Seoul Vacation 2010

I have mentioned here before about the pictures I would post when I have things organized. I thought I would be able to organize our pictures as soon as we got back from Seoul. However, we had another trip to NYC few days after our arrival from Korea. So, to make the long story short, my pictures to organize have tripled! Here are some pictures taken in the beautiful city of Seoul.

Enjoy!

 Below is Myeongdong Street at night. This place is famous for its retail merchandise from the peddlers to the stores lined up. I didn't buy anything at all so I don't know how haggling works in this place. I have seen imitations upon imitations of famous luxurious brands here. I wanted to buy the fake "Ugg" but the better of me said nope.

Below is the Admiral Yi Sun-shin monument and fountains along Gwanghwamun Square. This square was inaugurated on 2009. It is right in front of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, in the heart of Seoul. This place is walking distance from where we stayed. Well, I forgot the name of the hostel but it was a member of the Innotel chains in Korea.

Below is the path leading to Gyeongbokgung Palace, still in  Gwahnghwamun Square. This is behind the Statue of King Sejong and the museum beneath it.

Below is a picture taken inside the palace. I posed near the tall guard before they all took off for the Ceremony of the Changing of the Guards. 

Inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Nice mountain backdrop, right?

I forgot  what this place was called. I'm not sure if this is the Sejong Centre of the Museum of Arts. I can't figure it out though.

This is taken from Gwanghwamun Square right after checking the museum beneath the King Sejong statue. Admission is free.

On our way to Everland Resort. It's like Disneyland in Seoul.

Some space-ship looking monument near the Lotte Castle and Resort.

Funny looking tree in Everland Resort.

The entrance facade of Everland Resort. It looks like Enchanted Kingdom from afar.

Inside Everland Resort. This is taken near the botanical garden.

 Holland Village in Everland Resort.

Chyeonggyecheon Stream at night. This is near the hostel where we stayed. I actually like the area where we booked our stay because it was walking distance to the subway, the palace and the square and this. Also near the night markets like Myeongdong and Nandaemon. This stream had wonderful musical fountain but when we returned after a long walk, it was already over so I didn't get to video and snap photos. Maybe next time.

Going To Korea!!!

I am so excited! This is our first time to visit Korea. We just got our visas and raring to go...but not just yet! My leave does not happen until the end of the month so I have few more days to bear and grin it in the office.

I have been researching about the country since 2008 when we initially planned to go there instead of Europe. However, the lure of Germany and Italy were overpowering the charming country of Korea. So we decided to wait for some time. Then recession came but thank goodness, we managed to visit the great USA even before the peak of recession took its bite.

We still have cancelled a lot of planned trips after that. We were supposed to visit the US again last January but called it off due to an unexpected circumstance surrounding my passport. So, for 2010, our annual family trip will be in the beautiful country of South Korea. This time there will be no shopping involved because our budget is very, very tight. It will be plain sightseeing and relaxation only. This trip, by the way, is an all-expense-paid trip of my hubby for us. He knows I am so stressed so he is treating me and our daughter there. 

Korea, 우리가 간다!!! ( <---- Got that from the internet...hehehe). It says - Korea, here we come!