Day 6: The ancient and cultural Seoul.

Day 6 was my course registration day. Which means I have to register for my course that I am going to take in Year 4 Semester 1 back in Singapore. Which means, I need internet connection, and fast ones. Because NTU operates on a fastest-fingers-first basis when it comes to course registration. But here comes the problem: the Wi-fi has been flickering the entire night!! When I woke up in the morning, the Wi-fi was still on and off and this cannot do if I really want to get my courses. So, Shan and I decide to look for a cafe to have breakfast while I tap on the Wi-fi. And I immediately thought of Paris Baguette!! Yadayadayada, let's not talk about the details of course registration then.

So after lugging my stupid heavy laptop up the steep slope, and 5 flights of stairs back to guesthouse, I rested enough and finally found the energy to start the day of activities. We were already severely behind schedule because our initial intention was to have brunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang (discussed later in this entry). We decided to skip that and head straight for Gyeongbukgung first.

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” It is also arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces. So, how could I miss this palace right?!

Directions: Gyeongbokgung Station. Exit 5. Walk 5 minutes.

It is very easy to find the directions to Gyeongbukgung from the subway station. Upon getting out of the exit, you will see one of the palace gates in front of you. Walk through it and all the way straight to get your tickets. The ticket costs only 3,000won for one single entry. If I'm not wrong, 10,000won for all 5 palaces in Seoul and valid for one month. For that price, I would say, go for it! It's an amazing experience and so so beautiful.

When I go for palaces like this, I try to find if there is any guided tours because in my opinion, I feel that the main purpose of these trips is not to just take a look around, I would love to understand the rich heritage and culture behind. And without a tour guide, I'm afraid it's not quite possible. Thankfully, Gyeongbukgung has guided tours. I'm not sure how accurate it is, but it was true when I visited: 

Tours depart in front of the Information Center at Heungnyemun Gate (흥례문). 

Tour Schedule: 

English: 11:00, 13:30, 15:30

Japanese: 10:00, 12:30, 14:30

Chinese: 10:30, 13:00, 15:00

These are two of the most impressive buildings in the palaces. And really, you have to be there to witness the beauty. Anyway, I believe it's gonna be a really awesome view if you were there in the spring or autumn season. If you have those photos, do share with me. :)

This picture below features a scene in one of my most favourite Korean drama everrrrrrrrr. I'm not sure if my views are trustworthy though, because I can count with my fingers on both hands, the number of K-dramas I have watched. But this one is from Queen Inhyun's Man, and I really like it!! The male lead, is a perfect example of how someone may not be the best-looking one, but yet he has that charisma and X-factor. Which reconfirms my point that a guy really needs to know how to dress up!! Okay, drifting away...

We had a late lunch at 2plus in the afternoon at Tosokchon Samgyetang. Samgyetang, otherwise called Ginseng Chicken Soup, is a famous dish of Korea and Koreans love to eat it in summer to cool down the heat. But I think they eat it anytime... I mean, if there is a bowl of hot Samgyetang right in front of me on a chilly winter night, I would be so glad!!! And Tosokchon Samgyetang is apparently the famous, according to many tourist blogs, but somehow, my Korean friends have yet to hear about it. Hmm...

Directions cannot be provided on my part because me and Shan got lost again. We turned round and round and spent half an hour looking for this place when it was just 5 minutes away from us. So, after much turning, I wasn't sure where I was already. But if I happen to be there, I can find it. Anyway, it should be near Gwanghwamun Exit 1 or 2 but please don't trust me on this! Oh yes, and Tosokchon Samgyetang is good!! At least I think so. And I'm craving for some samgyetang now, wondering if there are any decent ones in Singapore.

After lunch, we decide to continue on our cultural trail and head to Bukchon Hanok Village. And it was yet another total failure. Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty.

Bukchon Hanok Village has a total of 8 photo spots, whereby the picture will look the best if you stand right on the photo-spot sign and take a picture. Or so they say. Below is a picture of photo-spot 3 and guess what, that's the only photo spot we found and Shan and I gave up!!! It was too difficult with the many slopes and paths that lead everywhere and anywhere. Even with a map on hand, and me the self-proclaimed brilliant map reader, I cannot figure out the way. After a tiring one hour, we decided to give up. Our legs were going to give up on us already. I'm not so sure whether it is worth a visit but I heard the same from 3 other groups of friends that tried/attempt to conquer the place.

Insadong should come into mind when we say 'cultural'. So it was definitely one of the places we had to go. By this time, I just wanted to rest my legs so we found a nice cafe that specialises in tea, and we sat down in the very cultural and artistic cafe. I think we stayed there for close to an hour, but Insadong didn't interest me that much, because I wasn't into all these artsy stuff. But if you do, it's definitely worth a visit. I was only interested in all those caricature stuff.

The merciless sun and the walking (though failed ones mostly) meant that we just wanted to go back to our comfort zone and rest. So, we decided to have a takeaway dinner at the comfort of our room, with blasting aircons etc. We got Saboten from Myeongdong, which was 10 minutes away from our guesthouse. The Mozerella Cheese Tonkatsu was to-die-for. IT WAS SO GOOD!! But equally sinful yeah. But chewing away on chicken cutlet, and watching We Got Married on the super big and clear HD TV in the room... best way to end the night!!