Back in Seoul

 

The Seoul drone show is pretty spectacular.  This one was made with a Coldplay soundtrack and all you had to do is head for a park next to the river.  It was the highlight of a very hectic day.  Before heading off to Seoul, check out dates for fireworks and drone displays since I believe they have them during certain times of the year  

After the drone show Grace and I went up to the top of Lotte tower nearby for great night views of the city.

We also went to see Gyeongbokgung Palace earlier in the day to see the impressive grounds and buildings. It was the primary palace of the Joseon dynasty established in 1395. After that we went to the National Museum nearby to see the artifacts. 

It’s an experience renting the Korean National dress, the Hanbok, and great fun.  You can rent them near the palace and if you are wearing the traditional dress you can queue jump and get into the palace for free.

We also walked around the Insa-Dong area which we enjoyed.  The main street is full of shops built in the old Korean style with wood and ceramics. These shops sell handmade paper, painted fans, antiques and mostly local products. 

We visited two Michelin bib restaurants  Myeongdong Kyoja, a short menu noodle place which is family owned and has been around since 1966. Another is a Mokmyeoksanbang, a bibimbap restaurant. Both are simple, low key but full of people, and inexpensive.

Meat with noodles

Pork dumplings

Bibimbap.  Put everything on the tray into the rice and chicken (or beef or vegetable) bowl then mix.

It may not seem like we did much but 23k steps, a lot of standing and 12 non stop hours later we were wiped out! There’s a lot of walking involved. Lots more to see and experience in Seoul.