J e o n j u

Today, we took a day trip out of Seoul to Jeonju. We departed from Seoul on a rainy morning and the coach ride there took 3 hours. It was not a good start because of the wet and cold weather. I thought the rain would make the outing miserable as it is really not fun to walk and shoot in the rain. Fortunately, the rain stopped when we got there, though temporarily.

Where is Jeonju, as I hear someone asking? It is a city located towards the mid western part of South Korea, and is well-known as the birthplace of bibimbap. It is also the hometown of Kim Tae-yeon, the lead vocalist of Girls' Generation. Ya, I am a big fan, as she has a powerful vocal.

Jeonju, of course, offers more than delicious food and great singers. It's Hanok traditional-style village is well preserved and maintained, and is drawing tourists to this city in swarms.

The Hanok village here is of a bigger scale than the one at Bukchon, and it took us about 2 hours in slow pace to tour the village. 

A well preserved Hanok house. I like the design of its rising platform with open verandah. One could sit outside, sip coffee, look at the night sky and share some bonding time.

If you plan to stay longer in Jeonju, there is no shortage of homestay here.

A typical Hanok with a large courtyard and pond.

Knock and it shall be opened.

A charming looking homestay with its low wooden gate.

Bitter gourds growing along the facade of this homestay.

Interesting looking human flower pots add a touch of creativity.

Rustic house wares 

As in all places of interest, when there is tourist, retail business thrives.

Souvenirs do not catch our eyes, but toys do.

Dream Catchers are 'in' things here in Jeonju.

Wife admiring the 600 years old tree, a prominent landmark inside the Hanok Village. 

Man-made stream adds a touch of 'nature' to the idyllic surrounding. 

Horse cart decorated the walkway. An interesting resting and photo point for the tourists.

How did this totem pole ended up in Jeonju?

Wall murals we found on your way to lunch.

These artworks are toys plastered onto the wall.

It is a good thing the authority allows such art pieces to exhibit the city, without compromising rules with creativity.

More murals depicting the everyday life of ancient period.

It does add a touch of colours to the neighbourhood.

Wife admiring the painting.

The alley literally comes alive as you stroll through it.

The day trip to Jeonju came to an end in the late afternoon, when we have to catch the coach back to Seoul. Honestly, other than the Hanok Village, there isn't much to see or visit in this city. We finished the tour of the village in a couple of hours, and spent the next few roaming Gaeksa-gil shopping street. The rain restricted most outdoor activities anyway but fortunately, we were able to fill our stomach at the famous bibimbap restaurant of Gajeok Hwaegwan. This has somehow compensated for an otherwise wet and uneventful day.

And another travel trip awaiting....

S e o u l G o o d

December is here, and it is my favourite time of the year! We made not one, but two trips for our year end holidays. The initial plan is a family trip to Japan, but before that, we managed to squeeze in this trip to Korea. It is our winter pilgrimage to Seoul, and we absolutely love it!

I have included on this trip several new places to visit. The first stop is Seongbuk-dong, an upscale housing area north east of Seoul. We came across this prime embassy district in the show 'Roommate', a Korean version of the reality show "Big Brother'. In one episode, the celebrities introduced their neighbourhood, where the show is being filmed, and its surrounding.

From the ever reliance Google, we found it after a short bus ride and stroll up the hill.

The neighbourhood exudes a sense of charm, with old houses of business establishment set in a laid back feel.

 There is no shortage of food establishments here. The mixture of residence and business compliments each other subtly, with adequate peace and enjoyment for all.

 Family bonding inside a nice cafe.

Artwork piece found on the facade

 Amidst the posh establishments, you can find locals peddling their produce along the sidewalk. This is after all, a free country.

 Seongbuk-dong has many historical and cultural attractions

Modern apartments over looking the streets. 

 Evidence of autumn that lingers on.

National flags indicate the presence of embassies in the precinct.

This is the house where Roommate Season 2 is currently being filmed, and we found it!

Wall murals bring out a refreshing mood up the old street of Bukjeong village.

Bronze monument of somebody important. Don't ask me who he is or what it says. I too hope to find out more once I muster the Korean language.

Seongbuk literally means 'North of the Fortress'. We found our way here by accident, and were glad we did.

We are lucky to catch the remaining autumn foliage before they fall off.

I have a soft spot for the red leaves of autumn. The season always bring out a heart warming mood in me. Perhaps it is the anticipation of winter, which means December is near, and the jolly feeling of Christmas and New Year approaching.  

The fortress is very accessible and many folks trek along the wall that stretches across Naksan in the east to Inwangsan in the west of Seoul.   

The path is well paved and all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes for a day's hike. I am looking forward to re-visit it, and I hope to hike up Seoul fortress the next time.  

Wife photographing the autumn foliage.

View of the charming neighbourhood of Seongbuk-dong. It is indeed a hidden treasure of lovely homes, historical buildings, and rich cultural heritage. 

Matching colours.

Our traditional Saranghae pose. It is specially meaningful with the fallen maples on the foreground.

Taking a breather with the jacket off. The long walk might have taken its toll but we thoroughly enjoyed it. 

The exit of our walk led us towards Hyehwa, another favourite place of mine.

Happy duo guarding their popcorn stall.

BBQ chicken. I like it!

We made our way back to Namdaemum market when dusk fall, and the wife began her shopping.

Sisterly love sharing a shopping moment. Let's buy this cover for eomma.

Stalls getting ready for the Christmas festive with meaningful products and decorations. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

It is indeed 'Seoul' good to be back. In fact, I have regarded Seoul to be like our 2nd home, one that is ever so welcoming. I love to come here especially during the winter period. Although the temperature can be extremely harsh, I have some how gotten used to it. Moreover, with so many new places to visit and great tasting food to consume, bearing with the cold becomes secondary.

And another travel trip awaiting....