In Jongno area, there are many old palaces rich in Korea's history and traditions located such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Deoksugung Palace. The quiet and calm atmosphere of the palace gives you some healing in the city center. In this post, AREX will introduce the less known old palace tour - a walking trail in the small forest that offers a glimpse of Gyeonghuigung Palace.
The walking course behind Gyeonghuigung Palace starts from Seoul Museum of History, passing through Sungjeongmun Gate of Gyeonghuigung Palace and will arrive at the entrance of Heunghwamun Gate. The course will take about 30 minutes. It doesn't take too long, so it's good to take a light walk after lunch on a nice weather.
When facing the Seoul Museum of History building, follow the hill on the right of the building, and you will come to the parking lot of the museum.
After passing the parking lot, follow the signboard that shows Gyeonghuigung Palace, and you will see a short stone staircase. Once you take the stairs up, you will come to the road next to Gyeonghuigung Palace.
After walking up the stairs, turn to the right and follow the path next to Sungjeongmun Gate. You will find a hidden walking path where you can see Gyeonghuigung Palace at a glance. Due to COVID-19, please take note that only Sungjeongmun Gate is open now.
If you look towards the left, you will see a small stone staircase that seems to be heading to a forest trail. Take the stairs and walk on the left side where you can see the palace roof.
Just a few steps up the stairs, and you will be able to see the picturesque view of the old palace in front of you.
This walking course along the back of the palace gives you a unique experience which you can enjoy the view of the palace at one glance, as compared to the usual visitation to the palace which you get close to the old buildings.
Behind the Gyeonghuigung Palace hill is a spacious space like an area for exercise. From here, you can continue walking on the left, until you arrive at the small forest.
As you walk along the path, you will come to a walking path that makes you wonder if such place exists in the city center. There is even a straw mat on the road, so if you wear a casual attire, you can take a walk here too.
After passing through the forest area for children, just continue following the mat. It is not difficult to walk in this small forest path of Gyeonghuigung Palace even if there is no signboard. You can enjoy phytoncide for a while in this forest where you can find in Seoul.
After completing the forest walking path, you will come back to the road where you can see Gyeonghuigung Palace.
While you are here, you can take a peek inside the palace around the Taeryeongmun Gate and Taeryeongjeon Hall area.
This is a short walking course that takes about 30 minutes, so it is suitable for anyone who wants to take a walk comfortably. The palace and small forest paths are different from the Jongno image that we know, so it feels like we have found a treasure.
The walking path behind Gyeonghuigung Palace offers you a healing time in the midst of the busy city life. The scenery of palace from afar without entering the palace creates a picturesque view. If you are visiting Gyeonghuigung Palace, remember to take a walk at this forest path as well!
Please remember to always wear a mask and follow the COVID-19 preventive guidelines such as maintaining social distancing, obeying cough etiquette, washing hands often, etc. Stay safe, everyone!
[Information about Gyeonghuigung Palace]
1. Getting There: At AREX Gongdeok Station, transfer to Subway Line 5 ▶ Get off at Seodaemun Station Exit 4, Walk 7 mins
2. Address: 45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
