I knew it last time, and this trip confirmed it. Once again, I enjoyed delicious food, wonderful people, beautiful places, and fabulous dancing. Trip was too short this time too.
The evening we arrived, we'd just planned on finding our hostel and dancing if we felt like it. We wandered around the area we were staying in (near Hongik University), which is artsy and full of shops and restaurants. Ended up going out for a really fun night of dancing, despite the fact that we apparently were not at the "it" swing bar that night.
Next day we explored Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is the largest of several former imperial residences in Seoul. Managed to happen onto it just as the changing of the guard happened, which is worth seeing just for the costumes. The palace is vast- you keep feeling like you must have hit the end, then turning a corner and finding an even cooler building.
We spent the afternoon in Insadong, which is a bit of a touristy district, but a great place to see traditional Korean crafts and try out a Korean tea house (very different from Japanese ones). After that, we went out for Korean BBQ. Delicious. Could be the definition of the word.
BBQ was followed by Balboa. Made for a very happy Emma.
Day two was pretty low key- my wonderful Korean friends met up with us at various points in town, and helped us find delicious food. I had no idea that tofu could taste as good as it does there. Spent a little time wandering in Myeongdong (shopping district) and even managed to convince Mebbie to try out Balboa. Good day!
Day three we flew back to Japan, but not before another delicious meal at the airport. If you haven't tried them, mandu (Korean dumplings) are a treat. Also, Korean airlines managed to get us meals on a 2 hour flight. Twice. In addition to being generally awesome.
I know I've said it before, but I really couldn't recommend South Korea more highly- it's a wonderful place, with amazing people. I don't think it makes it on to too many Western tourist lists, and it's really a shame. Definitely worth a visit.
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