Insadong- palaces, tea and noodles

One of our first weekend outings in Seoul was to explore the Insadong area where there is plenty to do and see. Just north of the city centre, Insadong is an older area that is being preserved to showcase Korean history and culture.

This first shot is one of a dozen reliefs in Tapgol park, which storyboard the Korean uprising against Japanese rule at the end of WWII.

Relief in Tapgol Park

It is hard to believe that Gyeongbokgung Palace is in the middle of a city of over 10 million people. It has vast open courtyards, amazing rooflines and a backdrop of rugged mountains. It was burnt down in 1592 at a time of Japanese invasion and rebuilt 300 years later. It is not hard to see why some Koreans (including some of our 6 year old students) hold a grudge against the Japanese.

This was also the site of my (Mel) first photo with a Korean tourist. The same guy gave us some gingseng chewing gum, which Trent was quite partial to. It is not uncommon for complete strangers to give you food, sometimes without even speaking to you. In addition to the chewy, so far we have been given some cucumber and lollies, not to mention the stuff the kids are always giving us.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Strolling through Insadong we happened upon a re-creation of a traditional Korean wedding taking place in the street. This guy was with the wedding party- I just love his moustache!

Traditional wedding

Insadong gil (gil=small street) and the alleys that flow from it are full of amazing tea houses, restaurants and bars- from the traditional to funky fusion. This is a 2nd floor tea house looking out on Insadong gil and a noodle maker displaying his trade in the restaurant window.

Insadong tea house

Insadong noodle maker