Calming Korean Layover

Now that we're now hooked on Mr. Sunshine on Netflix I suddenly miss Korea.  I wish we could fly to Jeju Island next time.

We had a brief tour of Seoul during our Asiana layover last April.  It was one of the free tours you can book at the airport while in transit.  Incidentally, our visit also fell on the last Wednesday of the month so we all managed to get in for free even if we didn't have time to rent hanboks.

We managed to book free showers at the airport so we toured feeling fresh all day!

We hopped off the bus around lunchtime so it wasn't too cold when we toured the grounds. If I'm not mistaken, this was where they shot most of Jumong, Jewel in the Palace, Queen Seondeok, Huwang Jin Yi and other historical dramas that became popular in Manila.  We were amused with the crunchy sand surrounding the palace; it's the actual sound effect they use in K-dramas! :p It was so surreal.

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. They say Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces.   It has sprawling gardens and fine trees.  

Too bad we didn't have enough time to tour the entire complex. There were some areas where we had to carry our strollers while climbing the stairs.  Leon is too heavy not to put in a stroller in such a huge complex! My hips and lower back hurt when I put him in a baby carrier. Thank God our Apruva is lightweight haha! Our funny tour guide Edward said we could stay longer but we would have to go back to Incheon on our own without lunch if ever.

Edward recommended authentic bulgogi and bibimbap for lunch.  We enjoyed the beef more than the vegetable variant.  We were so hungry at that time I forgot to take pictures of the name of the restaurant.  We had to pass thru several narrow side streets and the strollers couldn't fit in the restaurant but it was worth it.  The beef was sweet and flavorful & their kimchi was really good!