are able to visit only two palaces, I suggest visiting ChangDeokgung and GyeongBukGung palace.
