By Honorary Reporter Romeylene Rabino from Philippines

Photos = Romeylene Rabino

As a lucky participant in a free virtual tour sponsored by the Korea Tourism Organization, I got to visit through cyberspace on June 30 a famous filming location for K-dramas, Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. The site is one of Korea's most visited tourist spots and was the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty.

Our two guides wore Hanbok and showed how to properly wear the attire before the tour began.   

The tour had a virtual program and guide map.

The following are my top nine highlights of the tour.

Haechi
This mythical animal was used to deter fire and bad luck in ancient times. The palace has statues of Haechi with the faces of a horse, rabbit or chicken. Unlike similar creatures in other countries, the Korean version is more friendly and humorous in nature. I liked the rabbit Haechi best.

Roof edges

Japsang (roof edges) were not only used for decoration but also meant to guard a building against evil spirits and ghosts.

Screen paintings
One of the main attractions of the palace's office quarters is screen paintings of the sun and moon and other designs in the background to add a more beautiful backdrop.

Hidden bridge
Pictures of the palace usually display the roof and quarters but the bridge is often not seen. Our tour guides showed the bridge with no water under it; it had water that day since it rained but typically there is none.

Corridor
This long pathway is perfect for taking pictures while wearing Hanbok. Our tour guides also showed how to take a photo of it under the proper angle.

Spot featured in BTS music video 
On #BTSWEEK of the U.S. TV show "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," the K-pop sensation BTS performed its hit "Dynamite" inside the palace as shown in the photo below.

Amisan Garden
This backyard garden has chimneys, flowers and plants, and Haechi statues. Amisan is also a great place to take photos with a beautiful background.

Filming spot for 'Kingdom'
The hit Korean Netflix series "Kingdom" also had several scenes filmed at the palace. Our tour guides reenacted a few scenes from the series and showed where they were filmed. 

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion
The highlight and final destination of the tour was this two-story pavilion, one of the most visited spots of the palace. This is also where BTS performed its song "Mikrokosmos," thus making it a great spot for taking photos. 

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.