Seoul has been the capital of South Korea since Joseon Dynasty, much of the historic fabric has been maintained and cared as seen in 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Located or just a Day Trip around.
With this, I’m sharing my Photos of the Sites I visited during my trip. The brief narrative and information have been copied from their description on the UNESCO Website.
On Day 1, I visited this Palace and find its Secret.
Travel Log: Photo Diary: Seoul, South Korea – Changdeokgung Palace Complex
The Main Pavillion
Changdeokgung Palace Complex
In the early 15th century, King Taejong ordered the construction of a new palace at an auspicious site. A Bureau of Palace Construction was set up to create the complex, consisting of several official and residential buildings set in a garden that was cleverly adapted to the uneven topography of the 58-ha site. The result is an exceptional example of Far Eastern palace architecture and design, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/816
On Day 2, I Climbed the walls and had some picnic.
Travel Log: Travel Log: Day 2: City Exploration, Seoul, South Korea
One of the Gates of Namhansanseong
Namhansanseong
Namhansanseong was designed as an emergency capital for the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), in a mountainous site 25 km south-east of Seoul. Built and defended by Buddhist monk-soldiers, it could accommodate 4,000 people and fulfilled important administrative and military functions. Its earliest remains date from the 7th century, but it was rebuilt several times, notably in the early 17th century in anticipation of an attack from the Sino-Manchu Qing dynasty. The city embodies a synthesis of the defensive military engineering concepts of the period, based on Chinese and Japanese influences, and changes in the art of fortification following the introduction from the West of weapons using gunpowder. A city that has always been inhabited, and which was the provincial capital over a long period, it contains evidence of a variety of military, civil and religious buildings and has become a symbol of Korean sovereignty. Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1439
On Day 3, I hike the walls and explore the Guided Tour of the Shrine.
Travel Log: Travel Log: Day 3: City Exploration, Seoul, South Korea
One of the Gates that Currently serves as the Roundabout
Hwaseong Fortress
When the Joseon King Jeongjo moved his father’s tomb to Suwon at the end of the 18th century, he surrounded it with strong defensive walls laid out according to the precepts of an influential military architect of the period, who brought together the latest developments in the field from both East and West. The massive walls, extending for nearly 6 km, still survive; they are pierced by four gates and equipped with bastions, artillery towers and other features. Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/817
One of the Shrines in Jongmyo
Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines to have been preserved. Dedicated to the forefathers of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), the shrine has existed in its present form since the 16th century. It houses tablets bearing the teachings of members of the former royal family. Ritual ceremonies linking music, song and dance still take place there, perpetuating a tradition that goes back to the 14th century. Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/738
On Day 4, Explored the Site where Two Kings was buried.
Travel Log: Travel Log: Day 4: City Exploration, Seoul, South Korea
Tomb of King Jungjong on the Eastern Side
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty form a collection of 40 tombs scattered over 18 locations. Built over five centuries, from 1408 to 1966, the tombs honoured the memory of ancestors, showed respect for their achievements, asserted royal authority, protected ancestral spirits from evil and provided protection from vandalism. Spots of outstanding natural beauty were chosen for the tombs which typically have their back protected by a hill as they face south toward water and, ideally, layers of mountain ridges in the distance. Alongside the burial area, the royal tombs feature a ceremonial area and an entrance. In addition to the burial mounds, associated buildings that are an integral part of the tombs include a T-shaped wooden shrine, a shed for stele, a royal kitchen and a guards’ house, a red-spiked gate and the tomb keeper’s house. The grounds are adorned on the outside with a range of stone objects including figures of people and animals. The Joseon Tombs completes the 5,000-year history of royal tombs architecture in the Korean peninsula. Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1319
Viajero 