Seoul City - Day 2 Tosokchon Samgyetang, Hanboks, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanbok Village

Today itenerary is dedicated to palaces and tradition! Start the day by having an early lunch near Gyeongbokgung Palace and then renting a Hanbok, the colourful and traditional Korean dress. It’s such a fun way to explore the historic side of Seoul and also makes for great memories and photos!

Tosokchon Samgyetang

5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 南韓
서울특별시 종로구 체부동 자하문로5길 5

Nearest Station : Gyeongbokgung line 3 exit 2

Opening Hours  : 10am-10pm

Menu: 
– Samgyetang KRW 18.000 
– Pajeon (green onion pancake) KRW 15.000

We decided to get an early lunch since we want to rent Hanbok , I think it would be difficult eating with the dress. This restaurant is famous for their Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), it also serves other main dishses such as pajeon (green onion pancake), Rotisserie chicken and many side dishes. The portion is generous we share  1 bowl of rice, 1 stews and green onion pancake among 2 person and 1 kid. I'm not a fan of ginseng soup but the taste is ok, and I like the pancake since it loaded with many prawns & squids.  When we arrive around 11am the restaurant is already crowded but no line horey!! But when we leaved Tosokchon around 12 noon and there was already a long line consists of a good mix of locals and curious tourists forming by the road side.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Nearest Station : Gyeongbokgung line 3 exit 4

Opening Hours  :  Wednesday–Monday, closed on Tuesday
                             Janunary-February 09:00-17:00 (last admission 16:00) 
                             March-May 09:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00) 
                             June-August 09:00-18:30 (last admission 17:30) 
                             September-October 09:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00) 
                             November-December 09:00-17:00 (last admission 14:00)

There are lots of shops offering hanbok rental in Seoul but we recommend Hanboknam rental store located near Gyeongbokgung in exit 4. The location is perfect as it’s close to the Palace. They have many selection of hanboks for  women(1F), men and kids (2F), for only KWR 9,900 for 4 hours. 

After dressing up in the Hanbok, the first stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul. Changing guard ceremony is held for FREE daily, at 10:00AM and 2:00PM in front of Gwanghwamun or the main gate of Gyeongbokgung. 

Seoul itinerary tip: Entry to the five Grand Palaces is free when dressed in a Hanbok.

Bukchon Hanok Village
Nearest Station : Anguk station line 3 (orange) exit 2 walk 10 min

Opening Hours  : Every day from day to evening

From Gyeongbokgung, you either can walk or take the metro for 1 station only to the Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with Korean houses dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the most popular areas to visit for those renting hanboks too, in the area you can see many restaurants, tea houses, cultural centers and more providing visitors with a rich Korean traditional culture experience.