Tag: Korea

Lets go back, back, back to Buckhorn, Korea.

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Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung & Changdeokgung Palaces, Jongmyo Royal Shrine, Buckhon is a residential area of Seoul and called, “the street museum in the urban core,” having many historical spots and cultural heritage sites. My last weekend in Korea, I spent with my cousins, gawking at the sites around us while goofing off in our outdoor photo booth. My oh my, we Asians love our photos!

“You Are Here”
Quick! “Goofy Picture”
Hundreds of smart phone cases..

There were many cafes! Just as many as Paris? Italy? The difference being that almost every cafe did not open until 11am on Sunday mornings. Hmmmm…..

Coffee bean? How American!
Chocolate. Interesting…
A little Paris in Buckhon

Once I spotted a restaurant serving American breakfasts I had to convince my family to try it. I cannot remember if they ever ate an American breakfast. If so, maybe McDonalds’ version? Hah! Anyways, our meal was soo delicious!

For anyone missing the comforts of American food, I highly recommend eating at Coco Bruni.

Pancake…
Yummy Place!
Wanjin waiting for delivery.
Chocolate. Interesting…
French Toast…

With our stomachs full, we explored the National Folk Museum of Korea where the museum exhibits historical  artifacts related to Korean folk. The five-story pagoda is built atop a huge stone foundation and makes for a striking focal point.  Surrounding the pagoda are a park-like setting with winding pathways leading to many statues and historical monuments. There’s even a walk-through village replicating merchant living from after World War 1.

Guess what? No entrance fee!

It was only 1~ish and we still had many more adventures yet to come…..

Thank you for dropping by! I’ll share my Vienna experience on my next posts.

Jeni

Sewol out of Busan

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Eyes rippling salty rings hold their sails heavy with fleets drowning in ocean. Sea-

faces full of barnacles abraded rough by the outlines of drowning scars.

Why students penchant to bow while a stern mouth hallows?

When vessels without shorelines are buried by ocean.

Never excusing their names or ages,

 ‘Till seas unbreakable storms,

 can spare a tipping boat

full of children.

( In memory of those perished on the vessel Sewol, Jeni )

I’d like to share some pictures taken during my trip to Busan, South Korea, the countries 2nd largest city next to its capital of Seoul. Where ever since hearing about the unfortunate maritime accident where hundreds of passengers perished while their transport to Jeju Island turned for the worst, I’ve been after the news and updates ever since. Mainly because I highly anticipated a trip down to Jeju.

I tried talking my Mom into taking a mini trip down to Jeju Island either by boat or commercial plane, but the idea had been dismissed due to poor timing or lack thereof. Eh, next time. Instead we explored the famous fish market, trailed through the merchant stands and toured the historical hot spots on a 4 hour open tour bus excursion.

The vessel Sewol shipped out of Busan’s south-eastern port where my Mother and I had a beautiful view of its bay from our 7th story hotel room located within the Hotel Commodore.  Who knew that only 2 weeks later, the vessel boat Sewol would meet its demise. Using my Innis Free eco science face creams made from marine plants and botanical extracts from Jeju Ocean has been a daily reminder….