Seoul (South Korea) Day 2: Jin Hanbok Rental + Gyeongbokgung Palace

After the late breakfast, we walked back towards Gyeongbokgung Palace. Many visitors like to wear hanbok to the palace because it grants free entry and offers plenty of photo opportunities. You can also rent hanbok at half price by booking online through Klook, we decided not to as we were not sure we wanted to wear one.

While walking, we continued contemplating about it.  On one hand, wearing a hanbok felt a bit troublesome, with the need to store our belongings and return later to retrieve them. On the other hand, it was a different experience with great photo opportunities. Eventually, we decided to go for it and chose Jin Hanbok, as the shop next door was packed and likely had a longer wait time. The prices at one glance were similar at both places.

The hanbok rental came in different prices. ₩9,000 for one hour rental and ₩15,000 for whole day rental of a basic hanbok. Premium hanbok with better quality material was at higher cost of W27,000. 

I opt for a basic hanbok with simple design and inner skirt for ₩16,000 (or S$15.73), additional ₩1,000 for the inner skirt. Locker storage for our belonging was free and handbag rental was free with cash payment but chargeable at ₩3,000 if paid by card.

The palace was very well maintained, with history seeping from every corner. Every space seemed to hold a story waiting to be shared.

The entire palace grounds felt like a scene straight out of a period drama with its historic structures. No wonder this place was so popular among tourists.

It was 2.05pm when we made our way out after spending 1 hour 15 minutes in the palace. We headed back to the hanbok rental to return our outfits and collect our belongings.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: 9am to 6pm from Wed to Mon

Entrance fee: ₩3,000 or free if wearing hanbok

Seoul (South Korea) Day 2: Guard Changing at Gyeongbokgung Palace + Tosokchon Samgyetang

 I had a better sleep yesterday with me going to bed at 11.30pm, woke up at 4.40am, then again at 6am and remained awake since then. It was already better compared to my previous trips.

I got out of bed at 8am to prepare for a full day out. While taking turns in the bathroom, I turned on the television to watch Pororo the Little Penguin.

We reached Gwanghwamun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace at 9.55am, just in time for the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. The gate looked even more impressive than the one I had visited yesterday against the cloudless sky.

The area was packed with crowds after I entered the gate, with many eagerly waiting for the ceremony. Quite a number of people were dressed in hanbok, creating a captivating and vibrant scene.

The royal guard changing ceremony is held twice daily at 10am and 2pm, re-enacting the traditional guard changing procedure from the Joseon Dynasty.

It was so interesting to watch such a historic parade in the midst of a modern world. The rituals, vibrant hanbok and throbbing drumbeats filled the air with the spirit of centuries past.

The royal guards marched around the parade square, giving everyone a clear view of the ceremony. Watching the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is highly recommended if you visit any palace, it is a sight not to be missed.

After the ceremony, we did not immediately enter Gyeongbokgung Palace but made our way out to Bukchon Hanok Village for breakfast. As we walked, we enjoyed scenic hill view, a sight I could never get tired of.

We passed by many hanbok shops when on the way. This area was the nearest to the palace, so many visitors chose their hanbok design from the shops here.

It took us 20 minute walk to reach Tosokchon Samgyetang near Seochon Hanok Village. This restaurant is famous for their Ginseng Chicken Soup, often drawing long queues during peak hours. As it was only 10.40am, we got a seat immediately upon arrival.

The restaurant had several dining areas and we were led to the most inner room, which was not yet full. The interior contained rich wooden elements, from tables and chairs to doors, creating a traditional ambiance.

The set included kimchi, radish and mineral water. They also had a container for us to dispose the chicken bones into it. 

I had Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken Soup at ₩20,000 (or S$19.67) which featured a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, served in a rich milky broth infused with ginseng, pumpkin seeds, black sesame, jujube fruits and various other seeds. The meat was very tender, falling off the bone effortlessly.

The ginseng found in my soup. 

I liked that the ginseng flavour was subtle and not overpowering. The chicken had absorbed all the goodness from the broth, making it a nourishing dish to have for a cool day. This was going to be my best meal in Seoul.

The chicken roasting in process if you prefer roasted version. They also had white and black chicken options but I preferred the white chicken.

We finished our meal in exactly an hour at 11.40am and were shocked by the line forming outside the restaurant. I was so glad we came early, if not I probably not keen to join in the long queue.

Tosokchon Samgyetang

5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: 10am to 10pm daily