Local Trip Info offered by
Washington Hotel and Hotel Gracery

Walk through Seoul in traditional attire! A trip to enjoy history and photo ops

Seoul, South Korea has many trendy shops and tourist spots, but why not enjoy a bit of its history, too? Seoul has a lot of historical spots right in the city that are easily accessible by walking or bus. If you take a walk in a traditional Korean “hanbok”, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time. This trip is best done by staying at Hotel Gracery Seoul.

Free admission when you wear a “hanbok”! A historical walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace

景福宮(Gyeongbokgung Palace)
Photo by @mrsearth_kaori

Gyeongbokgung Palace is a palace in the center of Seoul. It was built in 1395 and boasts around 98 acres. There are important cultural artifacts, museums, and the palace. Every nook is filled with deep history. Also, you get to enter Gyeongbokgung Palace for free when you wear traditional Korean attire called “hanbok”. There are plenty of photo spots that look great with the traditional outfits, so take your time and take many photos. There are plenty of rental shops in Seoul, so be sure to make a reservation before you go.

HoursMarch – May, September – October 9:00AM – 6:00PM
June – August 9:00AM – 6:30PM
November – February 9:00 – 5:00PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Address1-1 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Access・Hotel Gracery Seoul: 20-min. walk from the hotel
・Hotel Gracery Seoul: 5-min. walk from KT Gwanghwamun Branch Office bus stop which is 2 stops from City Hall bus stop
URLhttps://royal.khs.go.kr/ENG/main/index.do

Complete reenactment of an ancient ceremony! The switching of the guards performance

守門将交代式(The switching of the guards performance)
Photo by @tomo.ko31

This ceremony reenacts the ceremony of the guards that guarded the palace. The reenactment takes place twice a day (except Tuesdays) and anyone can watch on their visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. If you want to watch from the front, be sure to go 15-20 minutes before. The “Sumungun” were the guards of the palace gates and palace itself. Around 30 cast members dressed in traditional attire are part of the performance. Every movement is breathtaking and you feel like you went back in time. Don’t forget your camera.

Showtimes10:00AM, 2:00PM (No shows on Tuesdays)
Address1-1 Sejongno, Jongo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Access・Hotel Gracery Seoul: 20-min. walk from the hotel
・Hotel Gracery Seoul: 5-min. walk from KT Gwanghwamun Branch Office bus stop which is 2 stops from City Hall bus stop
URLhttps://royal.khs.go.kr/ENG/main/index.do

Take pictures in Bukchon Hanok Village where you can see roofing from ancient times

北村韓屋村(Bukchon Hanok Village)
Photo by @kirari_e17

Bukchon Hanok Village is a village of “hanok” which are traditional houses. It is said that royalty and high-class people lived here. The traditional roofs have been preserved with care in this historic area. Many of the buildings have been turned into cafes and restaurants. You’ll definitely want to snap pics here. It’s even more fun when you come wearing a traditional Korean “hanbok”. Enjoy precious moments where you feel Korea’s history up close.

Address37 Dongil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
AccessHotel Gracery Seoul: Get on Bus 151 at Namdaemun Market bus stop and get off at Anguk bus stop
URLhttps://hanok.seoul.go.kr/front/eng/index.do

Base of this trip