History and Cicadas

After some much needed refueling (Japanese, of course, because Korean restaurants were still closed) in the shopping neighborhood next to Bukchon, we wandered over to Gyeongbokgung Palace.  Bukchon Village lies directly between the previously visited Changdeokgung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace (also acceptable to leave off the -gung).  Since I had been to Changdeok we decided on Gyeongbok.  This palace seemed much larger, although if you recall it was boiling hot when we went to Changdeok and we skipped the Secret Garden. 

Beauty in the details.

Right next to Gyeongbok is the National Folk Museum (this was convenient since we were considering taking a trip to a folk village to see such performances - fellow teachers advised it was a bit kitschy and best for field trips.  Enough said.)

I think I will be upgrading to Mentha's camera as she was able to really zoom in (we were standing in the back of a crowd) on the action.  I love the candid emotions and expressions she captures.  

On the tops of their hats were ribbons and as they performed and danced they flicked their head just right to create a beautiful spinning of the ribbon.  It was mesmerizing.

The palace was so much more crowded than my previous palace experience (I'm sorry, what did you say?  Seoul would be empty over Chuseok?).  After our fill of the palace, and folk entertainment, and crowds, we headed towards Insadong.  

Enroute our mouths watered over all the delicious street food.  Street food is the real deal here and is cheap!  It offers some adventure along the way, too.  I'm willing to try just about anything (even spicy stuff here and there).  But you know where I draw the line....

at the bottom half of this picture!  I had seen this bucket of [beans?] at various food vendors and was so excited...beans!! (Beans are not only not a Korean staple but they are very expensive here.)  Ohhhhh no dear friends, those would be BUGS!  Cicadas, we believe.  You know, the most annoying bug of summer.  Ok, fine, mosquitos probably win that contest.  But, eww.  My adventurous eating ends at insects.  That's some Fear Factor style grub.

It should be noted that I have yet to see a Korean (or anyone) order up a cup or bowl (I'm not sure how they're served) of these.  They are supposedly a delicacy but maybe they're a dying delicacy.  Why eat cicadas when you can eat meat on a stick or an onion pancake or...anything besides bugs?!

Sorry, I digress.

Insadong is one of the many cute shopping districts, also known for it's tea houses and shops.  We decided we would check out one of the recommended tea shops and shop along the way.  We were impressed with the many ceramic shops, as well.

Christy and I were determined to find a particularly famous tea shop.

Found it! 

 And that would be a "permanent vacation."

 For some reason every tea shop on the list was eluding us.  We found a quaint cafe with a variety of tea choices, just what Christy was looking for (minus the history, but after a long day, we were content).

  

DMZ is next!  Wait for it.

Meandering Through Bukchon

Since I've been in Korea I have been repeatedly told that Chuseok break is the perfect time to stay in Seoul because everyone leaves the city for the holiday.  We quickly discovered that the day after Chuseok is very much like the day after American Thanksgiving, and this year everyone stayed in...Seoul!  I guess it was nice it wasn't a ghost town, so the ladies could get the full Seoul city experience.

We set out early for a full day of sight seeing:  Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbok Palace, National Folk Museum of Korea, and the shopping district of Insadong.

Bukchon Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village.  It boasts high walls and intricate architectural details.  It's hilly streets offer a maze of unique and beautiful homes.  

I see a coffee table book of doors in my future...

A series of silliness...I think Mentha was trying to get the architectural detail AND us.  We were being less than cooperative.

Or maybe a coffee table book of doors...and walls.

Well, are ya?!

All roads lead to...everywhere.

After our stroll through Bukchon it was time for lunch.  We decided to take a short cut.  The shortest route between A and B is a straight line...straight down.  I don't know if the pictures quite capture it, but we were holding on for dear life down these stairs (a slide would have been a safer option).

I'm working on collaging the photos since there are so many.  Even still, many will not make the cut.  :(  I will try to wrap the rest of this day into one post.  Then we still have the DMZ, Daegu, Busan, and fireworks in Seoul!  I'm getting there...slowly.  Hopefully I'll catch up before my winter break trip to Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia!