Korea, Seoul : 광화문 and 세종로 museum

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I then walked down South and along the 세종로 (Sejongro) street from 광화문 (Gwanghwamun) Gates. The 세종로 street is really large with a pathway in the middle. You can see fountains and statues of king 세종 and of admiral 이순신. Under the statue you can go down to see their museum. King 세종 is really famous because he is the creator of hangul, the Korean writing system. Admiral 이순신 is famous for his victories against the Japan during the Imjin war during the 조선 (Joseon) Dynasty period, he represent the Korean courage.
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Korea, Seoul : National Folk museum of Korea

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The National Folk museum of Korea is part of the 경복궁 (Gyeongbokgung) Palace and the entry is free so I went to visit it after visiting the palace. It show the history of Korean people from prehistoric time to the end of 조선 (Joseon) Dynasty, the way of Korean life from ancient time villages and the cycle in Korean life with Confucius teaching. The building is also really nice from outside with pavilion looking towers.
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Korea, Seoul : 경복궁

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I then went to visit 경복궁 (Gyeongbokgung) Palace, located on the West side of 창덕궁 and it also belongs to the 조선(Joseon) Dynasty. It was constructed in 1394 by the first king and founder of the Dynasty. Only 40% of the palace still stands but it is slowly being restored. It is a very large place complex, at first it's only buildings but as you progress to the North you can see more and more trees and garden with ponds. It is a very beautiful site. The different part of the palace have been added by different kings through the age. My favorite part is 향원정(Hyangwonjeong) pavilion which means "Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance". It was build in 1873 by the order of King 고종(Gojon). It is build on an artificial island of a lake 향원지(Hyangwonji) and accessible through a bridge called 취향교(Chwihyanggyo) which means "Bridge Intoxicated with Fragrance". The bridge was first build on the North side of the lake and was the longest wooden bridge in 조선Dynasty but it was destroy during the war and rebuild on the South side.

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Korea, Seoul : 비원

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When you are visiting 창덕궁 you can also by extra tickets to visit 비원or 창경궁. I decided to go to 비원 and you sure wouldn't want to miss it. 비원 means Secret garden but our guide told us that it was more of a forbidden garden as only the royal family was allowed to enter it, or you at least needed their permission. The tour of the garden took us on a one and a half hour walk up and down on the mountain site behind the palace, the garden actually fusion with the mountain's vegetation in a strange way organized and wild at the same time. We stopped in five different places to see the residence of the Royal family and shrines.

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