J o n g n o

This is our long overdue family holiday. Our last holiday together was in 2005 when we toured in the summer of Eastern USA. I have been looking forward to this trip since we booked our air tickets in July. Many in my family has never been to Seoul and I am honoured to lead the group for our 1st winter holiday together. Hopefully there will be more to come.

We booked a traditional Hanok guest house for 2 nights near Jongno.

We have the whole house to ourselves when we occupied the 3 rooms that were available to us.

The owners, Mr & Mrs Kim, were excellent hosts. With their warmth hospitality, we had an enjoyable stay in the Hanok.

 

I highly recommend anyone who wish to experience a Hanok stay, especially in winter, to try Haemil Guesthouse.

Insadong is our 1st stop of the day.

I was looking at food, definitely.

Sesame seed buns.

Almond nuts coated with sugar syrup.

Just could not resist buying one packet to try.

Store is manned by this lovely Ajumma.

We are going to shop, shop & shop.

I want this, this & this.

Not forgetting the food too.

Oh boy, its hot!

See, I can take photograph as good as your husband's.

This way to more food.

I don't want food, I want toys.

A lorry load of wicker made wares.

2nd stop - Bukchon Hanok Village.

Snow covered roof.

Lots of blessings in this household.

I love houses made with wood.

Charming courtyard.

Seoul Tower in the background.

Steps with kettle pots.

Surviving the winter.

Interesting looking hydrant.

Out for his walk, and scent marking.

48, Bukchon Street.

Inevitably claimed by this family, who shared the same house number.

No better way to keep warm than to fold your arms in.

Look Mr Miyagi, I am doing a Karate Kid,

Mommy & daughters.

Mommy & son.

Big sister is comfortably clothed.

Walking with Po Po.

What goes beyond is Samcheongdong, a favourite stop of mine.

Creeper claiming an old door.

Record covers as floor decorative. Interesting.

Last stop - Cheonggyecheon Canal.

 Standing out in red.

 Practising to be a frog in the stream.

 Do not cross. I am on a sit-in protest.

 A romantic moment.

 Look bro, I am a flamingo wannabe.

 Presidential candidate powerhouse.

 Windows were sealed, for the election I supposed.

 Letting off his protest through actions.

 Er, haven't I taken this shot from my previous visits?

 Vastness.

 Ok, coffee break.

 Somebody's watching you, and it ain't me.

 You have been officially appointed as Santa's reindeers.

Chicken cooked in different styles for dinner. Love it!

Although I have been to these places, I am seeing something new in my return. It could be that new food stall along the street, a Bukchon house whose door is now opened, or those ducks swimming in the stream. These are the places that I like, and I am more than happy to share it with my family. 

And another travel trip awaiting....