We were directed to Yeongpung Bookstore as an alternative, so we walked over in that direction only to find out they were closed until 10 AM. With us being the early birds today and it only being 9 AM we had some time to waste so we headed off for a walk around the the city. Our first discovery was Bosin-gak (Belfry). We have this bell sitting on our mantle at home so this was a great find.
As we continued our walk we next discovered Cheonggyecheon Stream. Its a beautiful area of Seoul that was once a highway but turned into this beautiful public walkway. We walked along the river and enjoyed all the little creative enclaves and stepping stones. You felt as those you were no longer in one of the most densely populated city in the world, but in a mini paradise. So peaceful.
After our peaceful walk we headed over to the bookstore and didn't really find any books that struck us but we did buy some children's music and Korean folk tales on CD. We also purchased a Pororo DVD (this is a hugely famous children's cartoon in Korea and we are guessing Lauren might have watched it a time or two).
Our next stop was Dongdaemum Market where the Changsin-dong Stationery and Toy Wholesale Market is located. We were on the hunt for some Korean toys for Lauren. We bought a few items and then decided it was time to head back to the hotel for lunch and to rest our feet.
Neither of us were hungry yet, so we set out to find the famous scroll man. It was another easy trek over there and we located him quickly but he had the day off so we will have to head back another day. We walked around Itaewon which is like a foreign land within Seoul (it's very "Americanized"). We did a bit more shopping here, this time for the boys, and grabbed some lunch. Back to the hotel was our next stop for a much needed nap.
Following our nap, we got ready for Youn Shick to come and pick us up for dinner at his place. We had to wait a bit outside our hotel while he was stuck in traffic but it was a beautiful evening so we didn't mind. Youn Shick picked us up and brought us to his apartment about 15 minutes away. We met his wife, two daughters, and son for a lovely evening of food and remembering. It seemed like Mrs. Ko made every Korean dish under the sun for us, and everything was absolutely tremendous. We presented gifts to one another and Mike played a few songs with Youn Shick on his two guitars.
Before taking us back to our hotel, Youn Shick and his son Danny took us for a drive around downtown Seoul, which is lovely at night. We saw many of the same things we had seen on foot earlier, but from a new perspective by car. Youn Shick told us about how the Mayor of Seoul has initiated many public renovation projects that have revitalized Seoul, and about the current realignment of one of their biggest palaces to restore harmony to the location.
Last night we were in bed by 10:30, and actually managed to sleep until 7 AM. We meet Lauren in about 90 minutes and we are overwhelmed with excitement and nerves!
4 comments:
Wow--what a productive and fun first day in a foreign city--sounds like you were quite adventurous. A great way to pass the time before meeting Lauren and to get to know her city a bit.
I am so excited for you and can't wait to see and hear about your meeting.
I think you are meeting her as I am posting! I am so excited for you! Looks like you guys had a great time in seoul despite the hot humid weather! Thanks for delivering our package! =)
It is so nice to get to read all about your adventures. It gets me giddy seeing the pictures and thinking I will soon be there too! I can't wait to hear about your first meeting with Lauren and to see some pictures. Blessings to you the rest of your days in Seoul.
Sounds like a great first day in Seoul! So nice that you know some folks there and can hang out with them. For another bookstore option, I liked Bandi & Lunis. There is one in the COEX mall south of the river and I think there might be one north of the river, too. We were bummed not to be able to visit Kyobo last month as well.
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