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Gyeongbokgung Palace

The royal palace grounds stretch for 100 acres (40.5 hectares) and offer a number of sights to see, including the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Hyangwonjeong Pond, and the National Folk Museum of Korea, which features more than 98,000 artifacts that detail Korean history and culture. Other highlights are the Third Inner Gate (Geunjeongmun), the Throne Hall (Geunjeongjeon), the Executive Office (Sajeongjeon), and, of course, the king's and queen's quarters. If you can time your visit right, you'll get to see the twice-daily royal guard-changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, the imposing main gate that separates the palace from one of the busiest parts of the city. Get ready to see full Joseon-era regalia in all its glory.

A stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace is included in most of Seoul city tours and on just about every royalty-themed tour of Seoul. Visit on a bus or walking tour that includes entry and you can explore all parts of the complex while also stopping at other cultural sites such as Jogyesa Temple, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Namsangol Hanok Village.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the complex's vast grounds.
Some areas of the palace complex offer limited access for wheelchairs.
Last admission is offered one hour before closing. The palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Restrooms are available onsite.
Pets are not allowed at the palace.

How to Get There

The closest metro station is the aptly named Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3). Get out at Exit 5 and you'll emerge right at the palace grounds. A parking lot sits to the left of the palace.

When to Get There

Gyeongbokgung Palace is open from Wednesday to Monday year-round, and on weekdays, it’s often full of touring Korean schoolchildren. Fall is a popular time to visit thanks to the autumn foliage that turns a deep red, while springtime brings cherry blossoms. If you want to see Gyeongbokgung Palace at its quietest, come early in the morning. (The Korean palace complex opens at 9am throughout the year but has varying closing hours.) The site is huge, though, so you should be able to find some peace and quiet no matter the time of day.

161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Varies

From $ 7

Great Wall at Mutianyu

The Great Wall at Mutianyu was fully restored in the 1980s as an alternative to the increasingly popular Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. The Mutianyu section is farther away from Beijing (about an hour and a half by car) than more popular sections, but it's also significantly less busy and features some fun, modern amusements, such as a cable car, chairlift, and toboggan. The long, flat segment—the longest fully restored section open to travelers—winds along heavily forested hilltops with 23 ancient watchtowers dotting the landscape.

The Basics

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a good option for visitors with a full day to devote to the wall, as well as families looking for not-too-strenuous hiking away from the crowds. Travelers can choose to climb to the top via restored steps equipped with handrails, or opt for a leisurely cable car ride to the highest restored section. From the top of the cable car, visitors can explore the area before hopping back on for a return trip, taking one of the trails leading back down, or continuing east along the wall to the toboggan ride for a slide back to the bottom. The site is often visited with a guide who can help navigate the steeper portions of the wall and offer historical insight, and a trip can be combined with visits to other Beijing attractions, such as the Ming Tombs, the Olympic facilities, or the China Aviation Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

This portion of the Great Wall is ideal for families with kids.
Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb up to the wall.
Mutianyu tours from Beijing can last between five and 14 hours.
There's little shade on the wall, so be sure to wear sun protection and keep hydrated.

How to Get There

Mutianyu is situated 40 miles (65 km) north of Beijing. Due to a lack of convenient public transportation from the city to Mutianyu Great Wall, it's much easier to visit as part of a guided private tour or small-group tour. Those who wish to visit independently must first get to Dongzhimen, then transfer to Bus 867 to Mutianyu or Bus 916 to Huairou (then take a local minibus to the wall).

When to Get There

The area is open to tourists from 7:30am to 5:30pm daily. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and sparser crowds on the wall than summer, when the Mutianyu section of the wall can get quite hot and crowded. National holidays, particularly National Day in early October and Labor Day in early May, can be especially crowded.

Hiking the Great Wall of China

Adventurous travelers looking for a more in-depth Great Wall experience can opt to hike between Mutianyu and Jiankou. The most popular route starts at the Jiankou section with an hourlong climb up to the wall, followed by about four hours of leisurely walking from the rugged, wild portion of the wall to the well-restored section at Mutianyu. Hike independently or as part of a guided hiking tour.

Mu Tian Yu Lu,‎ Huai Rou Qu, beijing, China

Daily 7:30am–5:30pm

40–45 RMB

From $ 6

Gunung Gading National Park

While the island of Borneo is most famously associated with the orangutan, at Gunung Gading National Park, it’s a plant that’s the star of the show. The rare rafflesia flower, the largest flower in the world (and also among the smelliest) blooms here regularly throughout the year. It takes nine months for a bloom to mature, and the flower — sometimes measuring upwards of 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter — dies after only four or five days.

Luckily, since the rafflesia has no set blooming season, visitors have the chance to spot them throughout the year, and Gunung Gading National Park ranks as the best place to do so. The park even maintains a plant walk through the area where the flowers are commonly found. Besides flower spotting, the national park features several jungle trails leading to streams, waterfalls and even the peak of Gunung Gading Mountain.

Practical Info

Gunung Gading National Park is located near the town of Lundu, about 2 hours outside of Kuching City.

Lundu, Sarawak, Malaysia 94500, Malaysia

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Closed Sat, Sun & Holidays

Nominal

From $ 70

Guangzhou Museum

Travelers to Guangzhou looking to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions and people of this southern China city will find what they are looking for at the Guangzhou Museum. This popular landmark is jam-packed with ceramics, bronze work, woodcarvings and precious stones that showcase the best of the Chinese province.

Touring the museum's well-kept halls is an ideal way to spend a rainy afternoon or an unbearably hot day. Audio guides are available for those who want to learn even more about ancient cultures and traditions, and two souvenir shops sell authentic trinkets. The museum's proximity to the main library, parks and IFC make it a convenient stop on any city tour.

Practical Info

The museum is located at 215 Wendming Road in Guangzhou. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am until 5pm. Visitors can access the museum using the 3 and 5 lines of the metro or the 40, 44, 183, 293, 886 and 886A buses. Admission is free but only 5,000 tickets are issued each day.

215 Wendming Road, Guangzhou, China

Tues–Sun 9am–5pm

From $ 73

Gwangan Bridge

The cover star of just about every city tourism poster since it opened in 2003, Gwangan Bridge is the Golden Gate of Busan. Beautiful day or night, Gwangan Bridge is best viewed from popular Gwangalli Beach, where lots of families and couples come to enjoy the sea air and to watch Gwangan Bridge’s nightly light show, when colorful lights are set to the tune of famous songs like Offenbach’s Can-Can, or K-pop girl group Crayon Pop’s Pa Pa Pa.

South Korea’s second-longest suspension bridge, Gwangan Bridge links the ritzy Haeundae district with Suyeong. Also known as Diamond Bridge, another good spot to see the bridge’s pretty lights is from the astronomical observatory on Geumnyeonsan Mountain, and on the popular coastal walk around Dongbaek Island. This route will take you to ritzy Marine City, where you can see the bridge shimmer on the Pacific while enjoying a drink at one of the restaurants lining the water.

Come in October to see Busan International Fireworks Festival make full use of Gwangan Bridge as a backdrop.

Practical Info

Gwangan Bridge’s light shows run for five minutes, at 8 and 10 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and at 8, 9 and 10 pm from Friday to Saturday. To get to Gwangalli Beach, take subway line 2 to Gwangan Station (exit 3 or 5) and walk for 5 minutes. Dongbaek Island begins on the Westin Chosun end of Haeundae Beach, while a short taxi ride from Geumnyeonsan subway station will take you to the mountain of the same name.

Busan, South Korea

From $ 65

Great Wall of China

No trip to Beijing would be complete without a Great Wall tour. Winding along the mountain ridges north of the capital city, the Great Wall of China stands as one of the world's most iconic wonders, largest historical sites, and greatest feats of engineering, showcasing the genius of the Ming Dynasty.

The Basics
Visitors to Beijing may be surprised by the breadth of options they have for a visit to the Great Wall, as this UNESCO World Heritage site is actually composed of several sections. Badaling, by far the most popular segment, is easily accessible with or without a tour guide and services travelers making the rounds of top attractions like the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs, while the Juyongguan and Mutianyu sections both feature restored segments of wall with relatively fewer visitors. Still restored but well off the beaten path is the section at Huangyaguan Pass, closer to the city of Tianjin than Beijing.

For adventurous travelers, the allure of the "Wild Wall" is hard to resist. In the vicinity of Beijing, hikers can traverse an historic segment of the wall between Jinshanling and Simatai in a single day. Other remote sections, like Huanghuacheng, Jiankou and Gubeikou, appeal to hikers and photographers seeking fresh air, stellar views, and photo ops free of other tourists. Multi-day guided hikes offer the opportunity to see more of the wall for a deeper experience.

Things to Know Before You Go

Summers tend to be hot and wet, while winters can get icy; dress accordingly.
While the Badaling section has some wheelchair accessibility, flatter, less-visited areas such as Shanhaiguan on the east coast and Jiayuguan in the western desert are best for wheelchair users.
The Mutianyu section is recommended for seniors and kids, as the wall's watchtowers can be accessed from a cable car.
Upgrade to a private tour for a more intimate experience, or book a tour with a local guide to get an insider's perspective.

How to Get to the Great Wall of China
Although bus and train lines run near the Great Wall, the easiest ways to travel include guided tours and chartered taxis from downtown Beijing, as public transportation options can get hectic and confuse travelers with little knowledge of Chinese. Visitors coming from Shanghai or Hong Kong can maximize their time by taking a flight or traveling by train.

When to Get There

No matter where you visit along the wall, crowds will be thicker on holidays, particularly at the portions closer to Beijing. The peak season runs roughly from April through November. Tours in the early morning are generally less crowded, and as bonus, these options offer the chance to see the sunrise.

China

From $ 65

Gyeongju

If you’re interested in exploring the dynamic and long reaching history of Korea, there’s no better place to start than the coastal region of Gyeongju, also one of Korea’s ancient capital cities. It’s known as “the museum without walls” because it’s one of the most culturally rich sites in the entire country, a historical hotspot packed with ancient tombs, temples, pagodas and palaces.

Around the time of Jesus, this city became the heart of the Shilla dynasty, which reigned here for 1,000 years as a cultural center of the Far East. The Cheomseongdae Observatory is the oldest existing observatory in the region, built by Queen Seonduk in 634, and the National Museum of Gyeongju is the best place to see artifacts recovered from myriad sites around the city, including the golden crown of Geumgwanchong and King Michu's golden sword. And as you explore Gyeongju, you may notice grassy hills, which are ancient burial mounds, such as that of King Wonseong, whose tomb is surrounded by carved stone artifacts.

Practical Info

Gyeongju sits in the southeast corner of the Korean Peninsula, about 170 miles from Seoul. The best way to get here from the capital is by train, which takes about two hours. Once in Gyeongju, rent a bicycle to leisurely explore the vast collection of historical sites.

Gyeongju, Seoul, South Korea

Daily

From $ 195

Guangren Lama Temple

There is only one Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Shaanxi Province: the Guangren Lama Temple. Nestled into the north-western corner of Xian’s city wall, this temple was built in 1705 as a temporary residence for the Grand Lamas for when they passed through this area on their way to Beijing to meet with the emperors. The architecture of the temple, a mix between Chinese and Tibetan, is a tribute to the long standing cultural relations between the Tibetans and the Han people. White stupas, Buddha statues, prayer wheels and hundreds of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind are combined with the typical East-Asian hip-and-gable roofs, elegant carvings and timber framework.

The temple isn’t massive and covers an area of only about 2.6 acres, but it has a lot to offer. The first thing visitors see is the big Mountain Gate, an arch decorated in colorful paintings. From there, they pass along a stone wall carved with Buddhas through the Zhao Bi, a pavilion with the imperial stele and two stone wells on each side of it. Additional treasures of the Guangren Lama Temple include the Lotus Throne inside Devajara Hall, which originated in the Tang Dynasty, rows of golden prayer wheels as well as hand engraved gold mantras, ancient inscribed tablets and several over one hundred year old cypresses, redbud and clove trees.

Practical Info

The Guangren Lama Temple can be visited every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To get there, take bus number 509 or 712 to the Guang Ren Temple stop and you will find the temple right next to the city wall.

No.152 North-west Road, Lianhu District, Xian 710003, China

From $ 62

Gunung Mas Tea Plantation

Set in Puncak, high in the cool West Java hills around Bogor, the Gunung Mas Tea Plantation dates back to the Dutch colonial era. At the 6,000-acre (2,428-hectare) site, today owned by the Indonesian government, visitors can tour the tea factory and plantation and opt for hiking, horseback riding, and even paragliding in season.

The Basics

A private Gunung Mas Tea Plantation tour includes a visit to the tea fields, a factory tour, a tasting, the opportunity to buy some tea, and perhaps a guided hike or horseback ride. Gunung Mas is also a popular stop on wider Java highland tours, which typically include the Bogor Botanical Gardens.

Things to Know Before You Go

Gunung Mas is a must for tea tipplers.
Java’s roads are overloaded, so don’t underestimate your travel time.
Temperatures in Puncak can drop as low as 64℉ (18℃), so bring layers—and extra if you plan to paraglide.
The Gunung Mas Tea Plantation is often rainy. You can pick up an inexpensive poncho at minimarts such as Indomaret, Alfamart, Coco Mart, or Circle K.

How to Get There

The Gunung Mas Tea Plantation is located just before the Puncak Pass, a couple of miles off the highway between Bogor and Bandung. Most visitors opt for a round-trip door-to-door tour or private driver. Alternatively, you can catch the bus or train from Jakarta to Bogor, then pick up a Bandung-bound bus. Expect the journey by private transit to take at least five hours.

When to Get There

Tea is harvested in Indonesia year-round, so it’s possible to visit Gunung Mas Tea Plantation at any time. If tandem paragliding in Puncak is on your agenda, then June, July, and August offer the best potential for dry weather, although paragliding is possible year-round if the weather cooperates.

Tea in Indonesia

Javanese tea has a legacy dating back to the 19th century. The Dutch in Indonesia were the first colonial power to grow tea outside China, and tea plantations are still scattered across Java, Sumatra, and other islands. Today the 12th-largest tea producer in the world, Indonesia exports almost all of its tea for brands such as Twinings.

Puncak, West Java, Indonesia

From $ 84

Gyantse

Once a hub for trade with India and later a battlefield under British attack, Gyantse is a city steeped in history with a culture and people still deeply rooted in tradition. Travelers who venture to this destination, which is located along the Nyang-chu River, will find sprawling fields in quiet residential neighborhoods, while Buddhist temples and lively local markets exist closer to the center of town.

Gyantse’s size makes it easy to navigate on foot, and several sites are certainly worth making a visit. Pelkor Choede, known as the center of Gyantse, is a yellow hat monastery that, despite a lack of upkeep, showcases local religion and tradition through interior paintings and traditional architecture. Travelers learn about the city’s past at Gyantse Dzong, an ancient fort that’s also home to an Anti-British Imperialists museum. And the eight-story Gyantse Kumbum showcases ornate artwork and highly detailed Buddhist images that are sure to impress most any traveler.

Practical Info

Public buses run routes between Gyantse, Xigatse and Lhasa, but most travelers still elect to arrive via organized tour from the capital.

Gyantse, Tibet, China

From $ 1,880

Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya. Originally a huge swamp area, this man-made lake was constructed in 1873 under the government of Sir William Gregory and was used as a place for relaxation and recreation during the British rule. There are a number of interesting colonial buildings in the area left over from this era.

Today, a plethora of activities and visitor facilities have been introduced around Gregory Lake. There’s the opportunity for walking, bike riding, and horse riding, while on the lake itself, there are a number of operators offering boat rides and various watersports activities. Those who wish to get out and enjoy the lake independently can even hire a distinctive two-seater swan boat.

Practical Info

Access to the lake is via a park, which has a small entrance fee. Seaplanes from Colombo land on Gregory Lake, with the journey from the capital taking around 30 minutes.

Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Entry into park: 200 rupees

From $ 38

Gukje Market (International Market)

During the 1950s, refugees of war-torn Korea began opening up small shops to try to earn a living. This modest collection of shops has transformed into what is now Gukje Market (International Market, or Kookjae Market), Busan’s largest traditional market with vendors selling practically everything under the sun – items both new and secondhand.

While Gukje Market is very much a place where local Koreans still shop, travelers will find plenty of interest as well, besides the atmospheric street market atmosphere. It’s a great place to find hanbok, the traditional Korean formalwear, small souvenirs, T-shirts and favorite Korean street snacks, all at bargain prices. Whether you’re looking for bargain clothes, vintage glasses, some new electronics, or dried seaweed, prices are cheap and bargaining is totally accepted. Korean culture is based around dignity and respect for one another, so do bargain with a smile and always be polite.

This is a good place to stop for a bite to eat too. If you’ve never slurped noodles from a stall in the middle of a street, here’s your chance. A maze of a market, don’t worry if you get lost. Just ask anyone for Jagalchi subway station, and they’ll help you out.

Practical Info

You can reach Gukje Market by way of Nampo-dong Station. Take exit #1. It is also a five-minute walk northeast from Jagalchi subway station, which is on line 1.

Gukje Market, Busan, South Korea

Daily

From $ 68

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is one of nine iconic gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) in Delhi. Situated in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, this gurdwara was built to commemorate the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, who was beheaded by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb on this site in 1675 for refusing to convert to Islam.

One of the guru's disciples managed to recover his body and cremate it, while the ‘sis’ (head) was taken to Anandpur Sahib by another devotee, where it was cremated by the Guru's son (later to become the 10th and last Guru of the Sikhs).

The present gurudwara structure was built in 1930. The trunk of the banyan tree under which the Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded still stands, as does the well where he bathed while imprisoned. Adjoining the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib is the Kotwali (police station) – the actual place where the Guru was imprisoned and his disciples tortured.

This active place of worship is regularly visited by Sikh devotees, although everyone is welcomed, regardless of religion or caste.

Practical Info

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is open all day, every day and is free to enter. As it’s a place of worship, visitors should ensure they dress respectfully.

Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, India

From $ 7

Greater Kailash M Block Market

Greater Kailash in South Delhi is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city, and also boasts two of its most popular markets. Home to countless international and local retailers, M Block Market is known for its upmarket fashion brands, sportswear, lifestyle goods, jewelry, plus a wide range of knick-knacks and other items. Alongside brands such as Lacoste, Nike, Esprit, and Adidas, there are plenty of local outlets selling good-quality traditional Indian clothing.

While M Block Market remains a firm favorite with the locals, it has seen something of a change in recent years, with more leisure facilities being added. In terms of places to eat, the market is now bursting with restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and dessert parlors, ranging from well-known food chains and upmarket international restaurants, to tiny food stalls selling street snacks such as panipuri and chaat.

The Greater Kailash M Block Market is the ideal place for keen shoppers, and can be enjoyed as part of a guided tour of Delhi's markets. As well as having an expert's opinion as you shop and haggle for bargains, this offers the added benefit of being privately transported to several of the city’s other popular markets.

Insider’s Tip: If you’re a fan of the traditional north Indian snack, paranthas, head to Not Just Paranthas, at M-84. Here you’ll find a huge range of paranthas, including meat, vegetarian, and even dessert ones, all inspired from Old Delhi’s Gali Paranthe Wali.

Practical Info

The Greater Kailash M Block Market is located in South Delhi, not far from Nehru Place. If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach it by taking the bus or a taxi/auto-rickshaw from the city center. Alternatively, take the metro to Kailash Colony station and take an auto-rickshaw from there.

Hans Raj Gupta Marg, Greater Kailash 1, New Delhi, India

Various (Closed on Tuesdays)

From $ 35

Guangdong Museum of Art

The Guangdong Museum of Art is a huge art museum located in Yuexiu District in Guangzhou. It features no less than twelve indoor exhibition halls that cover an area of 8000 square meters, plus an outdoor Sculpture Garden of contemporary works covering a further 5000 square meters.

The majority of the art at the Guangdong Museum of Art comprises of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The museum hosts in the region of 60 exhibitions a year in addition to its permanent collection, which primarily features contemporary works by local artists, as well as Chinese artists working abroad. The museum focuses in particular on artists based in the Pearl River Delta, and art lovers can appreciate works by such Guangzhou residents as Xu Tan and Chen Shaoxiong on a visit here.

Insider’s Tip

Although admission into the Guangdong Museum of Art is free, as with most museums and galleries in China, you must produce valid photo ID to gain entrance.

Practical Info

The easiest way to reach the Guangdong Museum of Art is by taxi, although bus numbers 89, 194, B21, and 131A stop at Xinghai Concert Hall, which is located on Yanyu Road. The museum is located to the east of the concert hall.

38 Yanyu Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, China

9am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday

From $ 20

Guangxing Paper Mill

Travelers looking for a chance to experience “hands-on” Taipei need look no further than Guangxing Paper Mill. Located in the heart of Puli, visitors to this local gem can tour the history factory and learn about its unique process of papermaking. And while the tour alone may sound

less than gripping, for a small fee travelers can handcraft an item of their choice—like paper lamps, lanterns and fans—alongside local artisans, resulting in a truly unique experience.

Practical Info

The mill is located at 310 Tieshan Road in Puli Township. It’s easy to find a tour that stops at Guangxing Paper Mill and a visit to the factory is free. Travelers who want to learn the art of paper-making should allot at least two hours for the process.

310 Tieshan Road, Puli, Taipei, Taiwan

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

From $ 228

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

According to local Sikh belief, a boy prophet by the name of Sri Guru Hari Krishan Sahib moved among poor Hindu and Muslim communities during a time of small pox and cholera in New Delhi in the seventeenth century, distributing sanctified water to the sick which was believed to cause miraculous healing. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib his dedicated to his memory.

The most important place of worship for Sikhs in New Delhi, this golden-domed gurudwara still distributes sanctified water to devotees who come from around the world seeking its healing properties. Unlike many Hindu temples, non-Sikhs are welcome into the gurudwara, where it’s possible to listen while hymns are sung from the Granth Sahib (the Sikh scriptures) or take prasad, the Sikh equivalent to Communion.

Practical Info

Visitors to the gurudwara are required to remove their shoes and socks and cover their heads. The gurudwara has head scarves for use free of charge.

Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh 110001, India

4am to 9pm

Free; donations appreciated

From $ 15

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market, Seoul’s first and oldest covered market, was originally the place to buy traditional Korean clothing items, such as hanbok. Though the market still specializes in textiles, it’s become one of Seoul’s biggest street food hot spots, where foodies can sample nearly any type of Korean cuisine under the same roof.

The Basics

Gwangjang Market ranks among the most popular for foodies. Some sightseeing tours of the city stop here, especially food-centric walking tours, where travelers can taste some of the market’s best bites. If you’re in the market for a tailored silk dress or set of high-quality bed sheets, head upstairs to the wholesale shops, where most anything can be custom-made at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in Seoul’s high-end shopping districts.

Things to Know Before You Go

Gwangjang Market is a must-visit for foodies and fashionistas looking for custom-made clothes.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Many vendors will offer a discount if you pay in cash instead of using a credit card.
The market is largely wheelchair-accessible, though not all food stalls offer accessible seating.

How to Get There

To get to Gwangjang Market, take the Seoul metro to either Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1) or Euljiro 4-ga Station (Lines 2 and 5). Several buses also stop at the nearby Jongno 5-ga Station bus stop.

When to Get There

The market tends to be busy all day, Monday to Saturday, though it’s a bit quieter on weekdays. Most of the shops close on Sunday, but the food court remains open.

What to Eat at Gwangjang Market

In the food court, dozens of vendors pack tightly together, busily preparing quick meals for shoppers passing through. The variety is astounding, but bibimbap (a Korean rice dish with ground meat and vegetables), dumplings, and savory mung bean pancakes are always safe and tasty bets.

6-1 Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

From $ 52

Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai

To experience both original and restored portions of the Great Wall of China without straying far from Beijing, many visitors choose the stretch between Jinshanling and Simatai, a trek seemingly made for hikers and adventurers. The 4-hour hike ranks among the wall’s most popular and rewards intrepid travelers with some of the most photogenic views.

The Basics

From Jinshanling, a six-mile (10-kilometer) stretch of largely unrestored wall leads to Simatai, where it's possible to take another steep, two-hour hike to and from a hilltop watchtower (there's also a cable car that heads most of the way up) or to continue on toward the Great Wall at Gubeikou. Visitors can choose between a small-group or private tour. Non-morning people can opt for a sunset visit to either the Simatai Great Wall or Jinshanling Great Wall, minus the hike.

Things to Know Before You Go

This Great Wall section is a must for hikers, adventure travelers, and those who want to see old and new portions of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Most guided hikes between Jinshanling and the Simatai section include hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing and lunch.
Guided Great Wall hiking tours on this portion of the wall can last upwards of 10 hours.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces and steep gradients, and bring plenty of bottled water.

How to Get There

This Great Wall hike starts at the Jinshanling section, 81 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Beijing. While most visitors arrive via guided tour, it’s possible to get to the starting point independently by catching the tourist bus from Wangjing West Station. The journey takes about two hours.

When to Get There

April, May, September, and October are ideal months for hiking thanks to moderate temperatures and the best scenery. The mountains around the wall are blanketed in apricot blossoms in April.

Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon

Travelers looking for a true physical test can take part in the Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon, hosted each April. This race, which also includes a half marathon and a 10K race, is one of five marathons held on the Great Wall.

China

From $ 25

Gyeonghuigung Palace (Gyeonghui Palace)

Overview

One of Seoul’s five Joseon Dynasty-era palaces, Gyeonghuigung Palace (Gyeonghui Palace) was built in 1623 by King Gwanghaegun. Portions of the structure were rebuilt after a 19th-century fire, and today, you can visit several reconstructed living and meeting halls. The Seoul Museum of History and SeMA Museum of Art are also located on site.

The Basics

Admire the ornately carved Heunghwamun Gate, see the king’s living quarters at Jajeongjeon Hall, and visit Taeryeongjeon Hall—the compound’s main reception area, where formal banquets and meetings were once held. For insight into South Korea’s storied past, stroll across Geumcheongyo Bridge to visit the site’s Seoul Museum of History.

Gyeonghuigung Palace is included as a stop on some Seoul walking tours, and it’s also possible to see the palace on a private city tour. To explore at your own pace, visit independently on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

Gyeonghuigung Palace is a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers.
Wear shoes suitable for walking through the palace grounds.
Some structures may not be accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Parking is available at the Seoul Museum of History.

How to Get There

Gyeonghuigung Palace is located in central Seoul, roughly 10 minutes by road from City Hall. Public transportation is a good way to travel in this Korean city—to get to the palace, take the subway to Seodaemun Station in the Jongno-gu District.

When to Get There

You can visit the palace year-round, as this historic site sees fewer crowds than Seoul’s larger Joseon palaces. Spring and fall are good times to visit, when the weather is typically sunny and mild.

What to See Near Gyeonghuigung Palace

You could easily spend your whole day in the Gyeonghuigung Palace area. The SeMA Gyeonghuigung Museum of Art—a branch of the Seoul Museum of Art—is set on the palace grounds along with the Seoul Museum of History, which explains the capital’s history and culture through various exhibits.

45 Saemunan-ro, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

From $ 84