Day 5- Bukchon Hanok + Gyeongbokgung + Changdeokgung

Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, I travel back in time to the Joseon Dynasty where men and women wore hanbok, the traditional attire of Koreans.

Before entering the royal palaces, I roamed around Bukchon Hanok Village, home to hundreds of traditional Korean homes. Located north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno, the homes are made of mainly wood and are still lived in even until today.

As I venture deep into the village, climbing up hills and winding through the roads, I passed by various guesthouses, cultural centres, tea houses and restaurants. I was so tempted to enter one of the houses and experience what it’s like to live like the aristocrats in the past, but with the prospect of walking around the palace in a hanbok, I leave the village with the promise to return another day.

I’ve always wanted to walk around in a hanbok, and what better way than to do so while pretending to be kimchi royalty?

In fact, if you wear a hanbok to Gyeongbukgong (Gyeongbuk Palace), not only is your entrance to the palace free, you get to take photos in the pretty traditional outfits while you visit the living quarters of past kings.

To further simulate living in the Joseon Dynasty, I even caught the changing of guards that happen every hour in front of the main gate, Gwanghwamun. The guards moved stiffly and expressionless as they reenacted the original ceremony that has been taking place since 1469.

Day turned to night and I had the pleasure of taking a night tour around another one of the Five Grand Palaces, Changdeokgong (Changdeok Palace). At night, the palace was lit with lanterns and the breeze that blew made me feel as if I was in a Korean drama.

I make my way to the Buyongji Pond and enjoy the music that floats through the palace from Sangnyangjeong Pavilion. I also got to enjoy traditional Korean snacks and tea while watching beautiful traditional performances at the Yeongyeongdang Pavilion — part of the famous Pansori “The tale of Chun Hyang” that usually takes 8 hours to complete, Arirang and so much more.

The tour isn’t complete without walking through the famous Secret Garden trail in the palace. Previously only accessible to the royal family, I soak up the peace and tranquility provided by the forest and dream about strolling on the path with my imaginary Kimchi Crown Prince.

Well, a Kimchi can only dream.

Written by Nicole Fang as ODAO