Cultural riches in shopping hub

In 1592, it was burned during the Japanese invasion and was not restored until about 270 years later.

More than 90 percent of the palace was torn down during Japanese rule in the early 1900s.

Meanwhile, those who are dressed in traditional South Korean attire can enter the palace for free.

Visitors to the palace can enjoy a free guided tour for an hour in Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean.

During my tour, I learn that about 30 percent of the buildings in the palace complex have been restored since 1990.

You will first arrive at Gwanghwamun Gate with its five-meter tall walls, where you can take photos with royal guards dressed in traditional costumes.

They are tall and sturdy, with weapons in their hands, and they perform the changing of the guard ceremony twice a day.

The palace also contains the Geunjeongjeon Hall where the affairs of state were dealt with, including coronations and meetings.

In the center of the hall is a footpath, which was reserved for the king.

And, on both sides of the footpath are stone markers carved with the ranks of court officials.

Near the palace is Bukchon Hanok Village.

The village was a dwelling place for royal families and aristocrats of the Joseon Dynasty.

It boasts more than 900 traditional Korean houses.

Visiting the village is like doing time travel. There, you can walk in the quaint alleys, where there are only residences rather than shops and restaurants. Around 20 of the old houses which are State-owned are open to the public.