Today started with loud squeals in our hotel lobby as MinJi spotted us and shot across to give big hugs. It was really so good seeing her and her brother, MinWoo after six months. We started out by putting on the extra winter clothes that MinJi's mom sent along for us. Before we left Phoenix, the average temperature was in the 40's now its forecast to have a high of 18F. 18 friggin degrees!! MinJi must be special to get me away from Phoenix in the winter. Aarrgh!! After donning our Nanuck of the North clothes, we head to the subway. Where Hong Kong's MTR is fast and efficient, Seoul's is huge and all encompassing. We were very glad we had MinJi & MinWoo with us.
First stop was Insadong. The Insa-dong art and antique district has dozens of art galleries and shops selling art supplies, antiques, and handicrafts along one main street (Insadong-gil) and many side alleys. It also contains many traditional tea and coffee shops. So, beiing good tourists we tried it all. The tea house was really cute and I discovered I love Plum tea. We window shopped for antiques and all sorts of art supplies.
We poked around all sorts stores and found the only Starbucks in Seoul that's sign is in Korean. Of course, we had to try some.
After thawing out some, we walked over to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is located more toward the north, compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace).
The premises were destroyed by fire at the time of the Japan's occupation of Korea during 1592-1598. However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun in the years of King Gojong (1852~1919). We walked around this outside Palace then headed to the National Palace Museum to warm up again.
Once warm again we headed to the downtown area.
Lots of hustle and bustle and stares. Apparently, its rare enough to see one blonde but two is worth staring at. Even if there are hats involved. After another coffee stop, aka warm up break, we headed over to the Cheonggyecheon. This is a reclaimed river that runs right under Downtown, with a little help from the civil engineers. Dinner was right next to the river so we went to the restaurant a little early, to warm up. A traditional Korean meal with MinJi's parents await us and you had to roll us away from the place. A quick ride back to the hotel and no one moved until 9am the next morning.
Day 6 Seoul
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Seoul, South Korea
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2025-02-06