We were quite impressed by Seoul subway, they play music when the train is approaching the station and when it reaches the station.


See those shelves on top of the train cabin? The Koreans use them to put their grocery bag, briefcase or shopping bags! How convenient and brilliant this is, isn't it?


2) When you arrive at Chungmuro station 충무로 (忠武路), go to L2 to change to Line 3.

Vending machine inside Chungmuro subway station

Hence, you can be sure that you are taking the right train to Gyeongbokgung station 경복궁 (景福宮) if it shows at the platform the next station is Euljiro 3 (sam)-ga 을지로3가역 (乙支路3街驛).

Priority seats

The priority seats in Seoul subway are heated! Maybe its because it was Winter when we were there. Be sure not to take the priority seats even though its empty because its meant for the elderly or needy. Even during peak hour period, no one sits on the priority seats apart from the elderly. Gotta give the Koreans thumbs-up for this!

There are LCD screens on Seoul subway that shows the side that the cabin door opens.



After 4 stops, we reached Gyeongbokgung station.



We were greeted by a small kiosk that sells snacks and drinks as well as newspapers and magazines. I must admit that I'm tempted to get a little something each time I see vending machines or small kiosks like that in the subway platform. Seriously, how come the Koreans don't get fat when food and drinks are so conveniently available?

Kiosk in Gyeongbokgung station platform

Horseback-Mounted Terracotta (Silla 5th-6th century) This horseman, found alongside another terracotta horseman (National Treasure No. 91, appears to be the latter's retainer. The pair provides an interesting insight into the clothing and riding customs of the Silla Kingdom.

After exiting Gyeongbokgung station, we were walking towards Exit 5 to Gyeongbokgung Palace when I saw another monument which got me really excited. I guess you can tell how much of a history geek I am from that, no? Don't judge me but I love to watch documentaries especially on history and extreme topics.

Pullomun

Well, not quite actually because its.. a replica of Pullomun.


Pullomun

Pullomun This gate was made of monolith in imitation of Pullomun in Changdokkung. It has a legend that once one passes through the gate, he would not be old forever.

I'm not sure if I got too excited over the fact that I am in Korea finally (been wanting to visit Korea since forever - had to give it a miss since Uni started earlier than I thought it would, gave exchange program a miss because it clashed with my Uni semester) or that I was tired from the 7 hour flight from Singapore with a 2 hour stopover in Hong Kong which makes the total travel time 9 hours (gasps!), but I only read the 2nd sentence that says, "It has a legend that once one passes through the gate, he would not be old forever." Immediately after reading that, I walked pass it with my eyes gleaming with joy only to shatter when Ebony said to me, "Jie (sister in Mandarin), imitation la (slang)" which meant I will grow old anyway. I think its worth to visit Changdokkung during my next trip just to check out the original Pullomun.

I was like, "Eomma 엄마, I feel like I'm being transported back to Joseon Dynasty!"

I think the cooling weather plays a part in making us feel very relaxed. Before we realised, we spent almost half an a day in Gyeongbokgung. There's so much to explore and I bet no one can finish touring Gyeongbokgung in a day. 

We were touring Gyeongbokgung when we heard Korean folk music and it drew us to the main gate, Gwanghwamun for the royal changing of guards ceremony. 

Changing of guards ceremony Every hour from 10:00 to 15:00 Main gate, Gwanghwamun 광화문 (光化門)

Mommy and I with Gwanghwamun 광화문 (光化門) royal guard

Gwanghwamun 광화문 (光化門) royal guard

After the changing of guards ceremony, we continued to explore Gyeongbokgung.


Here's my #ootd which pales in comparison with the Korean boy's.

Geunjeongjeon 근정전 (勤政殿)