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On the north edge of Seoul is Kyongbuk Palace. It was once the seat of the Korean royalty but now is a wonderful look back at the "Land of the Morning Calm". For a very tiny entrance fee ( around a $1.00 back in 1992 ) you can wonder around to your heart's content. The palace contains many gardens, buildings, ponds and even a pavilion on an island.
In front of the palace ( literally ) stands the National Museum. This building built in the 20's by the Japanese occupiers was the seat of the government during the occupation. Now it is a wonderful art and history museum and is well worth a visit. In 1992, there was one museum on the grounds. It was the Korean Folk Museum. Don't miss this wonderful chance to learn about Korean folk arts ( such as kite making, hat making, Korean fashion and Korean games ), Korean architecture and Korean family life. I believe there are now more museums open on the palace grounds. The best time of year to visit the Palace is most definitely mid-to-late April when the cherry trees are in bloom. The white and pink blossoms of the cherry trees are set off by the vibrant yellow of the forsythia and contrasted with the azalea and hybiscus. The Rose of Sharon is actually the national flower of Korea. It pinkish purple blooms can be seen all over the penisula. To add even more to the beauty, many beautiful young couples wait for this time of year to have their wedding pictures made. Every where you turn you will see a smiling bride in her elaborate white wedding dress and a groom handsomely dressed in a tuxedo getting there pictures made in one of the gardens or one of the buildings. Unfortunately, I didn't have a camera during my April trip to the palace so I can only show you what the palace looks like in late November.
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