A view of Gyeongbokgung enjoyed by the Joseon royals can now be seen by everyone as a royal pavilion, the biggest of its kind, opens to the public through October. For an even higher vantage point, hike Gwanaksan for a panoramic view of Seoul, followed by a hearty duck stew.

And is your phone looking humdrum? You can personalize your phone case with your favorite photo.

Gyeonghoeru, a pavilion at the main Joseon palace Gyeongbokgung in Seoul, will be open to the public through the end of October.

The pavilion served as a venue for royal banquets and foreign dignitaries in the Joseon-era (1392-1910). Initially, a small pavilion, it was expanded as its use grew.

Gyeonghoeru sits on the edge of a palace pond, accessible via three stone bridges. The pavilion is known for its panoramic views of the palace, especially in spring when surrounded by lush greenery.

The two-story pavilion, the first floor of which is made of stone and the second floor of wood, was burned down by invading Japanese forces in 1592. It was rebuilt in 1867 when the palace underwent overall repairs.

Of all the pavilions primarily built with wood, Gyeonghoeru is the largest in the country, as well as the most striking in the five Joseon palaces — the other four being Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung.

Registration for the May-October tours opened this week at royal.khs.go.kr. Tours, led by a guide and limited to 30 participants per session, will take place three times daily at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Gyeonghoeru at Gyeongbokgung

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Gwanaksan stretches across Gwanak-gu, Seoul and the cities of Anyang and Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province. Its peak, Yeonjudae, stands at 632 meters above sea level.

There are several starting points for hiking to the top, but the most common route begins at Gwanaksan Station on the Sillim Subway Line. The Gwanaksan branch of the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center is located right outside Exit 1 of this station. The center offers information in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese, as well as equipment rental.

Those aiming to reach Yeonjudae are advised to wear hiking shoes and athletic clothing. While the mountain is accessible to most people, certain sections require climbing along rocky ridges with the help of ropes and metal footholds.

For those seeking a stroller or wheelchair-friendly trail, the path starting at the Gwanaksan Park entrance and running along the Dorimcheon Valley is recommended. This trail features gentle slopes and wooden decks, making it an easy walk.

At the base of the mountain, a variety of restaurants await hungry hikers. It’s common to see locals savoring dishes like duck stew along with traditional rice wine, makgeolli.

Gwanaksan

Jungang-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi Province

Conveniently located just steps from Hapjeong Station, this hidden gem offers a quick and creative way to personalize your phone case with a photo of your choice.

Step into the compact, yellow-themed shop, select your phone model on the touchscreen, and scan the QR code to upload an image directly from your phone.

Whether it’s a snapshot of a loved one, your favorite character, or a beloved celebrity, you can easily adjust the image to fit your phone case. After a quick payment, your custom case is printed on the spot in just two to three minutes.

Instructions are available in English, and at just 15,000 won ($10), it’s an affordable way to carry a little piece of what you love, everywhere you go. So why not take this chance to turn a favorite memory or fandom obsession into a stylish, pocket-sized statement?

The shop is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

PCCM Hapjeong

46 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul