Korea history apparently dates back to like few thousand years ago. I read somewhere that Koreans are actually the 'Han' people of China that migrated to Korea. Although there is similarity in the verbal language, why the written language has changed so much I have no idea but the historical background is not a lot different from that of Chinese. They have their kings and wars and dynasties. They have their palaces and concubines. In Seoul itself, there are a total of 6 gungs (meant palaces, by the way palace sounds exactly the same in Chinese) and I have picked the one that is the largest and most grandest one, Gyeongbokgung.
Map of Gyeongbok-Gung
First constructed in 1394 and reconstructed in 1867, it was the main palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung meant Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven. This palace is also referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is located more toward the north, compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace).
As I reached Gyeongbokgung at about noon time, the guards changing ceremony just started. Got to say it is very interesting compared to the modern guards that you see in other parts of the world. 
The colourful traditional assemble is simply magnificient and provides a very dramatic experience for us.
Here's a short video of the changing of guards ceremony.
Upon entering the main gate to the palace, it was guarded (OK, they are now actors of course but it was simply nice to see them in the costumes).
Look, I have passed the guards and entered into the outer court of the palace!
I am standing right in front of the Geunjeongjeon which is the throne hall of Gyeongbokgung where the king formally meet with his officials and guests. Geunjeongjeon was originally constructed in 1395 was burned down in 1592 when the Japanese invaded Korea. This building was rebuilt in 1867. 
This is King's Throne. Instead of the Chinese gold colour throne, the Korean king apparently prefers red throne. The background of the throne is picture of mountain which I guess is the same concept of today's fengshui where you have a very good 'back-up'.
This is the outer structure of Geunjeongjeon. Built mainly on woods, it sits on the center of a large rectangular courtyard, on top of a two-tiered stone platform. 
Behind me, the Gangnyeongjeon is a building used as the king's main sleeping and living quarters. The building contains the king's bed chamber. Destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1592, the building was rebuilt in 1867, but it was again burned down by a major fire on 1876 and had to be restored in 1888. Hmmm, it seems the palaces is very prone to fire??!!?? 
After that, it was a blur of more buildings and courtyards and moving from courtyard to courtyard. But notably, the signage all over the palace is of chinese character instead of the current korean character which proves that Koreans are in fact chinese in origin.
OK, I can't remember what this building is named but I remember from its different colour that this is a temporary quarter build during the great fire in the palace. 
Towards the other end of the palace ground is the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. It is a small, two-story hexagonal pavilion built around 1873. The pavilion was constructed on an artificial island of a lake named Hyangwonji and a bridge named Chwihyanggyo connects it to the palace grounds. The name Hyangwonjeong loosely translates as "Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance."
This pavilion must look very beautiful during spring or autumn and is the most beautiful part of the entire palace ground. Funnily enough, it is located just next to the concubines quarters! Guess we all know who benefited most of this place.
As you exit the Gyeongbokgung, the ticket also entitles you to visit The National Folk Museum but since we don't have much time left in Seoul, we decided to passed.
There is simply a lot of history to learn here in Korea. Well, gotta be next time then.Location: Seoul, South Korea
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