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.

Seoul, South Korea, Day Five.

We went on a tour bus in Seoul. I'm a huge fan of tours, it's organized, you don't spend the majority of the time getting lost and you get the full advantage of learning everything the city has to offer.

We had decided on going on a half day tour, which I recommend (if it's an option) when bringing bubba along for the holiday - Maddy wouldn't have enough patience for a full day tour. 

On the tour we were taken to the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple

Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is famously known for being located in the center of the city. It's really amazing how just outside the walls of this temple is traffic, sky scrapers and a busy city, but as soon as you enter this place it becomes so peaceful and tranquil.

A 500 year old tree in the gardens of the temple - The Koreans believe by touching this tree you will have a bright future - I rubbed my entire body against the tree.

The temple is decorated by all these lanterns, each lantern represents a person who has written a "prayer" or "wish" (?) and is hung up across the entire temple.

Three Buddha Statues inside the temple, each statue representing a different element in life. Don't be deceived by this picture, they were absolutely HUGE.
And there's a Singaporean tourist photo bombing the picture. 

Grace (our amazing tour guide) then took us to the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This was the one place I was so eager to see, this too is located in the middle of the busy city.

She made sure we were early enough to witness the Changing of the Guards Ceremony at the front gate of the palace - which they show once a day in the morning. 

I am so thrilled I got to witness something so historical and video record it for all of you.

 

The second gate into the Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 (I know right!) and is known as the main palace (there are palaces scattered around Seoul). It's also the largest palace (no joke... HUGE). 

In 1592 the Palace was burnt down to ashes during the Japanese invasion and was rebuilt in 1867 under the leadership of Prince Regent Heungseon Daewongun. 

Grace told us that there is over 500 buildings in this palace alone, and in it's time it was referred to as a town holding 5,000 residents in the palace. 

More than 90% of the palace was demolished again during the Japanese occupation in 1911 and was transferred to the Japanese Government General. 

Restoration of Gyeongbokgung to it's former glory has been ongoing since 1990, we actually saw parts of the palace being restored the day we were there.

Our tourist Grace showing us the entire palace map and what one day will be fully restored - it's absolutely amazing.

Mr Pham and Madeleine standing at the Second gate entrance.

Standing in front of the Emperors Thrown (the one used for special occasions) - Madeleine ... not caring where she is. LOL.

The Emperors main thrown - where many decisions and laws were discussed and made.

Inside the Queens residence.

Grace told us that the King and Queen only slept together 5 nights in 1 year, the 5 nights that they did sleep together was chosen by the King's Dr (in hopes to make a baby boy, which is influenced by Confusion ism ).

The nights that they did not sleep together they had separate buildings! The King's building always being in front of the Queens. 

Another image of the Queens residence

Apparently choosing a Queen for the King was that the same of a Beauty Pageant. 100 or so girls were chosen for their beauty and from there the King would have "rounds" until he has reached the one woman. What about the runner ups? Well they are forbidden to ever marry for the rest of their lives (because it is such an honor) and are to be the King's concubines (or how Grace would say, girls on the side). Back in the day being a Queen was an honor to your family, but you were never allowed out of the palace (without the Kings permission) and your family had to visit you (not you visit your family). So strict but so interesting!

With the mountains in the background and the beautiful construction of the palace buildings, would you have ever guessed we were smack bang in the middle of the city?

A token tourist shot in front of one of the Pavilions which was the King's Library. 

 

Beautiful scenery.

 

Geoncheonggung - A palace within a palace

King Gojong was the 26th King in the Joseon Dynasty, he took the thrown at the age of 12, but because he was too young to take reign his father made all the decisions. 

Grace said when King Gojong was old enough to take control he then built a new area (Geoncheonggung) for himself and his queen within the palace, to be separate from his controlling father. 

However, King Gojong did not know his wife's ambitions of ruling when she became friends with the Japanese and the Russians. The Japanese were not happy with Empress Myeongseong befriending the Russians and on October 8, 1895, the Japanese broke into Geoncheonggung and assassinated Queen Myeongseong (talk about a grudge right?).

From the bad memories and the huge scare King Gojong left The Gyeongbokgung Palace and was the last king in history to ever live there. 

Such a sad story huh? There's actually a drama about the life of Empress Myeongseong, "The Lost Empire". 

After the long tour of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Grace then showed us The Blue House, which just as the same as The White House, it is the government residence of the President of South Korea. 

Security at the gate of The Blue House.

I have no idea about the significance of this fountain, but hey if you see something pretty... pose... (?)

When the tour ended we were dropped off at City Hall in the city and Mr Pham, Maddy and I took our own little tour. 

We went to visit the Electronics Market - which is so big and chaotic that we gave up because of the heat and went to Korea's War Memorial Museum. 

South Korea, Seoul, War Memorial.

Mr Pham, like a child at the War Memorial

Maddy getting bored and tired from all the boy toys.

Chubby Angel. K.O

Stay in tune for more posts on our 7 Day trip to Seoul, South Korea.

Seoul, South Korea Day One - Two

So if you guys didn't know last week Mr Pham, Maddy and myself went on a family holiday to Seoul, South Korea for 7 days.

It was such a wonderful holiday, and being a tourist such as myself, I was able to soak in so much culture and food.

If you are into spicy food, forward fashion, beauty products, history and culture I definitely recommend you all pay a visit to South Korea.

There is so much to see and do there, one week didn't seem enough.

Mr Pham & Maddy at our stop over in Guangzhou Airport to South Korea
We are so lucky, Maddy was a very good girl during both 13 hour flights.

Our first stop the night we arrived to Seoul was Namdaemun Markets.

Namdaemun Markets were opened in 1964, selling things such as souvenirs, traditional clothing, womens wear, baby wear, mens wear, bags, shoes, kitchenware, Korean Ginseng (which isn't exported out of the country)... the list of things sold here is endless!

Unfortunately we came here when things were closing and only a few stalls stay open till early morning, so we had revisited Namdaemun Markets later on in the week.

Trying to find our first grub at Namdaemun

Delicious Bulgogi (marinated beef)! Korean dishes are ALWAYS served with at least 5 other side dishes.

Maddy isn't use to waking up in a baby cot that isn't hers.

Mr Pham and Maddy at Myeongdong shopping district

Myeongdong is located at the heart of Seoul. It was one of my favourite places to shop in Seoul and the one place we revisited nearly everyday! 

So many varieties here, they have markets which open midday, department stores, quality brand named stores, mid-class brand named stores and little no name stores. The streets are lined with all Korean beauty stores, fashion boutiques and endless alleys of Western and Asian cuisine restaurants. If there was a happening place - it would definitely be Myeongdong. There's always something to taste, buy and see there (even performers to park their stereo and mic in the middle of the street and b-boy dance to their hearts content). 

Streets of Myeongdong Shopping District

Myeongdongs underground subway shopping district! - I guess they ran out of space to shop?
If you do go here, remember where you are walking... we went upstairs and realized we had walked all the way to the other side of the city. Didn't even realize!

The cute set up of all their beauty stores. They have women standing at the shop front handing out baskets of generous sized free samples asking you to come inside.

You know how in Australia there is a Mcdonalds at every corner? In Seoul they have a coffee shop every second door! And they have such an adorable set up!

Trying out a 32cm long icecream! Maddy was hypnotized.

Even Maddy couldn't resist.

Letting mummy and daddy have some peaceful shopping time.

What are the chances?! They were filming a T.V show while we were shopping at Myeongdong

Korean street food - so convenient, cheap and delicious. One skewer of meat would be about $1AU.
We couldn't resist but taste every bit of grub that we could find.

Ddeokbokki - Korean rice cake in spicy sauce.

Delicious cakes and pastries at their Dunkin' Donuts.

Maddy and Myself taking selfies in front of Seoul Station, where lotte mart is also located.

Lotte Mart is Koreas leading department store branch - selling many things from groceries (fresh produce also!), clothes, shoes, electronics, markets, toys, furniture... the list is endless! 

Outside Seoul Station, this featured in many Korean dramas including My Girl.

Stay tuned for more Seoul, South Korea stories!