Seoul Korea (part 1): Changdeokgung + Bukchon Hanok Village

Breaking my I've-been-there-so-I'd-rather-go-somewhere-else principle when it comes to traveling... I head to Korea for the 2nd time around. This trip is a little different from the last, because unlike before where we were pretty much chaperoned everywhere we went, we're on our own this time.

Our first stop is Changdeokgung, the second palace built after the enormous Gyeongbokgung. The idea behind the architecture in this palace is that the buildings should blend with nature and not impose on it. They did a good job with trying to keep to the original idealism and were rewarded a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage recognition.
Next on the list is Bukchon hanok village, located between Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung, which boasts of traditional Korean houses preserved since the Joseon Dynasty.
Though Gyeongbokgung is almost literally next door... we've had our fill of palaces for the day (or even for the entirety of this trip). Besides, our legs were killing us already. So, maybe we'll leave G palace for the next trip.

Next: Seoul Korea (part 2): N Seoul Tower

Seoul Korea (part 2): N Seoul Tower

After a full day of walking yesterday, we decide to take it easy today, and make a quick stop at N Seoul tower (formerly Namsan tower) to visit the Teddy bear museum. We also had a glimpse of gajillions of couple padlocks that were supposed to be a proof of the love between the 2 people in relationship. I wonder what happens if they break up? Do they ever try to find their locks and get rid of them? More so, do they actually ever find their padlocks amidst the uber daming padlocks locked on that entire strip of railing? Haha...

Next: Seoul Korea (part 3): Teddy Bear Museum

Seoul Korea (part 3): Teddy Bear Museum

And then on to the Teddy bear museum... and teddy bears galore we have! I had a quick flashback of the miniatures museum (in Taiwan) as I was crouching to take pictures. I half expected to start feeling pain in my arms... and then I realized I had just started... haha...

A friend had a good explanation of what happened here...Next: Seoul Korea (part 4): DMZ + Cheonggye Stream