Exploring Seoul's Cultural Treasures

On our second day in Seoul, we embarked on a cultural journey to Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming residential neighborhood in the heart of the Jongno District. This quaint area is known for its beautifully restored traditional Korean houses, or hanok. The name "Bukchon" translates to "northern village," a nod to its location north of two of Seoul's most iconic landmarks: the Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno.

As we ventured through the winding streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, it was evident that this was not a mere tourist attraction but a living neighborhood where people call home. This realization reminded us to be respectful at all times as we explored the area, taking in the rich heritage and architectural beauty that surrounded us.

Affer almost an hour of leisurely exploration, we decided to skip lunch and head to the nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace. Our goal was to catch the much-anticipated changing of the guards ceremony, scheduled for 2:00 pm. This captivating ritual, a living link to Korea's rich history, occurs daily at 10 am and 2 pm, except Tuesdays. The ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace transported us back in time, allowing us to witness the precision and grandeur of the royal guards as they performed their duties. It was a unique opportunity to connect with Korea's regal past, and we were grateful to have experienced it.

After the ceremony, we set out to find a restaurant for a late lunch. However, the streets were teeming with tourist groups, and the queues were daunting. We needed a quick solution, and surprisingly, we found it in an unexpected place - a 7-11 store with a dining area on the second floor. Here, we were introduced to authentic Korean food, including Dosirak (Korean bento boxes), samgap kimbak (little rice triangles filled with various delectable fillings like tuna, pork belly, and beef), and instant noodles. This unplanned dining experience turned out to be a delightful culinary surprise.

Our cultural exploration wouldn't be complete without embracing Korean traditions. For our little princess Eviana, that meant donning a Hanbok. Hanbok is the traditional clothing of Korea, celebrated for its elegance and beauty, cherished for over 2,000 years. You may have seen Hanbok in your favorite Korean dramas or adorning your beloved K-Pop stars, and you've likely wondered about the significance of this exquisite attire.

Eviana embraced the opportunity to become an actual Korean princess for the day. As she strolled through the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in her Hanbok, she radiated happiness, her smile drawing the attention of fellow tourists who couldn't resist commenting on her cuteness and requesting photos.

Gyeongbokgung Palace holds a special place in Korea's history. Built in 1395, it was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and is located in northern Seoul. As the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the residence of the royal family and the seat of government. As we explored its grand halls, tranquil gardens, and the impressive Gyeonghoeru Pavilion overlooking a serene pond, we marveled at the palace's architectural grandeur and historical significance.

After the palace tour, our initial plan was to visit "Insandong" market, but a curious twist awaited us. The taxi driver we engaged to take us there insisted there was no such place, even going so far as to call customer service for confirmation. Instead, we followed the persistent suggestion of our adventurous son, Toffy. He had heard of the noodle restaurant featured in the popular Netflix show "Street Food," and the Korean pancake showcased in "Best Ever Food Review Show," located in Gwangjang Market.

Our culinary adventure at Gwangjang Market was nothing short of a gastronomic delight. We savored the flavors of authentic Korean cuisine and even purchased some takeout to enjoy later. Our taste buds were treated to the finest culinary treasures this bustling market had to offer.

Upon returning home, we couldn't help but chuckle at our earlier mix-up. A quick internet search revealed our mistake - the market we had intended to visit was "Insadong," not "Insandong." Despite the minor hiccup, we were content, for we had made wonderful memories, savored delectable food, and embraced Korean culture and tradition. The day had been filled with delightful surprises, and no regrets were to be found in our hearts.