Back in November of last year when we were initially making plans for South Korea, we carefully considered the seasons to set the month of our trip. They say October would be the best time to go, when it’s fall. Second best is spring – that’s between March and May. We chose the latter, for the Cherry Blossoms.
Although they were already in bloom in Vietnam a month ago, we found that they won’t be in bloom in Korea until May. Spring was late (thanks to Global Warming!) and it was still 1 degree C when we landed in Incheon International Airport (there was snow melting in the shadows from the flurries the night before) on that last week of March.
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| City Circulation Course (Seoul downtown area) |
I recommend reserving 3-days to leisurely explore via the Seoul City Tour Bus for about 35,000won pass. Take your time downtown (from 9AM to 10PM, or until you’re sore) at museums, sifting through streets lined with antique stores and vintage shops, be awed at temples with their century old tree/s, famous palaces, sightseeing bridges, and of course the markets at night. I learned from this trip that I should have reserved expenses for the 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites instead – I have seen so little in a country that has a lot to show! This basically translates to a return trip to South Korea for me in the future.
There are 5 palaces in Seoul. I went to 3 (they all basically look alike with their standard architecture, color scheme and central lay out) and I found the 2nd to be the most historically colorful. Changdeokgung Palace is from the 15th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the only palace with silk-fringed golden chandeliers in the royal reception hall (which supposedly modernizes it); and the only palace where both the king and queen slept in the same roof – although still in opposite rooms to maintain the yin-yang balance. Korea’s last emperor Sunjong passed away in this room, and because he did not have an heir to the throne, the royal lineage died with him (the crown-prince at the time had married a Japanese, and because his children were not of pure blood anymore, they could not ascend to the throne).
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| 10-inches painted wood with cotton hood |
After a week in Seoul, I finally understood Korean fashion. I love how their men are never limited to the boring stuff! I bought heaps of stuff that’s not in my usual plan of journal and mask – from pencils and pin buttons at the National Museum of Korea, to a vintage wall clock! I bought 3 cardigans and 2 lace dresses too just for myself. This is coming from someone who doesn’t do clothes shopping offshore mind you – it was insane!!!
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