Seoul in Korea today was the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. With the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the first palace of Joseon Dynasty, Hanyang, which is present-day Seoul, established itself as the center of Joseon. It took 519 years. Gyeongbokgung Palace was a symbol of Joseon, and villages were naturally formed around it. Called Hanok Village, much of the community stays in its old form. Let’s take a leisurely walk through the history of Seoul.

#Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the representative palace of Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace means ‘the new dynasty will enjoy great blessings’. Like the Blue House in Korea or the White House in the United States, Gyeongbokgung Palace was where the king of Joseon lived and looked after political affairs. Gyeongbokgung Palace includes Gwanghwamun gate, the main gate of the palace, Geunjeongjeon Hall, the royal ceremonial site where various enthronement ceremonies were held, and Gyeonghoeru Palace, a pavilion where banquets were held. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the highest-ranking, is spacious, and can be accessed from anywhere in the east, west, south and north.

It is pleasant to take a leisurely look around as if you were the king of Joseon and immerse yourself in the unique architectural art of Korea. 
There are also palaces built in case Gyeongbokgung Palace cannot be used due to a national disaster. It is Changdeokgung Palace located to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Having served as a main palace for over 250 years, Changdeokgung Palace has an excellent harmony with the natural environment, unlike Gyeongbokgung Palace, which feels a bit artificial. For this reason, Changdeokgung Palace was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

#Tourist destinations
Hanok is a traditional Korean house represented by tile-roofed houses. Hanok Village is located in the middle of Seoul, where high-rise buildings are lined up densely-they are Bukchon Hanok Village and Seochon Village. Both are adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Bukchon (North Village) is named after the upper neighborhood of Jongno, the center of Hanyang during the Joseon Dynasty. Bukchon Hanok Village is the area from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Changdeokgung Palace, and its first scenic spot is the panoramic view of Changdeokgung Palace seen over the stone wall is. There are many Hanok galleries and cafes, so people can fully immerse into the atmosphere of hanok. We advise tourists to look around Bukchon Hanok Village quietly as it is a residential space.

If Bukchon was positioned as the residence of nobles during Joseon Dynasty due to its geographical characteristics, Seochon, located to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, was mainly inhabited by ordinary people. Seochon’s alleyways are said to ‘feel more human’ because they reflect images of Seoul in the 1960s and 1970s. The energy of art flows in Seochon. It was resided by artists ranging from 18th century painter Gyeomjae Jeongseon who painted Inwang Jesaekdo (A Scene of Inwangsan Mountain after Rain) to the painter Lee Jung-seop and the artist Yun Dong-ju. 

#Food
Seochon’s new name is Sejong Village, named so because it is the birthplace of King Sejong of Joseon Dynasty. This is why the name of the food culture street in Seochon is Food Street of Sejong Village. There are many new restaurants along with the old long-established stores, so a trip to Seochon will satisfy a hungry stomach. Above Sejong Village is Tongin Market, where you can make your own Dosirak (lunch box). At Dosirak cafe, you buy an old coin called Yeopjeon, which costs KRW 500 (USD 0.42) each, then carry an empty Dosirak, and use the yeopjeon to buy side dishes at the market. After, you return to the Dosirak cafe, purchase rice and soup, and then have a meal.

The specialty of Tongin Market is Oil Tteokbokki. Unlike regular Tteokbokki, it has a mild taste and is popular with people of all ages. Hanjeongsik (Korean Table d’hote) at a restaurant in a modernized, modified Hanok is also not to be missed. You can taste a variety of Korean food served with over 10 side dishes at once.