One of the cool things about living in Seoul is that you are never too far away from a palace. I mean an actual real life piece of history that you can simply stroll through (during open hours of course). Honestly I can never get enough! The colours, architecture and history just call to me. So it’s not all that surprising that I find myself visiting one almost every month.
Usually during the spring and summer there are special night tours where visitors are allowed to roam the palace grounds by moonlight. It’s a lovely and romantic experience. Unfortunately the opportunity only comes around 48 days out of the year for a very select number of foreigners and natives.
This year, however, the Cultural Heritage Administration has decided to extend the number of night tours due to its obvious popularity. Both 창경궁 (Changgyeonggung) and 경복궁 (Gyeongbokgung) will be opened from March 1st to April 4th from 7:00pm~10:00pm. The event will be limited to 2,500 visitors a night and you must arrive before 9:00pm to get in.
I happened to come across the information as I was walking by the palace with my boyfriend after a date and we managed to get in right before 9:00pm. It was a lot of fun but not nearly enough time. We went to this event last year, but this year much more of the palace grounds are opened to the public. It’s a great idea for a date or a great opportunity for photographers. Either way, if you want any decent shots, tripods, time and patience are definitely a necessity.
Although April 4th is quickly approaching, there are plans to have another night tour period from April 29th~June 1st. So if you can’t make it this time, the next event period is right around the corner. I’m not quite sure on the details yet, but I’ll be sure to write up an update when I find out. Until next time…
경복궁 (Gyeongbokgung)
- Hours
- 7:00pm~10:00pm Wednesday~Monday
- CLOSED on Tuesdays
- Address
- 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161
- Price
- ₩3,000
- Phone
- +82-2-3700-3904~5| +82-2-738-9171| +82-2-3210-1645~6
- Website (English, Korean)
창경궁 (Changgyeonggung)
- Hours
- 7:00pm~10:00pm Tuesday~Sunday
- CLOSED on Mondays
- Address
- 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 185
- Price
- ₩1,000
- Phone
- +82-2-762-4868~9
- Website (English, Korean)
Absolutely stunning.
Thanks so much <3
Beautiful photos – the colours pop so much at night!
Thanks so much! Yea I totally agree ^^
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lovely
Thanks <3
Yeah!
^o^
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Your photos are amazing! Seoul is on my list of places to visit
Thanks so much! I really hope you do get the chance to visit someday *^^*
Wow!! Stunning imagery!
Thank you so much ^^
Totally adding this to my bucket list! Thank you for the inspiration!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! I hope you get to see the palaces for yourself someday *^^*
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Wow beautiful photos!
Thanks so much!
So intricate designs yet so flawless… Hats off…
Thanks a bunch ^^
U r always welcome… Keep posting…
Will do <3
Beautiful!
Thank you ^^
beautiful
Thanks!!!
Exquisite. The palaces are an example of Korea at it’s most imperial times. I never knew how close the architecture would be to China and Japan. I will probably never have the opportunity to visit, although it would be amazing. Thank you for your photo history lesson.
Yes, they are quite stunning. No matter how many times I visit the palaces here, I am always in awe ^^ I’m so glad enjoyed them
My favorite picture is the very last one with the building reflecting in the water. Thank you so much for sharing this!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them <3
My dream travel spot! 💓
You should definitely check it out! ^^
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Really great photos. I’ve always wanted to visit Korea and seeing these beautiful palaces makes me want to go there even more!
I’m glad you like them! If you ever have a chance to visit, it’s definitely worth your time ^^
Absolutely gorgeous. Would love to see more!
Thanks so much! I’ll do my best not to disappoint ^^
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Thanks for the info and sweet pics. Always been there in the day must try to see it in the night time. Beautiful.
Thank you for checking them out ^^ You really should go at night if you have the chance.
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So many beautiful photos! They’re stunning
Thanks so much!
Wow that is definitely something! I love night photography.
Night photography is great, though it is new territory for me ^^;; It’s a bit tricky
Well, i do a fair bit myself, but i constantly feel theres just so much to learn. And i honestly think the best way to improve is to get out there to new places and keep doing it. Hope to see your works in the future!
I completely agree! I hope you stop by again and check out my photos ^^
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Glorious photos – they make me want to go to Seoul right now!
I’m glad you like them! You should definitely visit Seoul if you ever get the opportunity ^^
Enriching
Thank you ^^
love the photos, amazing architecture of the past …
Thanks so much! Traditional Korean architecture truly is a wonder ^^
Korea has always fascinated me. Thank you for taking me there via your beautiful photos!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed them <3
Fabulous photography! Thank you.
Thank you for taking a look ^^
This reminded me of my own happy time in Seoul 10 years ago. I have beautiful shots of this palace that have a very special place in my heart. My heart bounced happily when I saw yours
I’m so happy you enjoyed them *^^*
love the photos!
Thanks so much <3
Absolutely breathtaking.
Thanks so much! ^^
🙂
Definitely a must see when visiting Korea. First I’ve ever heard of a tour. I usually just show up. I was there about 5-6 years ago and there was a ceremony taking place. Was pretty cool.
Yes they still do the changing of the guards ceremony during the day. This night tour is a relatively new seasonal thing ^^
Very nice pictures. I especially like the last one with the reflection of the palace in the water.
Thanks a bunch! Thats one of my favourites too ^^
Beautiful photos and great accompanying text!
So glad you enjoyed them ^^
Great lighting, shading and reflections. Beautiful.
Thanks so much!
The pics are way too beautiful!
And the blog obviously
Thanks *^^* I really appreciate it <3
Really like this post! All the photos are stunning!
Thanks so much ^^
Really beautiful pictures! I especially love the last few pics that show the painted bamboo supports up close. Thanks for sharing…I love this!
I’m so glad you like them! Thanks for checking them out ^^
The last one with reflection on water is very pleasing.. Very nice.
Thanks so much ^^
Your welcome
wow, what amazing places. the decor and detail are absolutely beautiful. how wonderful to be able to meander through these palaces. thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for checking them out!
This is gorgeous and so so beautiful!
Thanks so much *^^*
All the photographs are good … I like the forth one the most … good work !
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed them ^^
Wow these palaces are awesome! I’ve visited loads in Asia and they somehow remind me of a cross between Japan and China, but not quite either hahaha. Beautiful pictures 🙂
Outside influences are definitely incorporated into a lot of Korean architecture, so I totally get what you mean *^^*
Nice photos and contents!
Thank you so much <3
I have always wanted to visit Seoul. I hope I get to soon, it’s magnificent.
I hope you do too! There are so many cool things to see and do ^^
so cool especially because i’m from New York..its cool to see things outside my country
So glad you enjoyed the post ^^
Those are some really awesome shots you took there!!
Thanks so much! ^^
Wow!!!
^o^
Good images..
Thank you <3
Welcome
great pictures and place!
Thanks so much ^^
I’ve wanted to visit China and Japan for a very long time, they’re oriental cultural centres. I thank you: now I’ve been reminded that South Korea is one as well. I would really like to visit Seoul if for nothing else, for the chance to see these palaces. Excellent photography. It is on point.
It’s definitely worth it to see the palaces in person. Korea is full of beautiful historical places. If you ever get the chance to visit, I’m sure you’d love it. I’m so glad you liked my photos ^^ Thanks for checking them out <3
You’re welcome. It’s always a pleasure to see a beautiful photos of oriental architecture.
Beautiful Shots!
Thank you *^^*
Are you living in Korea? 😀 Glad to read this as Korean: )
I do live in Korea ^^ Glad you liked the post <3
Amazing pictures👍
Thanks so much <3
stunning…
Thanks! ^^
Makes me want to travel Korea soon!
You definitely should!
They look stunning!
Thanks so much! ^^
Amazing shots! On my next visit I’ll try to take night shots.
Thanks! You should definitely chick it out on your next visit ^^
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I visited Seoul many years ago, this is a nice reminder of how beautiful the place is.
I’m so glad ^^
Great job.Beautiful Pictures.
Thanks a bunch <3
I visited Seoul only last year, these photo’s brought back so many happy memories…..beautiful place with beautiful people.
It’s certainly difficult not to make wonderful memories here ^^ So glad these photos brought them back to you <3
great photos
Thank you *^^*
beautiful
Thanks!
Super great pictures!!
Thank you <3
Amazing pictures !
Thank you! ^^
I was in Seoul in Spring 2013 and saw most of the palaces. Your photography makes them more beautiful mysterious and enthralling than daylight. They seem here to be more than ever oases of charm and peace in that very complex bustling modern and high rise city. Thanks for reminding me.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them *^^* If you’re ever back in Korea, you should try checking them out at night too.
beautiful…
great pict. really hope someday i visit this country
Thanks so much! I hope you get to visit someday too <3
Lovely, I hope to see them one day.
I hope you do too!!! ^^
Love the pictures. For the moment we are in new caledonie. Also a photographers paradise. But we surely will visite your country I like the architecture.
Wow! I’d love to visit New Caledonia someday. You must be getting some amazing photos out there *^^* You should definitely check out Korea sometime. Totally different experience, but the traditional architecture is beautiful <3
Wow this looks amazing. Great pictures!
Thanks so much! ^^
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Stunning photos
Thank you so much <3
This makes me miss Seoul. These are beautiful photos.
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed them ^^
Love your photos! <3 just wow 💥
Awww thanks a lot! I’m glad you enjoyed them ^^
Love it!
Thanks! ^^
woooow this is great!
So cool♡
Incredible pictures!!!!! Thank you for shared information! =)
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