We took the subway to Hyehwa station to look for a traditional restaurant which serves twenty banchans. Unfortunately, we could not find the restaurant. So, we went to Daehangro (University…

On our last day in Seoul, we revisited Namdaemun Market for more street food.

We went to a popular donut stall which we had seen line-up the last time we walked past it.

We bought two type of donuts to try. They are just KRW1,000 (about CAD1) each.

The above is a savory donut with wild vegetables. (more…)

After the tour of the Secret Garden, we went for a late lunch.

This restaurant is awesome. Look at the number of banchans offered.

Ben and I shared a Seafood Pancake. It was fried to crispy on the outside with lots of chives. I love it.

We also shared a Stoned Bowl Bibimbap. Our meal came to KRW21,000 (about CAD21). (more…)

Ben and I joined a guided tour to the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung. The entrance to Changdeokgung plus the Secret Garden guided tour came to KRW16,000 (about CAD16) per person.

The Secret Garden is the recreational area and retreat of the royal family.

This is the heart of the Secret Garden.  The rectangular pond is known as Buyongji. Juhamnu Pavilion which stands on the high ground commands a fine view of the pond.

Buyongjeong Pavilion in the shape of a lotus flower is designated as a treasure in 2012 (Treasure no. 1763). (more…)

Our itinerary for day 7 is to visit Changdeokgung Palace. Changdeokgung was built as a secondary palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It was left in ruins after the Japanese invasion during 1592-1598. It was rebuilt in 1610 and served as the main palace for 270 years.

On the way to the palace, we grabbed some street snacks. The above was Cinnamon Sugar Pancake.

A traditional cake that was sold in stalls in the subway station.

The Main Gate of Changdeokgung, Donhwamun. The raised stone terrace gives the gate an imposing dignity. (more…)

After spending most of the day at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, we went to check out the Gangnam District. Gangnam is a Sino-Korean place name meaning "south of the river". Gangnam…

National Folk Museum is another national museum located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

It is a museum with replicas of historical objects to illustrate the history of traditional life of the Korean people.

Here are some of the display.

A village scene.

Vessels use for various purpose. (more…)

A beautiful garden is located at the rear of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

It was very refreshing walking in the garden after the rain.

A Japanese style pagoda.

In the rear garden of the concubines’ quarters is a square pond named Hyangwonji. In the center of the pond lies an islet. A pavilion Named Hwangwongjeong stands on this islet. (more…)

There are many buildings inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace. I have no memory of which building is for what purpose now.

The roof has similar feature like those in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

A well in the palace. (more…)

The National Palace Museum has a splendid historical artifacts of Joseon dynasty. There are about 900 relics and artifacts in this museum. Here are a few of the displays.

The throne chair; does not look comfortable.

Royal robe for the king which is decorated with dragons.

Royal robe for the queen which is decorated with phoenixes.

Pendants hung on a coat or a skirt. (more…)