Seoul #2

The capital city of South Korea is among the flight attendants one of the most popular destinations. The large modern city is full of bars, restaurants and especially unique shops with miraculous Korean cosmetics at relatively low prices. In addition, many Koreans commonly speak English, and the whole city is pretty safe. We have a relatively long layover and we stay in a beautiful hotel – what more can a stewardess wish for?

On the first day I have no other plans than shopping in districts like Myeondong and Itaewon. I’ve done such a good ad about the Korean skin products at home that almost everyone in my neighborhood now wants to try these little miracles for eternal youth. We are landing around lunch time, but unfortunately, straight after our arrival, I get a terrible migraine. So I have to cancel my plans and stay at the hotel using just “room service” and comfy bed. But the next day I get up early in the morning to catch up what I missed. In the elevator, I happen to meet my colleagues Desire from Italy and Igor from Ukraine. Both of them are planning a sightseeing tour. I take it as a sign and decide to join them. Shopping can wait a bit. First, we dock in a small place near the hotel, where we order a great American breakfast – egg, bacon and, of course, fluffy pancakes with maple syrup and blueberry jam. Yummy!

 

Immediately after breakfast we take the Hop on/off bus. A popular tourist line will take you to all the most important sights in the city for a few dollars. At any stop you can get off, wander around the place and get next link to other sight. All in one ticket. The line runs every twenty minutes, making it the most convenient connection in Seoul. We get on the bus conveniently at the stop at our hotel and get off  at the first Korean palace. Changdeokgung (Changdeok Palace) is an extensive complex of five palaces and royal gardens of the Joseon dynasty. In the middle of the gardens is a beautiful lake, where we stop for a while…

We continue through the entire complex and after 40 minutes we are ready to take another hop on bus. Gradually, we cover all the important palaces and museums in the city. I have to admit that all of them look same to me. My attention is drawn by a most common animal statue at every palace, but I can not identify it. With my colleagues, we start to call it “liofrog” – a lion with a face of frog. Our last stop is Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most important palaces of the Joseon dynasty. Once it used to be the seat of the king himself. One of its palaces, called Deoksugung, is the place where traditional ceremony is taking place – Royal Guard’s exchange. I am fascinated by the fact that the guards in colorful dresses never move or change facial expression under any circumstances, even though hundreds of tourists with cameras are around.

However, the best experience of the day is only waiting for us when we find out that behind the gates of the palace we can even try the traditional costumes of the guards for a few minutes! Immediately, with enthusiasm, all three of us turned into members of the professional royal army! As soon as we get out of heavy suits, we declare the end of the sightseeing trip. Too many palaces for a day. I separate from my friends so I can go for my shopping of facial products. How could I just come back home without Korean cosmetics?