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| Our simple breakfast of Korean noodle soup, boiled egg, coffee, and kimchi. |
A hanbok is the traditional Korean attire, originating from ancient periods such as the Three Kingdoms (57 BCE–668 CE) and becoming more defined during the Goguryeo period and later evolving through the Joseon dynasty (Wikipedia). The classic design consists of:
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Jeogori (jacket)
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Chima (skirt) for women
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Baji (pants) for men
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The otgoreum (ribbon) for tying the jacket
Hanboks are known for their graceful lines, vibrant colors, and flowing elegance (Guided by Destiny).
Cultural Significance
Hanbok isn’t just clothing—it's deeply symbolic. Its designs, fabrics, and colors historically indicated the wearer’s social status, age, and the occasion (Sunny Days with Juliette, Guided by Destiny). Over time, hanbok became ceremonial attire worn during weddings, traditional holidays, festivals, and other important celebrations. Although everyday use has declined, hanbok remains a cherished emblem of Korean heritage and identity (Wikipedia, Guided by Destiny). Additionally, Seoul promotes hanbok as a cultural experience—renting one often grants free palace entrance, encouraging tourism and cultural immersion (Guided by Destiny, Becksplore - Travel Blog).
2025 Hanbok Rental Rates (in KRW)
| Rental Type | Estimated Price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Basic (1 hour) | ₩9,000 |
| All-day basic | ₩15,000 |
| Standard 2-hour | ₩20,000 |
| Premium 2-hour | ₩30,000 |
| 4-hour rental | ₩20,000 |
| Full 24-hour rental | ₩28,000 |
| Basic few hours | ₩10,000–₩20,000 |
| Premium variation or full-day | ₩20,000–₩50,000+ |
This photo shows a stone Haetae (or Haechi) sculpture in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea.
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The Haetae is a mythical lion-like creature believed to ward off evil spirits, symbolize justice, and protect important places. Traditionally, it is seen as a guardian against fire and misfortune.
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In the background, Gwanghwamun Gate is visible, showcasing its grand multi-tiered roof, intricate dancheong (colorful wooden patterns), and stone archways, which serve as the primary entrance to the royal palace.
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Together, the Haetae statue and the gate highlight Korea’s cultural heritage, where symbolic guardian figures were placed at palace entrances for protection and authority.
This is a large traditional Korean ceremonial drum, often called a janggu (장구) when hourglass-shaped, but in this case, it’s a barrel drum style, known as a dae-buk (대북) or o-buk drum when oversized for ceremonial use.
Description
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Shape & Structure:
Cylindrical “barrel” body mounted on a decorated wooden frame. Both drumheads are tightened with rows of large brass tacks. -
Artwork:
Painted in vibrant dancheong (traditional Korean decorative coloring), featuring dragons and swirling clouds — symbols of authority, protection, and prosperity. -
Size:
Much larger than standard musical drums, making it visible and audible across the large palace courtyards. -
Placement:
Often displayed prominently at the entrance area of the palace to draw attention to cultural performances or historical reenactments.
Relevance to Gyeongbokgung Palace
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Historical Function:
Large ceremonial drums like this were used during royal processions, guard-changing ceremonies, and palace rituals during the Joseon Dynasty. Their deep, resonant sound could be heard over great distances, signaling important events or times of day. -
Symbolism:
The dragon motif ties it to the king’s authority, as dragons were the emblem of Korean royalty. The sound of the drum represented not only a call to attention but also the voice of the king’s presence. -
Modern Role:
Today, such drums are used during the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung, a popular reenactment for visitors that preserves the grandeur of Joseon-era traditions.
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| Meeting fellow Filipinos who came from Canada. |
The Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Korea, has several distinctive architectural elements that can be seen:
1. Roof
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Style: Traditional Korean giwa tiled roof, with gracefully upturned eaves at the corners.
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Structure: Multi-tiered (double eaves), giving the main hall a grand, layered appearance.
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Decorative Features: The underside of the eaves is richly painted in dancheong (multicolored patterns) with greens, reds, and blues, which serve both decorative and preservative purposes.
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Function: The broad eaves provide shade and help protect the building’s wooden frame from rain.
2. Walls
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Material: Wooden frame construction with plaster and painted details.
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Design: The front wall has large, symmetrically arranged doorways and panels, many of which are fitted with traditional latticework doors covered with paper.
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Color Scheme: Red-painted wood pillars, green doors with geometric patterns, and intricate bracket systems (gongpo) supporting the eaves.
3. Floors & Platforms
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Base Platform: The main hall stands on an elevated stone platform (daecheong maru) made from large, fitted granite blocks.
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Balustrades: The stone platform is enclosed with carved stone railings featuring stylized animal figures (such as dragon heads) at the corners for symbolic protection.
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Courtyard: The large courtyard in front of the hall is paved with rectangular stone slabs, designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and ceremonial gatherings.
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The image depicts the interior of Geunjeongjeon, the main throne hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. |
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| The object in the image is a bronze cauldron-like incense burner or ritual vessel located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. |
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| The image shows a stone railing with a sculpted figure, likely a mythical creature such as a Haetae or Xiezhi |
Relevance to Seoul:
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Historical Significance: It connects modern Seoul with its royal past, lying directly on the historical north–south axis from Gyeongbokgung Palace to the city center.
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Cultural Identity: By highlighting national figures like King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, it embodies Korean heritage and pride.
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Civic Role: It serves as a symbolic gathering place for citizens—whether for celebrations, cultural activities, or political demonstrations—making it a central stage of public life.
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Urban Design Landmark: As a green public square amid high-rise buildings and government institutions, it reflects Seoul’s efforts to balance modern development with livable public spaces.
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| Statue of King Sejong the Great (15th century): Korea’s most revered monarch, credited with creating Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. |
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This specific sundial is a replica of a historic Korean sundial known as the "Haesigye" (해시계) or "Angbu Ilgu" (앙부일구), which means "pot-shaped sundial looking up at the sky". Sundials were important scientific instruments developed during the Joseon Dynasty, particularly under the reign of King Sejong the Great, who is also celebrated for the creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangul. These sundials were used to tell time by observing the position of the sun's shadow. |
Mayor of Seoul
- Adult: Approximately $27 USD.
- Child: Approximately $18 USD.
- Note: Specific fare rates and available routes may vary, and it's recommended to check the official Seoul City Tour Bus website for the most current information and booking options.
- 언론의 탈을 쓴 정치 범죄조직 (A political criminal organization disguised as media)
- 조선일보 (Chosun Ilbo)
- 폐간시키자! (Let's shut it down!)
- Architectural Significance: It is a notable work designed by the renowned Korean architect Kim Joong-up and was completed in 1970.
- Exterior Features: The building features a distinctive facade composed of two sides that appear to be brick but are actually terracotta tiles, while the third side is made of reflective glass.
- Structure: It has one underground floor and 15 above-ground floors.
- Landmark Status: Due to its prominent location at the Anguk-dong intersection and its height, it serves as a landmark in the area.
- Renovation: As of a 2020 report, the building was undergoing renovation to restore it in a manner befitting its historical and architectural value as a work by Kim Joong-up.
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| Christian street preaching ministries in Korea are very common, often found on corners of major roads. |
- Architectural Diversity: The palace grounds feature a mix of traditional Korean buildings, some made of natural cryptomeria wood or stucco, alongside Western-style stone buildings, reflecting the transitional period of Korean history.
- Historical Context: Originally known as Gyeongungung Palace, it was renamed Deoksugung (Palace of Virtuous Longevity) by King Sunjong in hopes of King Gojong's long life. It became a central location during the late Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, showcasing the blend of tradition and modernity.
- Cultural Significance: Deoksugung holds a unique place among Seoul's five royal palaces as it marked the beginning of the Korean Empire and provides insights into this crucial period of Korean history.
- Notable Attractions: Visitors can witness the Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony held daily in front of Daehanmun Gate, the main gate of the palace shown in the image. The palace also houses forested gardens, a statue of King Sejong the Great, and the National Museum of Art.
- Surrounding Area: The palace is situated near City Hall Station and is famously associated with the Deoksugung Stone Wall Path, known as a romantic street with historical significance.
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| Street artist takes pride in his artwork. |
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| Another Christian street preaching ministry. |
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| Enjoying Korean hot noodle soup before bedtime. |
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