Seoul - July 13, 2010

Today we headed out early for Seoul, Korea’s capital city. When we arrived, we met up with friends of Sunghee and her Mum. We went to an expansive palace called Chang Duck Goung. Sunghee’s friend explained all about the architecture and interesting information about the palace. After walking around in the unbearable heat and sun, we rested for a bit in a little café at the palace. I was relieved to have some chocolate ice-cream, since I have been somewhat deprived of chocolate since I’ve been in Korea.

Who knew hobbits lived in Korea?

Chinese style sun dial (rhymes)

Mythically, this pot would contain water, which would create a reflection of any fire monster woh came near the palace, scaring itself off. Functionally, it contained water to put out fires if they occured.

After the palace, we roamed the streets for a while, passing by cheap vendors and small boutiques. I bought a couple of things and we went for lunch. We ordered bibimbop which is basically a whole bunch of random things mixed with rice, and it is to die for.

When we were leaving the restaurant, we noticed a place where you could decorate objects such as rings, necklaces, mirrors and such with shell fragments. We decided to give it a shot so Sunghee and I decorated mirrors. I attempted to make a sun of sorts, but I’d like to say it’s more of an abstract piece…

We continued to roam the streets until we noticed two guys making a Korean traditional treat. Basically, he took a hard block of honey, and using cornstarch, transformed it into what looked like locks of thin hair. Then, the other guy cut it up and filled it with almond and peanut mixtures to complete the delicious treat.

On our way to a cool place to rest (ended up being Dunkin’ Donuts), another Korean palace was hosting a traditional ceremony. People were dressed up in Korean traditional clothing of subjects of the palace, did marches, played instruments, and posed for photographs. We rested for a long while in Dunkin’ Donuts, watching the ceremony through the window and savouring the air conditioning.

As we started to get hungry, we met up with Sunghee’s aunt at a very expensive restaurant. There we ate a six course meal, which I can’t say was the tastiest meal I’ve eaten since I’ve been here. The first course was fried seaweed, which was good, but I could not bring myself to swallow the cold, slimy, sea cucumber. After that came a bland soup with meat from the joints in a cow. Interesting… The main course was actually quite enjoyable though, simple soup and rice.