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.

High Technology in Seoul

My family and I have enjoyed our recent trip to Seoul, Korea. The place was scenic and clean. I love the weather although it was so chilly.

We had the chance to visit some nice malls and I cannot help but compare their advancement in technology. I bought some chocolates in the grocery and had to use my credit card because I had few money left. I was surprised to see their sleek receipt printer with a very high-quality paper print out. The receipt was thick. I was also waiting for the shop attendant to ask me to sign the paper receipt she printed. Instead, she directed me to a small check-book like device placed in front of me with a small pen. She told me to sign there. Wow, electronic signature! I have never used that yet and have not seen that here in Dubai.

Seoul is really modern and advance.

Security Around the Clock

I could not help but wonder why there were so many wireless cctv cameras in Seoul. They were just everywhere I turn my head to, the hotel hallway (thank goodness not inside the rooms and bathrooms too!), the metro subway stations, the ATM machine stands, the lifts, the cashier areas, in restaurants and even on some shops' front door.

Seoul was like a land of CCTV cameras! I think, being a modern and industrialized country, they are also particular with their people's safety and security. It is a good way to curb untoward events and minimize crime.

I guess it is working well for their society as crime rate is relatively low for a global and rising nation.

Back from Korea

Every fun and great vacation has come to an end. That really is a bummer but hey, it's reality! The flight from Seoul was approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes. It was longer to come back from going to which was only around 7 hours and 30 minutes. Probably, it was because of tailwind. Anyway, it is back to reality for all of us. The short vacation is so short but we had fun.

My mom-in-law was so surprised to see us there. Just like the Singapore episode, we did not take videos nor pictures of the "surprise moment" because my sister-in-law's family arrived part midnight. We were so drained and dazed so we fell asleep. We'll probably get the "surprise-look" next year, I hope!

We liked it there. The weather was great as usual because I was kind of biased with that. I love cold weather so I will find it very pleasant. Actually, it was chilly with the cold, crisp air biting the skin. Come to think of it, the season was just the start of autumn. I could imagine already what it would be like when it is winter.

Sigh... I wish the vacation is longer. I had fun! Although I didn't get to buy any souvenir, except for my daughter's key chain only, I am happy. We got to see many places and sampled their Korean dishes.

I will post the pictures as soon as I have time to label and load them on my pc. For now, I just want to relax and sleep for a while. Tomorrow is back-to-the-grind day again. Argh!

안녕하세요 한국에서

Ok, I got that from translate.google.com and it stands for - Hello from Korea!

Yup, we just got here this afternoon and the weather is so chilly. I am not used to cold weather but I am loving it here so far.

I had my first nose bleeding episode already, probably due to the cold weather. We're all fine, tired and sleepy but excited too.

Tomorrow's agenda is just going around Seoul for sight-seeing. I am not sure about shopping because my budget is really tight. We passed by the night market in Myeongdong a while ago and I am so tempted to buy a "fake" Ugg boots. My daughter and I call the fake Ugg - Urgh! hahahaha, Honestly, I am not one to buy counterfeit items but if you see the fake Ugg, you cannot tell it is fake. I'll ask dear hubby to buy me one...hehehehe.

As for souvenir hunting, it's still early to look for that. I just want to enjoy and bask in this beautiful place.

Travelling Light

We have been travelling quite a lot as a family ever since my husband and I joined one of the most prestigious airlines company of the world.

I am really glad for the opportunity to work in the airline industry because we get to travel a lot. And because of that, we have learned the art of packing light and smart!

Tomorrow's our flight to Seoul, Korea and we're not packing a lot of clothes. Just a couple of shirts and thermal wears and a warm jacket or coat to combat the chilly weather. As for the footwear, a sneaker and a warm boots will do. The toiletries are all small, carry-sizes and few undies. It is a short vacation so we can't carry a lot of unwanted stuff. Who knows, we may even carry more when we come back because of the numerous street markets in Seoul!