Planning a day around Seoul's historic heart? Combining a grand royal palace walk with Korea's most iconic nourishing soup makes for an unforgettable half-day adventure!
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (๊ฒฝ๋ณต๊ถ)
Built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://royal.khs.go.kr/ROYAL/contents/menuInfo-gbg.do?grpCode%3Dgbg&source=gmail&ust=1792383007701000&sa=E) is located at 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu (just a 3-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Subway Station Line 3, Exit 5). Marvel at the majestic Geunjeongjeon throne hall, the floating Gyeonghoeru pavilion, and the colorful Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held daily in front of Gwanghwamun gate.
- Hours & Closed Days: Open Wed-Mon 09:00-18:00 (Last entry 17:00). Closed every Tuesday.
- Admission & Hanbok Tip: Regular admission is 3,000 KRW for adults (19-64). However, anyone wearing a traditional Korean Hanbok gets in completely free! Rental shops surround the palace, offering a wonderful photo opportunity.
2. Tosokchon Samgyetang (ํ ์์ด ์ผ๊ณํ)
Just a 5-minute stroll west from the palace at 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil (Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 2), Tosokchon Samgyetang (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tosokchon.com/&source=gmail&ust=1792383007701000&sa=E) is Seoul's undisputed royal court ginseng chicken soup landmark. Housed in a charming traditional Korean Hanok with wooden beams and courtyard seating, it has welcomed local presidents and global travelers for decades.
- Hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Must-Try Menu: Traditional Samgyetang (20,000 KRW), featuring a tender whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, whole ginseng, chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, and medicinal seeds simmered in a rich, nutty broth. They also offer black chicken (Ogulgye) Samgyetang and crispy Seafood Pajeon (scallion pancake).
- Insider Tip: Each meal is served with a complimentary small shot of fragrant ginseng wine (Insamju). If you prefer a milder taste, pour the shot directly into your boiling soup to deepen the herbal flavor! The 400-seat house moves lines quickly, but arriving right around 11:30 AM helps you skip the peak lunch queue.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (๊ฒฝ๋ณต๊ถ)
Built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://royal.khs.go.kr/ROYAL/contents/menuInfo-gbg.do?grpCode%3Dgbg&source=gmail&ust=1792383007701000&sa=E) is located at 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu (just a 3-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Subway Station Line 3, Exit 5). Marvel at the majestic Geunjeongjeon throne hall, the floating Gyeonghoeru pavilion, and the colorful Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held daily in front of Gwanghwamun gate.
- Hours & Closed Days: Open Wed-Mon 09:00-18:00 (Last entry 17:00). Closed every Tuesday.
- Admission & Hanbok Tip: Regular admission is 3,000 KRW for adults (19-64). However, anyone wearing a traditional Korean Hanbok gets in completely free! Rental shops surround the palace, offering a wonderful photo opportunity.
2. Tosokchon Samgyetang (ํ ์์ด ์ผ๊ณํ)
Just a 5-minute stroll west from the palace at 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil (Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 2), Tosokchon Samgyetang (https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tosokchon.com/&source=gmail&ust=1792383007701000&sa=E) is Seoul's undisputed royal court ginseng chicken soup landmark. Housed in a charming traditional Korean Hanok with wooden beams and courtyard seating, it has welcomed local presidents and global travelers for decades.
- Hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Must-Try Menu: Traditional Samgyetang (20,000 KRW), featuring a tender whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, whole ginseng, chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, and medicinal seeds simmered in a rich, nutty broth. They also offer black chicken (Ogulgye) Samgyetang and crispy Seafood Pajeon (scallion pancake).
- Insider Tip: Each meal is served with a complimentary small shot of fragrant ginseng wine (Insamju). If you prefer a milder taste, pour the shot directly into your boiling soup to deepen the herbal flavor! The 400-seat house moves lines quickly, but arriving right around 11:30 AM helps you skip the peak lunch queue.
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