City Walking Tour

This journey begins at Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbokgung Palace), which was first constructed in 1394. (Tel. 02-732-1932 Website -http://www.gyeongbok.ocp.go.kr Closed on Tuesdays) Parts of the palace destroyed during the 1592 invasion of Korea by Japan, but it was rebuilt into a massive structure including hundreds of buildings. Except for 10 buildings, it was completely destroyed again by the Japanese in 1911. It has been reconstructed according to the most accurate historical information available and is a massive palace most accurately representing royal life of the Joseon era and attracts tourists from all around the world. After visiting the palace, head on to the quaint streets of Samcheongdong, which are lined on all sides by beautiful ginkgo trees. Follow the street to the one that passes in front of the presidential residence, Cheongwadae. Cheongwadae, commonly referred to as the Blue House because of its bright blue roof, became the Korean presidential residence in 1948 when Syngman Rhee, the nation's first president, started using it as his office and home. (Tel. 02-730-5800 Website : http://www.president.go.kr) Continue down the street to Hyojadong Sarangbang, where you can view the presents Korean presidents have received from abroad over the years.