South Korea 2017 - Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

First attempt to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace was in 2014 but it was closed that day when we dropped by. In 2017, finally went inside to take a look. Built in 1395 and is the largest palace when compared against the Eastern and Western palaces.

On our way to the palace, we dropped by Yesul Gimbap for some snacks.

shopfront signage

ham gimbap

Afterwhich, we strolled over to the palace. Nice weather and clear blue skies.

main gate to Gyeongbokgung

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

spotted a bee

While many were taking pictures of Gwanghwamun, the main gate to the palace, it was also worth admiring the plants outside of the gate. There were some tourists in traditional costumes, which I think other tourists may want to take a photo of them as well.

many tourists

Coincidentally, there was some special event going-on in the palace ground so we also 'kaypoh' to watch. Lots of people in soldier costumes, some in palace attendants costume and the King was there as well!

the King and his attendants

soldiers

martial art performance by kids

the King is watching

Nice to walk around the palace grounds and many were just looking for that right spot for OOTD.

lovely backdrop

South Korea 2017 - Seoul (Hongdae/Hapjeong)

After Busan, it was back to Seoul again. This time round, my friends would be staying at the Hongdae area but am not in favour of the crowds. Searched for a while prior to the trip and decided on ROinhome, one of the many guesthouses available in the quieter side of Hapjeong, which was just a station or two away from the vibrant Hongdae.

Read more about my review of ROinhome in Tripadvisor.

ROinhome

outdoor patio

lobby

double bed

daily breakfast

The place was comfortable and quiet and the simple breakfast were mainly sweet stuff like muffin or a cake with a sweet drink. Along the way to the hotel, there's a convenience store. So I'd always stock up with my favourite banana milk drink.

banana milk

Worth trying is the mandu shop that one will pass by when getting to the Hapjeong MRT to/from guest house. Inexpensive and tasty.

Mapo Mandu shop

steamed beef dumplings

galbi mandu

We spent a day at Ewha and was trying to look for lunch around that area but unfortunately, many restaurants or food shops were closed for Chuseok. We had our Isaac Toast and street food but was still in need of something more substantial.

Found a dakgalbi shop and it looked like it was closed for the afternoon (since we only found this place at about 230pm). Fortunately, the lady re-opened her shop and let us in. It was empty and we got a bit worried if they have prepared any food for the diners since this was not their usual time for a meal.

dakgalbi shop nearby Ewha shopping street

stir-frying in progress

here comes the rice

almost ready

dakgalbi with rice topped with cheese

ginseng chicken

The meal re-energized our souls and back to Ewha for sightseeing and walking. There were some first-timers in the group so we explored quite a bit the University grounds.

EWHA

up close

familiar view

After that we headed back to the hotel to rest up before meeting up for dinner. Diner venue shall be in Myeongdong.

Myeongdong Cathedral

streetfood

gyeran bbang

We decided to get some grill meats for dinner but didn't know which restaurant to go to. Was just walking around and looking at makan places when a man called out to us. He suggested his restaurant and we thought why not.

Korean BBQ

our table

let's get the fire going

beef slice

beef shortribs

makgeolli

beef soup

Korean pancakes (jeon)