The Korea Times
Foreign tourists love Korean palaces. Statistics show that more than 70 percent of overseas tourists visiting Seoul go to at least one of the city’s ancient palaces. It does not matter whether they plan to go shopping in Myeong-dong or spend a night in Hongdae in western Seoul. Renting the traditional attire known as hanbok and casually strolling around palace pavilions while taking pictures has essentially become a Seoul travel ritual that rarely budges from the itinerary. Be it the scorching heat of summer or the freezing winds of winter, foreign tourists can be seen around the palaces in every season, dressed in brightly colored hanbok, the traditional Korean hat known as "gat" and "norigae," a traditional Korean decorative pendant worn with the outfit. And of all the ancient palaces that lure those tourists, Gyeongbok Palace commands the strongest presence and recognition. With its giant red-brown pillars, broad stone courtyard and the sight of Mount Bukak rising beyond the roofline of Gwanghwamun, the palace might just offer the most “Korean” scenery tourists can find in Kore
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