[Seoul Day 2] Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon & Royal History Trail

 

🏯 Day 2 in Seoul – Walk the Royal Path: Palaces and Hidden Streets

Welcome to your second day in Seoul! If your first day was about harmony with nature and artistic charm, Day 2 is all about royal splendor, Confucian tradition, and Seoul’s graceful transformation from old to new.

This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to dive deeper into Korea’s royal heritage and feel the rhythm of traditional life in modern surroundings.

πŸ—“️ Day 2 Highlights

  • Jongmyo Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)

  • Bukchon Hanok Village

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace

  • Deoksugung Palace & Jeongdong-gil

πŸ›• Stop 1: Jongmyo Shrine (09:00–10:30)

Start your day in a peaceful and spiritual place. Jongmyo Shrine is the most sacred site from the Joseon Dynasty, where the spirits of kings and queens are honored.

The shrine is especially known for Jongmyo Jerye, a royal ancestral ritual that takes place in May, featuring traditional music and dance. Even outside of festival days, the shrine’s silence and architectural symmetry are deeply calming.

  • Admission: ₩1,000

  • Subway: Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 11

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995

🏘 Stop 2: Bukchon Hanok Village (10:40–12:00)

From Jongmyo, walk or take a short subway ride to Bukchon Hanok Village. This neighborhood is home to traditional Korean houses (hanok) that are still used as private residences, cultural centers, and photo studios.

Explore the winding alleys, admire the tiled roofs and wooden gates, and take in the quiet charm of old Seoul. Hanbok rental shops are nearby if you'd like to dress up for authentic photos!

  • Great for photography

  • Options for tea ceremonies, calligraphy workshops, or crafts

  • Please be respectful—it’s a real residential area!

🍜 Lunch Ideas in Samcheong-dong (12:00–13:00)

Just next to Bukchon, Samcheong-dong is filled with cozy restaurants and stylish cafΓ©s.

Here are two popular options:

  • Samcheongdong Sujebi: Korean soup with hand-torn dough pieces

  • Yoonseul Sikdang: Korean fusion cuisine in a modern atmosphere

Take your time to enjoy lunch before heading to Korea’s most iconic palace.

πŸ‘‘ Stop 3: Gyeongbokgung Palace (13:10–15:00)

Now it’s time for the highlight of the day—Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, it was the heart of royal politics and ceremony.

Start from Gwanghwamun Gate, walk through Geunjeongjeon Hall, and finish at the stunning Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a two-story structure over a reflecting pond.

  • Admission: ₩3,000 (free with Hanbok)

  • Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5

  • Don’t miss: Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at 10:00 and 14:00

Optional stop: The National Palace Museum (free admission) is right next to the palace and worth a short visit.

πŸ› Stop 4: Deoksugung Palace & Jeongdong-gil (16:00–18:00)

End your day with a mix of tradition and modernity. Deoksugung Palace is where King Gojong declared the Korean Empire in 1897. The palace grounds include Korean-style buildings and Western-style stone architecture, making it unique among Seoul’s palaces.

Then, stroll along Jeongdong-gil, a romantic historic road with galleries, cafΓ©s, and modern touches set between palace walls and classic architecture.

  • Admission: ₩1,000

  • Subway: City Hall Station (Line 1/2), Exit 2

  • Atmosphere: Quiet, beautiful, especially during spring or autumn

☕ Final Stop: Relax at a CafΓ©

Wrap up your journey with a peaceful tea or coffee at one of these spots:

  • Jeongdong 1928 Art CafΓ© – Vintage decor in a former church building

  • Dalgaebi CafΓ© – Views of the palace wall, quiet ambiance

🧭 Travel Tips for Day 2

  • Use a T-money card for easy subway and bus travel

  • Download KakaoMap or Naver Map for accurate directions

  • English signs and guidebooks are available at all palaces

  • Bukchon is a residential area—please keep noise down and respect private homes

  • Combine palace visits with Hanbok rental for the best experience (and photos!)

✅ Summary of Day 2


Location		Highlights
Jongmyo Shrine  Confucian rituals, UNESCO site, serene atmosphere
Bukchon Village   Traditional Korean homes, alleyways, hanok culture
Gyeongbokgung  Grandest palace, royal history, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
Deoksugung & Jeongdong-gil  Imperial Korea meets European style, romantic street walk

Congratulations! You’ve completed a full 2-day Seoul cultural journey. You’ve walked where kings ruled, where scholars studied, and where modern Seoul was born.

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