Seoul: good for the soul (and belly)

We safely arrived in Seoul, (South) Korea last night.  It is country #54 for me, and a great one so far!

We're staying in an apartment building found on AirBnb with Vivi, a local woman who rents out her 2nd bedroom.  We are in great location with access to food, stores, the subway, and a convenient airport bus, and are loving it!

Today, we toured the grounds of Changdeokgung Palace, the "eastern" or backup palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). While much of it was destroyed amidst several Japanese invasions, it has been restored and is now an UNESCO heritage site. We learned about lots of interesting things including the Korean under-the-floor heating system which has been in place for centuries (and why, even now in homes, Korean people eat and sleep on or very close to the floor!).

Donhwamun (main) gate

girl in Korean traditional dress

Stones marking the positions of officials during processions

Lovely architecture...

 

 

Cherry blossoms were blooming!

 

...as were other flowers

We also toured the "Secret Gardens" in back, which was constructed for use by the royal family and women. 

our guide

Chinese characters were used to adorn the buildings as, although Korea developed its alphabet in the 1400s, Chinese comprised the written characters of choice for the nobility.

Gate of Longevity

700-year-old Juniper Tree

We then explored Bukchon Hanok Village, a residential area containing traditional wooden houses.

 

Rooftop view

 

We wandered around the complex of Jogyesa Temple, one of the main Buddhist temples in Seoul.

the ceiling of multicolored paper lanterns was amazing!!

We wandered around a craftsy area called Insa-dong, where we also saw a lot of tempting tasty treats (including these shells which were filled with icecream).

(turkish icecream)

Cheonggyecheon stream is a pretty city spot to stroll along...

Seoul is a very easy city to get around. While we can't (yet) read the Korean alphabet, there are many signs in English and the subway system is a dream (very clean, punctual, and easy to follow). 

Korea does, however, have some cute peculiarities. On a run this morning, I saw a bunch of people utilizing the outdoor fitness center at a local park-- there were weight machines, elliptical-like machines, and more!

Here is a booth at one of the subway stations, which includes directions to get "relief goods" and biohazard masks/suits...

While I think dogs do end up on some menus, they are also (strangely) very endeared pets here. 

Here is the doggie daycare pen inside a local supermarket:

 We are loving the food here! We like to eat Korean bbq when in Orange County, but there is sooo much good food, and so much variety here, that I can't figure out how the Koreans stay so slim.

Here is our meal on Korean Air, with bibimbap (a bowl of hot rice, veggies, and meat with chili paste), complete with directions on how to mix

 

Here is a local menu, which includes "raw moving octopus" (which actually did NOT sound so appetizing)

 

Octopus bibimbap, however, was delicious!!

with assorted kimchi

Kimchi pancake

with noodle soup, K really is in paradise

Seoul has been good for the soul so far!!!