We weren’t planning on visiting Seoul as part of our trip to Japan during Cherry Blossom season, but the best priced flight routed us through this Asian city so we decided to take tack a few days on the end of our trip to check it out. 

So glad we did.  Loved it and would happily go back.  

This week’s blog post and next will be about the places we visited and what we did in Seoul. It’s a smidgeon of an overview—a palace, a market, a river walk, historic villages and street scenes to communicate the local flavor.

We checked into our city hotel late in day on a Friday and asked the concierge if she could suggest  a place close by for a walk. 

Cheonggyecheon

The accommodating concierge suggested Cheonggyecheon: a 5 mile walkway  along the banks of a below-street-level stream. 

It was charming once we found it.  We had a hard time locating the entrance within a few blocks of the hotel,  but several people guided us along the way.   Once a person just stopped and asked, “Can I help you?”  Obviously we looked confused.  We appreciated the friendly direction. 

A stroll along Cheonggyecheon was perfect.   Lots of art.  Places to sit. Beautiful late day reflections.  Photo opportunities.  Interesting murals.  Truly an urban respite. 

Changing of the Guard at Gyeongbokgun Palace

The next morning we were up and out early to see the changing of the guard at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of five 15th century historic palaces in Seoul. 

We loved the ceremony, the colorful traditional garments, musical instruments and, of course, perfect Instagram setting of palace building and mountains beyond.  

The main hall of the palace was impressive, but we enthralled with the tourists dressed in rented historic Korean dress and robes.  To learn more about this thriving business, click on this blog post.  Costume Rental Business Flourishes. 

We also visited the wonderful museum next to the Palace to see how Emperors lived.  Extravagantly, I learned.  

When we left the palace we noticed that some kind of festival was happening.  Not sure about the folks with the drums, but lots of ladies in white seemed to be celebrating the harvest.  It was fun to see.  And then we encountered a peaceful protest.  Interestingly we saw lots of American flags.  

Bukchon Hanok Village

Late in the day we strolled through the historic village of the old wooden houses, called Bukchon Hanok Village. 

We could see that these houses were lived in, not like Greenfield Village or Colonial Williamsburg.  We were tempted to pop into the cute stores and eateries,  but mostly we meandered through the residential area marveling at the beautiful doors and stunning roof lines.  

Would have loved to have had a tour of one……if I ever go back to Seoul, I’ll work on that. Maybe I can find a cooking class in one of these historic homes. 

After our walk, we headed to the restaurant recommended by our hotel for an authentic Korean meal.  The route was filled entertaining street scenes, an amusing store devoted to chickens  and funny signs.  

The host at the Korean Barbecue Beef restaurant took time to explain everything to us.  It was a cook your own meal with complete with delicious side dishes. Ymmmm. Perfect ending to a delightful and interesting day. 

Come back next week for more about Seoul, Korea.  

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