Gyeongbokgung!

I went to my first palace here in Korea. Gyeongbokgung is the most famous one in Seoul, it is also the most photographed. The palace was first constructed in 1394 and was reconstructed in 1867. It was the main and the largest palace in the Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung translates to "Palace of Shining Happiness."

It was cold when we went, but it wasn't very crowded. We were able to wander around freely and not have to worry about crowds. There were also two artificial islands that were created withing the palace grounds, and the lakes surrounding the islands were frozen over. There was also some snow left over in the shady sections from when it snowed a couple days ago.

The whole entire place was gorgeous. It was very big too. I could easily get lost within in. It felt a bit like a labyrinth. The architecture of the buildings were absolutely beautiful, as well as the detail on the buildings. All the trees were bare from the cold, but I could only imagine what it would look like in the spring and fall, with all the trees full of color.

We got there just in time for the changing of the guard ceremony

Alison and I in front of one of the gates.

This is Geunjeongjeon (Throne Hall)

Hwangwonjeong Pavillion

Gyeonghoeru (Royal Banquet Hall)