Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
quisite hairpins worn by the queens and princesses. Note this museum closes on a differ-
ent day to the palace.
In a separate section in the northeast of the grounds is the excellent
National Folk Mu-
to 4pm Wed-Mon Nov-Feb)
. It has three main exhibition halls covering the history of the Korean
people, the agricultural way of life and the life of
yangban
(aristocrats) during the Joseon
era. Among the many interesting exhibits is an amazingly colourful funeral bier.
Leave time to explore the open-air exhibition of historical buildings and structures in-
cluding a street of buildings styled as they would have been in the early 20th century; you
can sip coffee (for just
₩
200) in a
dabang
(old-style cafe) here. There's also a separate
Children's Museum (same opening times as the Folk Museum) and play area.
TOURS & CEREMONIES
An audio commentary and a free guided tour (at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm) are available to learn more about the
palace. At the National Folk Museum of Korea the guided tours start at 10.30am and 2.30pm, while at the National
Palace Museum of Korea, the English guided tour is at 3pm. Changing of the guard ceremonies occur every hour, on the
QUEEN MIN'S ASSASSINATION
In the early hours of 8 October 1895, Gyeongbokgung was the scene of a dramatic moment in Korean history. Japanese
assassins broke into the palace and murdered Empress Myeongseong (Queen Min), one of the most powerful figures at
that time in Korea. After her body was burnt; it is said only one finger survived the fire. Later 56 individuals were arres-
ted but not one was convicted for the murder.
DON'T MISS
»
Gwanghwamun
»
Geunjeongjeon
»
National Folk Museum
»
National Palace Museum
PRACTICALITIES
»
adult/child ₩3000/1500