During our two-week stay in South Korea, we enjoyed exploring areas around town for scenic views and – of course – places to eat. Seoul is truly a place where historical buildings and modern architecture coexist in harmony.
The Bosingak Bell Pavilion (located a short walk away from Gwanghwamun Plaza) was originally constructed in 1396 and used to keep the time during the Joseon dynasty.
Charcoal Boiled Beef
Haemuljeon (Seafood Pancake)
A bowl of delicious Naengmyeon (Korean Cold Noodles).
Just one of many charming little coffee houses we encountered during our trip. We would have loved to show you a picture from the upstairs part of this coffeehouse, but in all honesty, we were so tired from walking around all day, we opted against the stairs at that moment.
Remnants of a time long passed remain and create an interesting interruption of the landscape that is modern architecture.
Small streets lined with restaurants such as this one can be found all over Seoul.
A closer look at the massive wall made of rocks enclosing the extensive grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
A busy multiple lane road divides modern Seoul from the palace walls. Upon entering the palace grounds, one easily forgets the hustle outside and gets swept up in the beauty of the historical buildings.
Beautiful architecture all around.
Tourist spotted and identified as K-drama fan! Complete with a ‘Hello Kitty’ fan and a copy of “Scholar who walks the night”. But all jokes aside, this library was every reader’s dream, and also provided a welcome break from the scorching heat outside.
Time to practice your Korean reading skills. Who can spot the Noraebang (Korean Karaoke room)?
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If you’re of age, we suggest you try at least a few of the many different flavours of Makgeolli (Rice Wine) that Korea has to offer. They are delicious!!
After a day at Namsan Tower we took the train back to our hotel. There were several exits near our hotel and this evening we took the wrong one, ending up on an unfamiliar corner. We weren’t too worried though since we knew our hotel had to be nearby somewhere. Across the street we spotted a Café Bene.
No self-respecting K-drama fan would pass up the chance to visit one of those. The café had a very nice atmosphere. And after noticing that our hotel was really just around the corner, you can bet this wasn’t our last visit.
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Patbingsu, a famous Korean dessert consisting of shaved ice with different toppings. This one is a Oreo cookies and chocolate flavoured.
This is a typical patbingsu: Shaved ice topped with red beans and ice cream and more red beans waiting for you at the bottom.
Another food highlight on our trip was when our local friends took us to a Chinese restaurant that served delicious Jajjangmyeon [noodles topped with black bean sauce and sautéed vegetables]. It appears we were so eager to eat the noodles that we forgot to take a picture before digging in. But I’m sure we have all seen our share of this dish watching K-dramas.
Going for a ride on the Seoul Night Tour Bus is a perfect way to enjoy a look at the lit up city.
Lights are reflected on the water of the Han River [Hangang].
There is no shortage of bridges that run across the river.
Several of these bridges have their unique display of lights after dark, adding to their impressiveness.
In the background of this image one can make out the famous Namsan Tower.
This serene waterfall scene in downtown Seoul invites visitors to take a rest and relax.
Street performers can also be found here and greatly add to the overall atmosphere.
A close-up look at the statue of Admiral Yi at night time, located at Gwanghwamun Plaza.
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Seolleongtang (Beef Bone Soup) with a side of Kimchi, Cubed Radish, and -of course – rice.
Bibimbap (Rice topped with vegetables, and [if desired] a fried egg.
Korean BBQ is one of the most delicious food we have ever had.
Lettuce and perilla leaves make the perfect wrap for the meat and side dishes of a Korean BBQ.
And for dessert [or as a snack), Ice-cream.
These little-trucks-turned-kiosks could be found all over downtown Seoul at night. Perfect for a little treat!
There is many flavours of Soju to choose from. Some are very bitter while other are sweet. Be careful though of their alcohol content. [No drinking alcohol if you’re underage].
Soondae [Blood Sausage] taste a lot better than it’s name might suggests.
Many restaurants keep cutlery in boxes [or sometimes drawers] on each table and customers can just grab their own.
Odeng Soup (Fish Cake Soup).
Kimbap is among the most well-known Korean dishes. It is also easy to make at home and ingredients can be substituted based on a person’s preferences.
Outside gyms like this one can be found all over.
What are the food, places, and/or things you dream of when planning your Korea trip? We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for joining us on our trip down memory lane, while we reminisced about the multitude of experiences we were so fortunate to have during our South Korea adventure.
