Clothes like people have personalities. There is always something more than fashion and beauty of each piece and designs but the story of how it was made, whom it was made for and the cultural ideas and beliefs of every color, patterns, and styles that it represents. That is why trying traditional dresses has always been on my list every time I get a chance to visit a new country. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try Qipao in Taiwan, though I have been there twice. 😞



The most anticipated day of our trip has finally arrived as we get to try Korea's traditional clothing Hanbok. It was worn daily up until a century ago but now it is only used by Koreans on festive occasions and special times such as Wedding, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and Seollal (Korean New Year).





After a quick brunch at a nearby restaurant, we then proceed to Seohwa Hanbok just right across Gyeongbokgung Palace. We had no reservations and queue for about 30 mins until we were individually assisted for hanbok fitting.

We were presented with a lot of bright and pretty Hanbok but as soon as I found the white with blush pink and gold accent dress, I knew it's the one for me.



It looks perfectly sunny on the photo but it's actually freezing and windy that time. And if  not for the frigid weather, we could have rented the dress the whole day as originally planned.



I couldn't ask for a better Hanbok than this, simple yet elegant. The subtleness of pink, a dash of gold and minimal embroidered flower accents is just how I pictured my Hanbok.



My best friend opted for a more pinkish shade with gold and black flower patterns, butterfly accents and gold sequence. Looks pretty right?



After all the fitting and documentation process, we head out to Gyeongbokgung Palace, just 5 minutes walk from the rental shop.



By the way, admission to Seoul's Palaces is FREE when wearing Hanbok. Yay!




I know I mentioned this a lot from the previous posts, but that day was incredibly cold yet sunny that even holding a camera and taking a snap of a decent photo was quite challenging.



When you want a good photo but end almost crying because it's 4 degrees Celcius and you're too stubborn to wear a coat as it might ruin the whole look. Okay, you can laugh now. 😄




They say that Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and largest of all five palaces. It was once destroyed by fire but were later restored in 1919. Impressive details.




This gorgeous golden yellow shade of century-old Ginkgo Trees added a mellow dramatic vibe to the already romantic atmosphere of the palace grounds that it's impossible to ignore and not take photos.




After wandering for hours, we found ourselves near the National Folk Museum which was located at the eastern grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace.




We were bitterly cold and looking for a place to rest but the guard signaled us that the museum is already closed. Aigoo~ Until we found this.




How come I'm always associated with trains when it comes to warmth and comfort. 😄 For reference: Read my Seoul Travel Guide: Weather in Seoul.




We stayed inside the train for around 30 minutes and step out to an amazing structure of old buildings and displays that depicts the life of Koreans in the past. Almost felt like entering a portal (train) and travel back in time.









It's getting dark and we finally call it a day. We looked for the nearest exit and walk around the pillars of the palace back to the rental shop.



Wearing Hanbok and experiencing an authentic Korean culture was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable and happiest memory we had in Seoul. It was the perfect ending for the trip.

How I wish we had these same cultural activities in the Philippines of wearing traditional attires in popular attractions like Vigan, Intramuros and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. I bet many tourists would love to try it too as Filipinianas are equally beautiful as hanbok. Yes, please?



Seohwa Hanbok: Rental fees and procedures
Opening Hours: 09:00~ 19:00 ( last rental order at 18:00)

Want to try Hanbok for free? Read | Watch

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Price: Adults 3000 KRW – Children 1500 KRW – FREE if wearing Hanbok.
Integrated Palace Ticket: Four Palaces (Changdeokgung Palace (including Huwon, Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Jongmyo Shrine. The ticket is 10,000 KRW and is valid for use for three months after purchase.
* Closed on Mondays: Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace
* Closed on Tuesdays: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine

It was the fourth day of the trip and I am dawdling to get up. My body is starting to feel weary from all the activities we did from the previous days. See, this wouldn't happen if you exercise regularly, says my conscience. The frigid weather and crowd in Nami depleted all my energy that I felt tired even just after I wake up. How about we stay in the guesthouse, watch tv, lay around and call for a food delivery? Na-ah, not a good idea, mainly if you only have two remaining days in Seoul.

So, we lazily dress up, walk out of the door and braved the cold with low energy and expectation.







The moment I step-out from that subway exit, I knew I'd love this place; there's no crowd at all ♡



Except for these adorable kids... (look at how they hold each other's hands)



and some group of seniors leisurely walking around.



Seoul Grand Park is a huge complex, covering an area of about 9,157,000㎡  in the City of Gwacheon, south of Seoul and takes about 45 minutes away from the city center via subway.




Opened in 1984, Seoul Grand Park offers a wide array of festivals and cultural activities for education, nature, and amusement. Some of the facilities include the Seoul Zoo, the largest in Korea and 10th in the world, Seoul Land, an amusement park, a Rose Garden, Children's Zoo, Seoul Museum of Modern Art, campsites, and hiking trails.




Plus a surprisingly calm and picturesque scenery in autumn. Can you believe this was taken from a Zoo?



We bought a bundled ticket with a one-way ride on an Elephant Train, Seoul Zoo entrance, and Sky Lift (one-way) for 10500 ₩.



Seoul Grand Park Zoo was the first in the Korean peninsula created in 1909 and re-opened in 1984 after a massive destruction from World War II. It is home to almost 3,000 animals belonging to about 350 species from all over the world. Amazing.








There are also restaurants, convenience stores, snack bars, and shops in the park so you don't have to worry about the food. But I'd suggest you buy water and some snacks before you start roaming around, just in case you need some salt and sugar in your body. After all, the Seoul Zoo area measures to 2,420 square kilometers. Wear your most comfortable shoes and prepare for a lengthy walk.




We had experienced the most pleasant weather that day so far, not too cold neither hot. The light and gradient vivid colors of autumn leaves were picture perfect, ah I can't explain it in words (this must be love, haha). 

For now, I'll let the pictures speak for itself.

 I often think of the heavens Your hands have made, and of the moon and stars, You put in place. Then I ask, Why do You care about us humans? Why are You concerned for us weaklings? - Psalm 8:3-4 (CEV)

This is one of those places where I would gladly spend an entire day; do nothing but sit on the ground full of fallen leaves and listen to the songs of birds as the sun kisses my forehead and cheeks. Or I could bring my palette and paint while sipping a limitless cup of hot milk tea. Oh, the simple joys of life.




We took the Sky Lift on our way back to the Seoul Zoo entrance. It was another 15 minutes of incredible experience. The beautiful scenery of vast mountains, lakes and vibrant trees reminded me of how enormous this world we live in and we are just this tiny speck of dust in the air.

It made me realized how those every good and ugly pieces of my life accounts to the well-written and beautiful story of who I am today.



That sometimes, a change of perspective is all it requires to make us feel alive again.



How to get there?

Transfer to Subway Line 4  at Seoul Grand Park Station (Seoul Land) Exit 2.
Click the links for: Fees and operating hours  |  Seoul Grand Park Map  |  Seoul Zoo Map




I'll be back, promise.



Till the next post ~