One of Seoul’s main attractions is Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) in Gwanghwamun. It’s a large palace complex that I’ve been to plenty of times over the years, and it’s definitely worth visiting in different seasons if you can. They even have night openings now, where they light up the whole grounds. This post is about two trips there I took in November and December.

Palace views from above! Rooftop of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

From a nearby rooftop, you can experience Gyeongbokgung from above (kind of!). In November, I went to the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관) which is opposite the palace and has a rooftop looking over the palace and Gwanghwamun Square. It’s free to go to the roof of the museum and the view is great. If you go in the evening, you might see photographers set up there, waiting for the sun to set.

After taking some photos, I wandered down to the palace entrance. I didn’t get a ticket to go inside because there were so many lovely colourful things to see in the entrance area, like the main gate and the garden area to the left side.

There were lots of fantastic looking yellow and red leaved trees in the entrance grounds on the west of the palace. I then set off back home to meet Romana.

Inside the palace

In December, I returned and bought a ticket. I had a quick look around because it was quite chilly! I think I got some good shots though.

I need to revisit in the winter after some snow, and also at night to see the place lit up. I then went to get a coffee at Naeja & Co, then a burger at the fantastic Burger de Joseon. Lovely!