What you seriously have to take into consideration before planning a trip during the winter is the harsh and freezing weather. Nevertheless, if yours is a household with school-age family members – like mine – you know the year-end is the only time the family is able to go on a trip.
My sister was the first to suggest South Korea for our next holiday destination, spurred on by her enthusiasm for all things K-pop. South Korea, Seoul in particular, is not a city that I’m unfamiliar with as I’d been there three years before as an exchange student. That said, my previous visit was more of a cultural experience. Hence, it was an opportunity for me to finally check out all these touristy spots during this trip while also fulfilling my passion for architectural photography.
THE JOSEON DYNASTY
Not your usual urban expanse, Seoul is a concrete jungle, but one with large swathes of historical sites to visit. If I were to say which part of Seoul is my favourite, it has to be the country’s most famous historical landmark, with Mount Bugak as its backdrop. The first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted about five centuries, Gyeongbok Palace is the best iteration of traditional Korean architecture – after restoration. I was overcome with awe by the painstakingly restored intricate details, such the blue-green ornate roofs.
Situated in the heart of the metropolis, the palace paints a harmonious picture where both past and present meet. My fascination grew stronger when I stood at the gate, with one foot in the palace before me and skyscrapers reaching up into the sky behind me in stark contrast. Though it was a rainy day, we took a stroll in the palace grounds nonetheless. Gyeongbok Palace is also home to the Korean National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum. If you want to know more about Joseon culture, these museums are not to be missed.
This story is from the March - April 2020 edition of Her World Malaysia.
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This story is from the March - April 2020 edition of Her World Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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