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Old Seoul The central and northern neighbourhoods are probably the most interesting areas of Seoul, their olde-worlde atmosphere is in stark contrast to the surrounding modern city. The whole area was once reserved for the nobility, and is home to most of Seoul``s royal palaces, as well as numerous tiny alleyways with traditional tile-roofed homes. Some of the traditional homes have beautiful stained-wood doors graced with ornate brass doorknocks. You can walk around the quaint residential area and the Gyeongbokgung Palace in about an hour, starting at Gyeongbokgung Station. Also in this area are several teashops and galleries, such as the Yoon, Hyundai, Kumho, Kukje and the wistfully named Growrich. They all feature the work of local contemporary artists, and it``s worth your while to have a little explore. You can check out the National Folk Museum while you``re here too. Joseon Dynasty Palaces The palaces still standing in Seoul were built during the 500-year Joseon dynasty, beginning around the late 14th century. The emperors built a string of palaces and monuments to their own greatness, and although the number left standing has diminished over time, the remainder will keep even the most ardent royal watcher busy for a few days. They are all square, built on a north-south axis and are surrounded by high walls - the layout owes a great deal to Chinese geomancy. The Deoksugung Palace is the smallest of the palaces in Seoul, but it has served as the royal residence twice in its history, once for 15 years after the 1592 sacking of the capital, and again from 1897 to 1907 by King Gojong. The entrance to the palace is through the Daehanmun Gate opposite the Seoul Plaza Hotel.
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