Day 2 – Visited Geongbokgung Palace & Insadong Area : Seoul, South Korea (Apr’24)
On the second day of our Seoul adventure in April 2024, we delved into the rich cultural heritage of South Korea by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace and the vibrant Insadong area.
Day 2 – Travel Memories in Seoul, South Korea
- Enjoyed breakfast at Leul Bom Bom Bakery & Cafe
- Visited Geongbokgung Palace for half a day
- Experienced to wear hanbok (A traditional Korean dress) for 2-4 Hours
- A long walk around Geongbokgung Palace and take some photos
- Taken lunch just opposite Geongbokgung Palace in a narrow alley
- Pay respect at Jogyesa temple
- A long walk around the Insadong Area and had some drinks and dinner
Breakfast at Leul Bom Bom Bakery & Cafe
After Breakfast, Headed to Geongbokgung Palace by Subway
Rented Hanbok for 2 Hours
Simply meaning ‘Korean clothes’, ‘hanbok’ was introduced in the late 19th century by Koreans as a term to help differentiate their everyday dress from a recent influx of Western-style clothing. A century later, western clothing had overtaken the hanbok as the main style of dress worn by Koreans.
Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Our day commenced with a delightful breakfast at Leul Bom Bom Bakery & Cafe, setting a pleasant tone for the explorations ahead. We then proceeded to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, constructed in 1395. To fully immerse ourselves in the historical ambiance, we rented hanboks—the traditional Korean attire—for a couple of hours. Adorned in these elegant garments, we wandered through the expansive palace grounds, capturing photographs that juxtaposed our vibrant attire against the ancient architecture. The experience of wearing hanbok not only enhanced our visit but also deepened our appreciation for Korean culture and traditions.
Taken Lunch Near the Geongbokgung Palace
Afternoon: Jogyesa Temple and Insadong
After a morning steeped in history, we enjoyed a traditional Korean lunch in a quaint alley opposite the palace. Our culinary adventure was followed by a visit to Jogyesa Temple, a serene Buddhist temple known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful lotus lanterns. The temple provided a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle, allowing us to reflect and pay our respects.
We then took a leisurely stroll through the Insadong area, renowned for its artistic vibe, traditional tea houses, and antique shops. The narrow streets were lined with vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs, calligraphy materials, and traditional artworks. We indulged in some local drinks and delicacies, fully immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture that Insadong exudes.
Walked Around Insadong Area
Insa-dong (Korean: 인사동) is a dong, or neighborhood, in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea. Its main street is Insadong-gil, which is connected to a number of alleys that lead deeper into the district, with modern galleries and tea shops.
