
Seoul - Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu (PDF Chapter)
This is the Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu chapter from Lonely Planet’s Seoul guidebook.
The focus of this area – and for many visitors, of the whole city – is Seoul’s royal palace compounds. If you want to see hanok (traditional Korean houses) in a real-life neighbourhood, Bukchon makes for a pleasant hour.
- admire the scale and artistry of the largest of Seoul’s palaces Gyeongbokgung, fronted by the grand gateway Gwanghwamun.
- maps
- discover Huwon, the serene traditional garden secreted behind the most beautiful of Seoul’s five main palaces.
- transport
- learn about Buddhism at Jogye-sa, one of Seoul’s most active temples and epicentre of the spectacular Lotus Lantern festival in May.
- accommodation
Coverage includes: Sights, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife, Entertainment, Shopping, Sports & Activities, Accommodation.

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