Raining on Our Parade

Our tentative itinerary for Monday was to go to the Korean Folk Village, which was over an hour away.  As we were preparing for the trip, we looked at the weather forecast and noticed rain was a distinct possibility.  When we awoke, it wasn't raining, but the sky looked ominous so we decided not to risk it and instead go to a palace.  A lot of the palaces are closed on Mondays, so our option was limited to Gyeonbokgung Palace, which we visited last time.  The changing of the guard ceremony is interesting to watch so we figured we'd go there and then go to Insadong and Itaewon for some shopping.

We took the subway a few stops to Gyeongbokgung.  The exit to the subway has a replica of the Pullomun gate.  Legend says that those passing through the gate "would not be old forever."  So we all took a pass through the gate.

Pullomun gate replica at Gyeonbokgung station

 When we got into the palace courtyard, we could feel the cold, damp air cutting through us.  The kids enjoyed the changing of the guard ceremony and we latched on for part of a tour, but the cold wind froze the positive vibe we were hoping for and we ended up not staying very long. 

Cami, Ben, and Ian in front of the drum used during the changing of the guard ceremony

Ian looking up at the Palace Guard

Lunch in Insadong

We regrouped and headed one subway stop down to Anguk station, which is in the Insadong neighborhood, a shopping district known for arts, crafts, and street foods.  We could feel a few ice pellets coming down so we quickly found a restaurant and grabbed lunch. We ordered some bibimbap, which is rice in hot stone bowl with toppings that you mix up.  One of the toppings was octopus - all three kids tried it although it wasn't something they were yearning for later.  We also ordered bulgogi ddeogbokki, strips of grilled meat and rice cakes in a sauce.  Our family has enjoyed bulgogi and ddeogbokki as separate dishes so it was fun to try these together.  During our lunch, it started raining so we felt like our decision to stick closer to Seoul was a good one.

Street vendors making dragon's beard candy

After lunch, we bought umbrellas for everyone in the family (only 3000won/each) and went shopping.  Ben and Cami both got a wooden sword and Ian got a crossbow.  We saw a street food stand making and selling dragon's beard, a treat made with honey that's "processed" into fine strands and filled with nuts such as almonds or peanuts.  The vendors have a great routine that really draws you in and is worth the price of admission. We didn't take video of it, but here is a good representative of it on Youtube.

We did a bit more shopping and Ben bought a traditional wooden mask and Dana got a few souvenirs   Even with the umbrellas, we were starting to get cold, wet, and tired, so we grabbed a cab back to the hotel which is easier than carrying sleeping kids on the subway!  Plus, cabs are pretty inexpensive in Seoul and a cab ride that took us 20 minutes or so only cost 7000won (less than $7) and took us to the front door of our hotel.

Trying out the wooden swords in the hotel room

In the hotel, we warmed up and regrouped while Ian slept.  Earlier we had found out that our hotel offers shuttle service to Itaewon and some other shopping areas, so we took the shuttle so I could get fitted for my suit.  While at the shop that was making my suit, Dana bargained for hanboks, traditional formal Korean clothing worn at weddings or other celebrations.  Ben found another wooden sword in Itaewon and Cami and Dana were eying up purses, but held off on the purchase for now as we'll be back on Friday to pick up the suit.

After getting back to the hotel, we ate and then swam in the pool before wrapping up our day.  Tomorrow we pack up and head to Jeju Island.