Our time in Korea: Week Two in Review

We have stayed busy with touring around Seoul.  This past Sunday following our busy week of meetings and court we took it easy and rested.  In the afternoon we got outside and walked over to the  World Cup Park which is a large park full of trails and areas you can look over the Hangang River and the World Cup soccer stadium.  You could also look over and see the Hangang Park that is located on the river banks.  We could see people out running, walking, biking, and skateboarding.  This definitely seems like a popular place to get outdoors in Korea!  We plan to visit the Hangang Park next week.  We familiarized ourselves more with the surrounding areas of our apartment and took note of the many parks surrounding us to take Charlie once he is with us :)

World Cup Stadium

Monday we went out to the same area as the Seoul Tower in Myeong-Dong.  Brent had researched a popular traditional Korean restaurant known for their delicious noodles and dumplings.  This place did not disappoint and we really had great practice with using our chopsticks and eating noodles :)  We are getting better each day! The rest of our time in Myeong-Dong we just walked around the shops taking in all the views of the city and the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations.

Tuesday we checked out another area of Korea, Insadong known for it's markets, art, and antiques and where a recommended street vendor who makes hotteoks (similar to a fried donut with cinnamon and sugar melted on the inside) this also researched by Brent :)  It was delicious!  We walked and shopped in this area all afternoon and it was really neat to be able to see the older buildings of Korea and it's architecture.  

Wednesday we decided to take a tour of the Gyeongbokgung Palace.  It is the largest palace in South Korea and was built in 1395.  It is absolutely beautiful!  The weather was beautiful this day and had actually warmed up to be comfortable as the tour is all outdoors. We joined the English speaking tour versus walking around and reading information at the sites.  We were so glad we did this as we learned a lot about the history of Korea during this tour. 

Changing of the guard

Entrance of the Palace 

The King's throne

Banquet Hall for parties

Private quarters where the King and Queen would drink coffee.

During our tour we learned that behind the exit of the Palace is the "Blue House". The Blue House is the executive office and official residence of the President of South Korea. As Brent and I exited we took a picture of the Blue House.  

After touring the Palace and seeing the Blue House we decided to try some Korean BBQ.  Brent again had researched out a recommended place so we hopped on the subway and found our way.  The food in South Korea has not been disappointing it has been amazing! When ordering Korean food they give you so many little side dishes with your main meal including soups and salads.  When eating Korean BBQ they bring your meat to you raw and you cook it at your table eating it along with all your cute little side dishes :) We had a good time cooking and eating together.  

 Thursday and Friday was Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We ended up hanging around the apartment more during these two days just resting and spending time together.  We found a church service to attend on each of these days, more details in the "Christmas in Korea" post.  We have enjoyed our time in Korea so much and we are grateful for this opportunity to be able to learn and experience as much as we can during our final wait until we get to see Charlie again!