Arrival in Seoul, South Korea
Postcards from Asia: Part 2
Dear friends,
I’ve made it to Seoul, South Korea in one piece. After 15 hours on a plane with a restless toddler’s feet in my face, I was more than thankful for my clean motel near the airport, the welcome chocolates the host gave me, and a pair of slip-on shoes with little bears on the toes.
How to describe Seoul? It’s more than I’ve imagined after years of watching K-dramas. The reliable public transportation, the trendy street style, the heated toilet seats with built-in bidets… the city mixes cuteness with convenience. Thoughtful city planning seems to be everywhere. Public restrooms are free and have “safe buttons.” There are sections for pregnant people on the subway, and adorable animated animals tell you important transit information as you ride.
People walk around with their phones in their hands; you don’t have to worry about someone grabbing it from you on the street. Residents leave their laptops on tables, and women walk alone at night. I’m sure there are parts of the city that are dodgy, but out of 43 countries, this is definitely one of the safest places I’ve traveled.
The postcards I chose come from a shop in Bukchon Hanok Village, a touristic area that pays tribute to Korea’s traditional home structures, called hanok. It represents Korea’s mix of modernity with tradition. The country has sought to commercialize, yet also honor, the past while moving forward in the present.
Although the country called “South Korea” is relatively young, Korea itself has a deep history, evidenced by its palaces, temples, and shrines. I visited Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden, which has stunning coloration in the autumn. I saw the royal changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace and listened to the Buddhist prayers at Jogyesa Temple.
The city also offers free walking tours with volunteer guides. I signed up for the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs tour and was the only person who showed up. My guide was fantastic, and she told me all the wild drama about the different kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty, the last royals of Korea.
The best part of any city is trying the food, and Seoul doesn’t disappoint. I went to a couple of markets, including Gwangjang Market, with new friends from Korea, Vietnam, and China. We shared mackerel and cutlass fish dishes and tried mung bean pancakes. Everything we ate was delicious with just the right amount of spiciness, and my friends were kind enough not to make fun of me too much for how I held my chopsticks.
So far, Seoul has impressed me at every turn. People are polite and hospitable, but no one really stares or bothers you when you’re out and about. As always, it’s impossible to understand a place in a week’s time, and my experience could be very different from another traveler’s. But, I’m eager to learn more as I visit different areas around the Korean peninsula.
Until next week,
Ash
South Korea wasn't really on the list - but perhaps it needs to be!
Love!! South Korea is definitely on my list, especially because of the food culture. Can't wait to read more!