In every travel guide about South Korea, it is almost certain you will hear about the "fluid mix of ancient and modern aspects" within the country (Lonely Planet). On Monday, I was able to experience a bit of the ancient at the Gyeongbokgung Palace. The palace seems to have a turbulent history of being destroyed and rebuilt, with the latest destruction during the Japanese colonial rule in the early 20th century. Gyeongbokgung, translated into "Palace Greatly Blessed By Heaven," was a place were kings were crowned, met foreign convoys, and determined state affairs.
The palace is filled with Chinese and Japanese tourists following tour guides rigorously waving tour group flags in the air. As a fairly big park, Jieun and I tried to circumambulate the palace leading to a very serene morning amongst gardens and pagodas. It was a slightly misty morning, but the cool rain helped ease the intense humidity!
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