Korean dog

This is a typical Korean dog breed that you can see in the countryside.

I spotted them in Jeju Island last month. The mom was just walking around while the puppy was desperately wanting to have milk.

So the puppy was following the mom and I was following them to take a picture.

In the end the puppy and I both got what we wanted!

The avenue, Sinsadong, Gangnam

I’m sure you have heard of gangnam already.

Situated in the south of the river Han, Gangnam represents the sudden wealth and the modernization of Korea.

Gangnam is a quite large district. So you won’t really know where to go to find out what it’s all about.

If you want to taste a segment of it I recommend ‘the avenue’(garosugil in Korean)

The avenue is a famous place in Gangnam district that has luxurious shops and cafes along the tree lined road.

Many shops on this road are independent boutique types and they boast their fashionable interiors with stylish window display.

This is a great place to hangout and you will see lots of young and beautiful people anytime.

Loved this shop. Not only they had beautiful clothes but also played Amy Winehouse.

I found something familiar!

Had a little rest with an iced-coffee.

Young, chic, luxurious yet still affordable. The avenue is especially loved by girls in style.

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Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul

Gyeongbok-gung is the first built palace out of 5 palaces in Seoul(1395) and was the symbol of the sovereignty of Joseon dynasty. 

In 1592, the palace was burnt down during Japanese invasion and it was rebuilt in 1867 under the leadership of prince Heungseon. This time the palace was built much bigger, with 500 buildings crowed together in a labyrinthine arrangement.

sadly, it was not the end of suffering for the palace.                              

In 1911 the ownership of the palace was handed over to the Japanese empire and 90% of the palace was demolished. 

There has been ongoing restoration since 1990 and much part of the palace is now restored to its original state.

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion - This is the place where the king used to throw formal banquets for foreign envoys. 

This is the place where the ‘Hangul’, the Korean alphabet, was created.

There are 3 beautiful mountains (Inwang, Bugak, Bukhan) in the back of the palace and they make the palace look even more magnificent.

I joined a guided tour, which is free, and the guide lady was so informative with many unknown interesting stories!  

I love to feel like being in back in time when walking on those alleys. 

Queen’s garden

This is where the king used to eat and rest - It’s amazing how simple this place is. 

You will always find plenty of quite places to sit down and have a rest  :-)

 A little castle on the lake - Truly enchanting!

 Today when I went there, they were having a ceremony that celebrates Sejong the great king.

The traditional orchestra was playing the palace music. I did not quite follow the music but was very impressed that how they can play so slowly and still in tune with one another!

In overall, a gorgeous spring day spent well worth!

Insadong, a taste of Korean vintages

If you are coming to Seoul for a holiday you are most likely visiting this place too. You might not visit gangnam but you will visit Insadong.

Insadong is a market zone located in Jongno district, North Seoul.

It is famous for having hundreds shops that sell Korean traditional products.

If you want to find out what our culture is (other than technologies and some funny dances!) this is the place that you can have a little taste of it.

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You will find handmade ornaments

and antiques

and some fashion items,

and a big shopping complex that is specialized in traditional items

and lots of people

If you get hungry try the traditional restaurants which are in the alleys.

Or street food.

And if you get tired or are too hot, have a little rest in one of those fashionable coffee lounges on the second floor of the shops.

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Insadong is very popular not only to foreigners but also to us Koreans too. Because, from time to time we like to remind ourselves that we too have our own culture other than modern technologies and K-pop stuff.

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South gate(Soong-nye-moon) restored

Built in 1397, South gate (called soong-nye-moon)is the oldest wooden structure in Seoul and also it is the national treasure building no.1.

In the old days, the south gate was the first place that people had to go through when they needed to enter the old city of Seoul and has been one of the most symbolic buildings of Korea ever since.

In 2008, a shocking news hit the nation.

An angry old man set fire to the gate with a gas lighter which resulted in burning down 90% of the upper part of the gate.

It was a truly shocking and sad news for Korean people.

5 years went by since then, and today they finally completed the restoration and re-opened the gate to the public.

 04.May.2013. A huge crowd gathered to congratulate the opening.

The south gate in the pictures

 This is the oldest picture of south gate ever known. Taken in 1890.

 Taken between 1910 and 1920.    Around the south gate there always has been one of the biggest markets of the whole Korea. Even now, there is a gigantic market called ‘namdaenoon market’ just next to the gate.  

 1930



1953 (Just after the Korean war)

 1960

 2013. 

Jeju Island, my home town

   Hyupjae village, Jeju.    27.April. 2013.

If you ask any Korean person you know where the most beautiful place in Korea is, he or she will readily say ‘Jeju Island’ 

I was born and grew up in this Island without appreciating the beauty of it. After being away for 20 years I can finally say Jeju Island is indeed one of the most beautiful places in the world.  

This time when I went back I tried one of the walking trails called ‘Olle course’. There are 19 Olle courses and I took Olle no.6. 

I strongly recommend this course to those anyone visiting the island. You will enjoy the stunning views all the way long for 4-5 hours!

    Hyupjae Beach, Jeju. 27. Apr. 2013

This is my favorite beach out of so many. 20 years ago, this beautiful beach was always empty except for July and August. Now there were quite a few people already (some in the sea!) when it was only April!

Back in Seoul, I miss my paradise already,

Me in Jeju Island, Korea

In the little seaside village of Jeju Island, Korea