Korean dramas led us here and didn’t disappoint! Key cultural attractions: Korean fried chicken, historical architecture, beautiful people watching, DMZ visit, and perhaps cutting-edge art scene with cool concept shops, and of course, cosmetic treatments for anti-aging and acne.
Hanok Stay: AirBnB
We used the Naver Map app to navigate around the smaller streets around the Hanok neighborhood where we stayed. I can say it was the best AirBnB we have stayed at, accommodating two teens and their parents. The Hanok was designed around a central outdoor courtyard. A spacious bath and sauna was a bonus to air conditioning and separate “rooms” conveniently divided by sliding walls. The Naver Map was invaluable in helping us find hidden gems and navigating the smaller neighborhood streets of the Hanok village.
Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hanok Village
First we explored the area west of the Gyeongbokgung Palace, where our AirBnB stay was at The Moment, a Hanok residence converted to an AirBnB. From there, we could easily explore the Hanok village nearby and the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Also nearby were the Jogyesa Temple, a Buddhist temple decorated with colorful lanterns. Hanbok rentals were available right outside the palace walls. We spotted all ages wearing the rentals on subsequent days. Some senior ladies in full attire brought giggles from student witnesses.
I appreciated how corporate buildings has green spaces. This particular one had a lovely pagoda that matched the Hanoks in the beauty of its materials and structure. I also appreciated the color sensibility of dressing up the austere color of corporate urban life. This more experimental, colorful approach to signage and outdoor seating from the public library brought life to the streets.
Near Gyeongbokgung Palace: Indy stationery shop, cozy cafes, and hidden gems
My search for a travel journal at the nearest stationery store led me to Allwrite, an inspiring graphic design and photography dreamer’s stationery shop in Jongno-gu, well-profiled in A Wonderful Sheep’s blog.