Modern Seoul

Modern architecture outside the Co-ex Mall











On rainy days when entering a major store you insert your umbrella in a machine which slips a plastic sleeve around it, avoiding water being dripped throughout the store. Upon leaving an attendant removes it for you. (Can't see that happening at home!!)





The presentation and quality of food in the supermarkets at Galleria and Hyundai department stores was like nothing we have ever seen before. Everything was beautifully packaged, and the staff immaculately dressed. Staff outnumbered customers going out of their way to meet, greet, explain, serve, demonstrate, etc, etc. Just wonderful.




Paw-paws dressed to the nines!!!!
























The symbol for the Police, at Insadong, shows the love of cartoon like characters















This ancient gate is now the centre of a roundabout
near Namdaemun Markets

Gyeonbokgeung Palace

As Andrew is still working this week we are having a few days in Seoul to play tourists. We caught a cab and headed off to Itaewon to check out the tailors that had been recommended to us. Had measurements taken by the "best shirt maker" in Seoul, only to find he had a lot of competition in that area as we walked down the main street, and found that every one of the tailors had given himself that title.
More shops beckoned in Myeong-dong, a much more western part of the city. It was here we discovered "Paris Baguette" recommended by Andy..what a find...wish they were back home, but my waistline wouldn't cope very well. It is full of the most delicious looking rolls, pastries cakes, breads etc Yum!!!! We only had a coffee...what a waste!!
It was in this area I managed to get my glasses replaced for a fraction of the price back home!!

About now we felt the need for a cultural experience that didn't involve food. Many official sites are closed on Monday but not Gyeonbokgeung Palace. From the second we entered it was a wonderful spectacle. This palace was established in 1395 as the residence for the founder of the Josean dynasty. Photos do not convey the scale of the buildings which are spread over a huge area, and are nestled beside skyscrapers right in the city.









Heungryemun gate...entry to Geunjeonjeon

Gyunghoeru This pavilion was the best feast place in the Joseon Era, and nobody except kings could walk around here. It is built in a lake, with access via a bridge.

This is one of many ornate gateways that link each of the courtyards.

The National Folk Museum of Korea is also located in the palace grounds. This is a must see!! The displays illustrate the history, lifestyle and lifecycle of the Korean people, covering housing, farming, dress, food, implements, music, rituals and ceremonies.

South Korea - July 2006

After 6.5 hours flying toBali, 4 hours on the ground, and another 6.5 hours on to South Korea we were not feeling bright and cheerful when we landed at Incheon at 8.30 am on Sunday, July 23. However from then on it has been fantastic. Seoul would have to be the best kept tourist secret, as there aren't many tourists here that we have seen. On checking into our hotel, Fraser Suites, we were upgraded to a 3 bedroom apartment, with stunning views over central Seoul, and high speed internet access in our study!!!!!


Andy arrived not long after this and we went exploring this area, Insadong, which is full of art galleries, craft shops and wonderful traditional Korean restaurants up every little alley.








We ended up at a tiny authentic restaurant for lunch, with Andy ordering in Korean, thank goodness as none of the menu was in English....not unusual in fact, so we were grateful that he was there. It was fantastic to see him after 6 months and to catch up on his activities.


After lunch he took us to see the Cheonggyecheon Stream which was the original water supply for Seoul six hundred years ago and it has recently been restored making it a beautiful place for the locals to relax, and then we walked on to Dongdaemun Markets. Not what we were expecting as I have never wanted to wear a T-shirt emblazoned with Mickey Mouse or any of his mates!!, but the locals seem to love him.











We ate at another traditional pancake restaurant that evening, so by the time we leave we are hoping to have tried every different style of Korean delicacy.