If you walk along the wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace you will arrive at the main gate, Gwanghwamun, once frequented by kings. Among the five main palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, Gwanghwamun is distinctively designed as a palace gate and emanates grandeur and majesty.

Gwanghwamun is the gatekeeper that protects Gyeongbokgung Palace and takes tourists to the plaza through its five-arch bridge. The tranquil scenery of the palace is juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers to create a unique ambiance.

Gwanghwamun, is often the start or the endpoint of the journey for visitors in the vicinity. Gwanghwamun stands at the heart of Seoul with its wonderful landscape.

Gwanghwamun Square requires no lengthy introduction. It is the first place that comes to mind as an excellent place for a stroll and a rest area tranquil haven in downtown Seoul. It is a cultural plaza that connects the past and the future and provides a comfortable resting place for locals and international tourists alike.

Passing the vast grassy area that is symbolic of the six main ministries of the Joseon era, ”you will encounter the iconic statue of King Sejong. ”There is no shortage of attractions with features such as the Pine Garden, Garden of Time, Four Seasons Garden, Cultural Resting Place, Open Square, and Plaza Forest. Furthermore, there are facilities such as information desks, restrooms, lounges for children, nursing rooms, vending machines, and drinking fountains for a pleasant stroll.

In contrast to the opulence of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung is marked by a restrained elegance. A short walk from Gwanghwamun Square will take you to Daehanmun, the main gate. The harmony of the palace with western-style architecture from the Great Han Empire offers a unique allure.

While a simple tour of Deoksugung is delightful, we recommended booking a visit to Seokjojeon in advance. Seokjojeon was built in the Neoclassical style of the 19th century, and is where foreign dignitaries were received. Its interior features Rococo-style decor. The three-story building underwent restoration in 2009 and opened as the Seokjojeon Hall Museum of the Great Han Empire in 2014.

There was once a superstition that couples who walked on the Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway would break up. This was because the path once led to Seoul Family Court, which divorcing spouses inevitably had to pass. However, that legend has since faded into history.

The walkway, stretching about 1 km along the walls of Deoksugung Palace, has been transformed into a serene avenue bustling with arts and culture. Street artists painting, musicians passionately playing despite throngs of passersby, and magicians bringing whimsical fantasies to life all contribute to the charm of the Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway. Imagine yourself as a street artist amidst the artistic vibe while listening to distant melodies.

The romance of the Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway extends to the Seoul Museum of Art. Located along Jeongdong-gil, the museum exudes an aura of refinement and elegance. This ambiance owes much to its unusual architecture; the museum was originally built in a Renaissance style and maintains the façade of a court building while adding modern architectural elements. This unique atmosphere, combined with the photo zone at the entrance and artfully designed pathways, attracts photographers, especially on clear days.

The museum is lures visitors to its gates with the promise of a multitude of free exhibitions. Moreover, it presents special exhibitions that blend expertise and popular appeal, so that visitors can enjoy both a leisurely walk and art appreciation. For a richer experience, visitors can use the Seoul Museum of Art's docent app to listen to guided exhibition explanations.