Winter in Korea: Day 2 (Part 1)

The last time I went to Korea with my bestfriend, Shai, we didn't prioritize visiting temples. We only visited Gyeongbokgung Palace. That's because we thought they all look similar so visiting one would be enough. 

However, when we visited several temples in this trip, I felt the need to correct myself and tell you that Palaces and Temples in Korea each has its own story to tell and their aesthetic structures are surprisingly diverse. I didn't want to discuss history to y'all. I just want to invite you to visit palaces and temples in Korea if you really want to have a greater perspective of their culture. 

It's our second day and our first stop was to visit Jongmyo Royal Shrine. It's very accessible to public transport (subway) and it's location is just a few minutes walk from the other tourist spots. The great thing about our second day was that we were admitted in the palaces for FREE! Yes you've read that right, Admission Fees for that day only was free. How lucky are we?! 

I know you'll ask why it was free for the day. The answer: UNESCO has conducted a survey for the temple visitors. Six temples/palaces were part of this survey which means all six temples have free entrance for the day. We were given a free tote bag after filling in the survey and of course, we can enter the palaces for free. 

It looks like it's Autumn, but trust me it's winter. It was 5°C freezing cold. I was still hoping it'll snow but it didn't. This is what will welcome you as you enter the gates of the Shrine. The colors are amazing!

Right before you enter the gates of the Shrine, you will see this Statue of Lee Sang Jae ("Wolnam"). 

The Jongmyo Royal Shrine behind us. We were taking selfies when an ahjussi passing by offered to take our photo. hahahah Thank you ahjussi! I think Koreans have a knack for taking tourist-y photos. 

Breakfast was next on our itinerary. We tried an authentic Korean Kimbap and Cheese Ramen. The combination was yum and it was very affordable!!! 

After breakfast we got back our energy and started our (10 min) walk to Changdeokgung Palace. During winter, it's extremely chilly even at noonday. So be prepared to bring every winter stuff you might need (scarf, gloves, beanie, earmuffs, etc.). Don't forget to use a lip balm and and a moisturizer if you don't want your lips cracking due to dryness.

The highway in front of the gates of Changdeokgung Palace resembles that of Gyeonbokgung Palace's entrance. Street signs are also helpful in leading you to the palace. So, if you plan to visit this place, there's no way you'll get lost. ;)

Behind me is one of the Hanoks at Daejojeon. It is the place where the Queen resides.

This is part of the wall that protects the Sangnyang-jeong Hall. I like how those trees are placed in those stone stairs. 

Side View of the Changdeokgung Palace. The roof, as you can see, has very similar patterns to Gyeongbokgung's. 

I uploaded this photo because of that cutie photobomber wearing a red tiny winter jacket. This is why I love winter. <3

We spent an hour walking around the Palace, taking photos and just admiring how creative Koreans have been even more than hundreds of years ago. I'd like to go back to this place on my next visit. I'm coming back for the Secret Garden ;)

Before we meet with my bestfriend Shai and Momshie Rob, we had one more stop. It's Seoul National Museum. We didn't have enough time to see every exhibit at the Museum but the displays we saw were impressive.

A ten-storey pagoda replica is behind me. It's located at the far end of the ground level of the Museum.

What makes the National Museum interesting was its exhibit rooms chronologically connected. The exit of each exhibit is connected to another. Each level of the Museum has a different category from the History Timeline. The person who designed this must have been OC. It's very organized in a manner that even pre-schoolers can comprehend. I'd definitely go back here to finish going through all the exhibits.

After our short trip to the National Museum we had to go back to our Hostel to meet my bestfriend and momshie rob so we can explore Seoul in the evening as a group. The other half of our day will soon be posted.