Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul (South Korea)

Built at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty this Gyeongbok Palace encompasses 419,100 square meters of halls, pavilions, offices, storerooms, gates and bridges.This former seat of power is probably Korea’s most famous royal palace. It’s tough to miss given its location at the northern end of Seoul’s main boulevard, Sejongro, a stone’s throw from the Blue House (the President’s residence) and the U.S embassy.

Gyeongbok Palace  (closed Tuesday) was built in the late 1300s, and has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times. English tours are available about three times daily for visitors to learn more about Korea’s architectural traditions and court customs. Give yourself at least an hour to stroll around the pavilions and halls within the palace’s spacious walled grounds.