Day 275: Got Culture?

Today was an awesome, full day oot and aboot in Seoul.

I met up today with a big crew to hit the town for a little cultural touring, and it was a good time had by all. Participating members included Addie and Katie from Ilsan, Luke from Chungju, Cora (a new POLY friend) from Hwajeong, and Yours Truly, who doesn't like to have a fixed address for longer than 33 seconds. (just try and have your precious address book keep up with my moving habits - I dare ya!)

We had a little lunchy at Subway, and then did a little window-browsing. While on our way to our next point of destination, we got caught on the wrong side of the street by a massive protest. Protests are almost a weekly appearance in downtown Seoul, but are always very tame and peaceful despite the large numbers that come out. Perhaps the squads of 5000+ police troops decked out in full riot gear along side their parade route is what keeps them behavin'?

We went on a tour of Changdeokgung, the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site palace that I've visited a number of times. It was the first time for the other four though and we had a blast. The fall colours are on their way out but it was still really pretty to walk through the leaf-strewn secret garden and admire the serenity and peace, away from the busyness of the city for a little while. We took some pictures and then got separated from our tour. Oops. No need to fear ladies (and boy), for Scotty is here. And he's taken this tour enough times that he can give it himself. And so that's exactly what I did. We wandered through the rest of the palace and garden and I filled the four of them in on all the juicy little tidbits that one needs to know about Joseon Dynasty architecture and lifestyles of the Korean royalty. And all at our own pace. Now this is much more my style. (Too bad I didn't get any tips for being such a good tour guide - those cheap-asses!) ;-)

We meandered into Insadong after that, Sunday craziness in full swing as always. No shopping there today, but rather just taking in the atmosphere. We went and had some delish Korean dinner after that and it was nice to sit and chill for a while. And then after dinner we went down to Kyobo Books (but not before a quick visit to Ben & Jerry's for some Oatmeal Cookie Dough ice cream - the best freakin' ice cream in the known world!) No purchases for me, and my wallet was thankful.

A bus ride home ensued after such book-browsin' activities, and then bed time. A downtown walk, some window-shopping, a lovely palace tour, some more window-shopping in the heart of cultural Korea, a little traditional dinner, and some literature osmosis...what more do you want in a Sunday?