I have seen a lot of similarities with the architecture and design between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. During the Japanese invasion, Changdeokgung was burned down. Most of the materials used for the restoration of the palace came from Gyeongbokgung Palace. That must have been an evident reason why they had a lot of similarities in architecture and design.

Geunjeongjeon Hall (main hall) and Bugaksan Mountain at its back

Gwanghwamun Gate

Hello kids! Wala ba kayong pasok? ((:

Heto pa. (((:

Here goes our lakas-trip moments..

National Folk Museum of Korea

Find Your Sign ang peg nila lahat. ((:

The Rabbit

Hyangwonjeong Pond

Gyeonghoe-ru Pavillion

We were not able to tour the whole palace grounds due to lack of time. But before we completely left, we were able to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at the entrance of the Gwanghwamun Gate. They were in traditional colorful costumes. I took a short snippet of them performing their royal duties.



One thing that suprised us was that the pamphlets were sold and not distributed for free. We really wondered why for most tourist spots we had been to were available to anyone who bought a ticket.

Honestly, I did not know much about Korean history and culture until I visited Korea. It takes a lot of effort, time, and money to visit a country and immerse in it. But this trip is indeed a splendid experience that I could not just learn by reading a book. If I could remake the history classes I've attended in, I want to learn about history and culture by experiencing it. Maybe I learn better visually. Amazingly, as I began to explore Korea, I also began to realize how rich and beautiful Philippines is. Each country has its own charms that different people will admire and appreciate.