The second day of our trip, Sunday July 5th: We spent most of the day at two massive palaces: Changdeokgung (which is only available to tourists via guided tours at specific times) and Gyeongbokgung.
We were fifteen minutes late for the English tour at Changdeokgung, but we sweet-talked our way in anyway :D
After a walk through the forest we found this 'secret garden'. The pond is square, symbolizing the universe (which Koreans actually thought was square). The circular island symbolizes Earth, at the center of the square universe.
easily the most impressive-looking palace we saw that weekend.
Mountain overlooking the palace.
Pagoda in the distance
Me in front of the main hall
The courtyard for this palace was huuuuuuuuge and could easily accommodate hundreds of people for ceremonies, coronations, etc.
This is what my throne would look like if I were a Korean king...
A view of the courtyard facing away from the main hall
The ceiling of the main hall was incredibly ornate and beautifully painted.
Ancient Seoul vs. Modern Seoul
The hall behind me was built literally right on this huge pond. It was used by the king to entertain important people...and it looked like a postcard.
Another view of the hall
Cool buildings in the distance
One of the main gates
If you've seen The Ring, you understand this picture. If only my hair was black!!
My all-time favorite place in this particular palace. The little pagoda is built on an island and the only way to reach it is to venture over the small wooden footbridge. I want one of these in my backyard at home...
One of the main gates