Saturday, December 6, 2014

Day 5 - Gyeongbukgung temple (Part 1)

We woke up slightly late on the next day, at 9am on our fifth day in Seoul. The good thing about self-tour is that we can wake up at anytime that we’d like. There was no wake up call and we could go for breakfast anytime. After our simple breakfast, we walked to the nearest subway station and wander around the city before visiting Gyeongbukgung temple, the largest ancient palace in Seoul.

The majestic temple blends in well with the vibrant shades of autumn (´`)**  


Panaromic view of the temple (When ancient tradition meets modern skyliners with awesome mountain as backdrop (° ο°))



We were required to pay Won3,000 (RM9) entry fees and coincidentally that day was 23rd October #^_^# 


Awe-struck by the view again~



People started to gather to view the guard changing ceremony 


Guards in Joseon era dress started to march out {{{(^.^)}}}


We were waiting for the special highlight to get started at 10am so we could watch the changing of the guards. It was interesting to watch the show, a traditional palace and show flanked by modern buildings which made me felt transported from modern world to ancient times.


Crowds of people be it tourist or school children thronging the palace.



It was amazing to walk through the palace with beautiful surroundings of autumn foliage colours.



Relax, slowdown and enjoy…


The beautiful architecture of Geunjeongjeon Hall.




Geunjeongjeon Hall, with phoenix throne similar to the Chinese emperors’ dragon throne.



Intricate design of ceilings with dragons.


School kids with their beautiful “hanboks”


Younger version of “Boys Over Flowers”?


Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a hall used to hold important and special state banquets during the Joseon Dynasty.


Curved roof tiles of Sajeongjeon Hall.


School children in their yellow uniform starked contrast against the traditional looking palace.


The place where the king eats and sleep.



Beautiful carvings on the door.


The royal kitchen under renovation with Lee Young Ae in "Dae Jang Geum". 


Just love how yellow the leaves it is~ And with flourishing bloom of greenish leaves *@o@*


Mesmerizing view, beautiful barely describes the sight #nofilter #royalgarden


3 beautiful elements of the Pavilion – lake, mountain and bridge ^_^"


We immensely enjoyed the beautiful and vibrant colours  (^_^)


Can’t get enough of autumn colours~


Amazed by the intricate carved wooden architecture and I just can’t help to pose again ^_^|||




The temple was covered in yellow leaves which somehow look like a gold tree instead~


The glittering effect of the coated gold leaves(⊙o⊙)


Brilliant combo of autumn leaves ~


Tranquil settings nearby the palace – we were tempted to do Bollywood dance around the ginseng look alike branches (just saying!)


Eye-scorching colour again! Autumn was especially beautiful this year~


The first sight of autumn in Seoul will etch strongly in my mind.

And so, this ended a beautiful day in Gyeongbokgung palace. Next on Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong and Gwangjang market. Miss it so much already _

XOXO
sassycat