Seoul, South Korea, Day Six

On our second last day in Seoul we decided to do another half day tour - I have to admit we did cram as much as possible on this day, because we knew there wouldn't be enough time to do anything on day seven (when we fly out).

Changdeokgung Palace - Seoul's most beautiful palace

Changdeokgung Palace was built in 1405, during King Taejong's reign. 

This was the palace that King Gojong escaped to after Empress Myeongseong was assassinated.

Mr Pham walking along Geumcheongyo Bridge built in 1411.

Geumcheongyo Bridge was built in 1411 and is known as the oldest stone bridge remaining in Seoul. 

Through the Japanese invasion in 1592 all was burnt down, except this bridge (stone does not burn) - this bridge is left in it's original state. 

In the rear end of the clusters of buildings in the palace there is a 78 acre "Secret Garden", which was made for the royal family and the women of the royal family. Unfortunately we weren't able to tour the garden because it is so big (it is said to take a whole other tour just view parts of it).

The King's thrown used throughout special occasions

The King's bed chamber that also became his office - Grace pointing out the Western influence on the interior

Through out our tour, one of the tourists had asked "Where is the kings toilet?". Which was pretty interesting considering we never saw any 'toilets' and you can't imagine an emperor digging a hole in the ground, do his business. Grace explained that the King has a portable toilet, whenever he felt like going he would tell a servant, they would then get his 'portal-loo' and he would do his business. 

She then said whenever he finished his business they would then take it to the King's DR, where he would examine it and on occasion even taste it! (ew). This was to check the King's health, and when the King would past away (from health issues), guess what would happen to the King's DR? He would be executed, apparently because he did not protect the King and do his job properly. It's also hard considering the average lifespan of an Emperor would be 45 years old! 

Bukchon Village - where a lot of wedding photo shoots and movies take place.

 Grace then took us for a stroll around the Bukchon Village in the city where we were able to tour and visit Hanok (preserved traditional Korean houses). 

We were invited to a few private homes and were able to see how the wealthy Koreans use to live and some still live. 

The village being flanked by two palaces, Gyeongbokgung to the West and Changdeokgung to the East, the village used to be a residential area for the wealthy aristocrats and court employees and had been past down from generations to generations. 

Typically when you walk through the front gate, you are greeted by the front/back yard.

This is usually the common area of the Hanok, where drying vegetables, cooking, socializing and meetings take place. 

Inside one of the rooms of a Hanok.

Furniture is scarce in a Tradition Korean Home. Everything is done on the floor - sleeping, eating, hanging out... 

Preserving Jars

Preserving Jars are usually kept for Kimchi, soy beans, chili paste, etc. In history it is said that the more Jars your family owns the more wealth you have. 

A stroll around the alley ways of The Bukchon Village - don't mind my huffing and puffing, the roads are soooo steep, unhealthy me felt like I was mountain climbing LOL.

When the tour was done Mr Pham, Madeleine and myself then took our own exploration of Seoul. 

Visiting N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower is located on the mountains of Namsan in the city. It is marked as the highest point of Seoul.

It was built in 1969 and was opened to the public in 1980. 

We took a Namsan Cable Car ride up to the mountain and walked steep stairs to reach the tower. Upon arrival there is many things there to greet you, there's a Teddy Bear Museum and many performances and traditional dances take place there. 

The view from the Namsan Cable Car of the Tower.

From the viewing terrace of the tower

Padlocks families, couples and tourists have locked onto the balcony of the towers lower level.

It became common for the Towers visitors to write a message onto a padlock (can be purchased at the Tower) and hung onto the Towers ramp.

Our family message to Seoul.

Of course we couldn't resist joining in and we hung our own padlock onto the balcony - we kept the key, let's see the next time we stop by Seoul if it's still there!

Nom-noms we had with the wonderful view from N Seoul Tower.

Getting a bit peckish and having such a wonderful view ahead of us, Mr Pham, Madeleine and I had a lunch pitstop at the top of N Seoul Tower. 

I had a New York Hotdog, while daring Mr Pham had himself a Kimchi Hotdog. 

Mr Pham's kimchi hotdog - I did have a bite... it was odd... but nice.

Family Photo - Madeleine seems to always be sleeping at the best of times during this holiday... haha.

Afterwards we went to Ewha University Shopping District (which was recommended by Grace). 

I seriously wish we had discovered this place sooner than the day before we had to leave. The prices here are so much more cheaper, and the fashion... omg! I went a bit bonkers with the shopping, I don't know if it was the fact that I knew it was my last day of shopping, or because I wanted everything this place had to offer - either way it was so much fun!

Unfortunately I was so distracted by the shopping opportunities it completely slipped my mind to take some photos - here are a few pictures I found on the internet. 

Ewha University Shopping District - found on www.flickr.com

Mr Pham did some research and he said that the reason the prices here are so much more cheaper is because it is located near the Ewha Womens University, and is to cater for a University students budget.

The streets of Ewha Shopping District - www.flickr.com

After spending about 3 hours of shopping mayhem in Ewha, we then made our last stop to Myeongdong shopping district for last minute presents and purchases. 

Stay in tune for our last day in Seoul, South Korea.