Day 5 - Gyeongbukgung temple (Part 1)

We woke up slightly late on the next day, at 9am on our fifth day in Seoul. The good thing about self-tour is that we can wake up at anytime that we’d like. There was no wake up call and we could go for breakfast anytime. After our simple breakfast, we walked to the nearest subway station and wander around the city before visiting Gyeongbukgung temple, the largest ancient palace in Seoul.

The majestic temple blends in well with the vibrant shades of autumn (❁´◡`❁)*✲ﾟ*  

Panaromic view of the temple (When ancient tradition meets modern skyliners with awesome mountain as backdrop (° ο°))

We were required to pay Won3,000 (RM9) entry fees and coincidentally that day was 23^rd October #^_^# 

Awe-struck by the view again~

People started to gather to view the guard changing ceremony 

Guards in Joseon era dress started to march out {{{(^.^)}}}

We were waiting for the special highlight to get started at 10am so we could watch the changing of the guards. It was interesting to watch the show, a traditional palace and show flanked by modern buildings which made me felt transported from modern world to ancient times.

Crowds of people be it tourist or school children thronging the palace.

It was amazing to walk through the palace with beautiful surroundings of autumn foliage colours.

Relax, slowdown and enjoy…

The beautiful architecture of Geunjeongjeon Hall.

Geunjeongjeon Hall, with phoenix throne similar to the Chinese emperors’ dragon throne.

Intricate design of ceilings with dragons.

School kids with their beautiful “hanboks”

Younger version of “Boys Over Flowers”?

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a hall used to hold important and special state banquets during the Joseon Dynasty.

Curved roof tiles of Sajeongjeon Hall.

School children in their yellow uniform starked contrast against the traditional looking palace.

The place where the king eats and sleep.

Beautiful carvings on the door.

The royal kitchen under renovation with Lee Young Ae in "Dae Jang Geum". 

Just love how yellow the leaves it is~ And with flourishing bloom of greenish leaves （*@o@*）

Mesmerizing view, beautiful barely describes the sight #nofilter #royalgarden

3 beautiful elements of the Pavilion – lake, mountain and bridge ^_^"

We immensely enjoyed the beautiful and vibrant colours  (^_^)∠※

Can’t get enough of autumn colours~

Amazed by the intricate carved wooden architecture and I just can’t help to pose again ^_^|||

The temple was covered in yellow leaves which somehow look like a gold tree instead~

The glittering effect of the coated gold leaves（⊙ｏ⊙）

Brilliant combo of autumn leaves ★~★

Tranquil settings nearby the palace – we were tempted to do Bollywood dance around the ginseng look alike branches (just saying!)

Eye-scorching colour again! Autumn was especially beautiful this year~

The first sight of autumn in Seoul will etch strongly in my mind.

And so, this ended a beautiful day in Gyeongbokgung palace. Next on Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong and Gwangjang market. Miss it so much already ︸_︸

XOXO

sassycat

Day 4- KTX Train, Dongdaemun, N Seoul Tower & Myeongdong

We went to Seoul on our next day. After checking out of Cloud 9 hotel, we took the subway to Busan Station to take KTX Train to Seoul. We opted for a more economical way by taking korail train which costs around Won 114,000 (RM342/pax) for a two way trip. It took us 2.5 hours to reach Seoul and we reached timely in the afternoon. I managed to grab some Dunkin doughnuts and latte, before rushing for our next train Xxxx ❤

As we had already collected our return tickets on Day 1, so we don’t have to queue to get our return tickets from Busan KTX Station. We just need to take note of the track no of our train.

Hubby with his favourite “yong tau fu” alike breakfast… With glass noodles fillings *yummssss*

Selfie in the train ^^v

Finally after almost 3 hrs, we arrived at Seoul Station, we made our way to the subway station to take a train down to Dongdaemun.

Upon stepping out of Seoul Station, we immediately noticed the difference as there was no friendly Busan neighbourhood but shining silver skyscrapers greeted us. The weather in Seoul was slightly lower, being 12 degree.

We were impressed by the architectural and modernity of the bustling city

Seoul, one of the busiest and fast paced cities in Korea. 

Seoul has the most complicated subway line with lots of criss-crossings at various points, one of the most extensive subway system. However, the fares were reasonably priced Won 1,200 (RM3++/per destination) regardless of the distance of the routes. The fares in Busan were slightly more expensive and to our disappointment, there was no tourist information counter unlike in Taiwan. 

We arrived at the hotel, CMS Inn Seoul which is located at Dongdaemun station after 10mins walking distance from the subway station. Once i unpacked my luggage, we were starving and start hunting for food!!

Our smaller hotel room, start to miss our hotel in Busan -____-"

Instax photos and testimonials from guests were displayed near the window 

Walking around town looking at the goods sold at the market

Hubby overlooking one of the many palace in Seoul 

Dongdaemun is one of the popular area for young people and tourists, featuring luxurious upscale departmental stores. Several large shopping centers and department stores are in the district including Doota, Migliore, A/PM, and Good Morning City.

Thank God the sun was out to keep us warm 

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), featuring a shapely façade.

There was on going Seoul Fashion Week in Dongdaemun. Koreans are fashionably dressed, tall and skinny, incredibly good looking ★~★ Aspiring models posing along the street, hoping to be discovered *@_@*

Too bad we missed "My Love from the Stars" special exhibition =.=

Models walking the catwalk at the big arena in Designer Plaza 

We took our chance to strike a pose but no one noticed ^_^"

Picturesque view from below

We left to eat lunch in the exhibition center, next to Designer Plaza. We ordered Japanese food instead. My all-time-favourite udon with sushi set and hubby’s Japanese curry with chicken cutlet  (❁´◡`❁)*

Didn’t get anything in Dongdaemun as the clothes there were just too expensive! Had manicure instead @Doota shopping mall <3>

Discovered an automated bidet-style toilet with additional functions (E.g: front & back wash, “massage” wash, seat temperature, warm water etc) Cool huh?

Relaxing walk along the stream 

Many flags being swung about~

Skyliners at dawn

At night, we just stopped by at a rundown restaurant to have a simple dinner.

Kimchi sushi & soup, noodles with Korean gyoza. 

We then made our way to Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower. Finally, we’ve successfully reached the place after 10 minutes walk~

Long queue at Namsan Cable Car Station

The illuminating city skyline on our way up

We reached the place but we found out that there’s no more Teddy Bear Museum ︸_︸

Loving the Korean's creativity

Got confused between Busan Tower and Seoul tower as both had“locks of love” hanging around.

360-degree view of Seoul from the observatory deck

Magnets galore

We, then headed straight to shop in Myeongdong. Shopping in Myeongdong was highly recommended and I can’t wait to stash all those masks ∩__∩y

If you're shopping for skincare and cosmetics, the best bargains can still be found here.

Myriad of cosmetics stores like Nature Republic, Etude House, Skin Food, Holika Holika, Enprani, The Saem, Innisfree, Missha, The Face Shop etc

Abundance of city lights <3>

Cosmetics stores left and right ⊙.⊙

Alley lined with so many food carts. Can't resist the temptation of late night snacking ^_^"

Best egg mcmuffin (literally) in Korea! The egg was stuff in a muffin~

My favourite idol, Gong Hyo-jin ambassador for HAT'S ON ★~★

Uniqlo flagship store @ Myeongdong

That’s all for a tiring day in Seoul!

XOXO

sassycat