Day one in Seoul

We awoke to awesome weather! Couldn't have asked for a better day to take on South Korea's largest city. We began the day at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul's most prominent palace. Though nearly 90% was destroyed during the 19th century Japanese occupation, the government is working to rebuild and restore 70% of the original palace by the year 2030.

Students and tour guide in front of the pavilion.

The "best view" of the palace, which was intentionally built with mountains to the back and a stream in front.

After the palace we visited the War Memorial of Korea, a truly awe-inspiring and informative experience.

The day ended with a night food tour with O'ngo Food Communications. Three restaurant stops included Korean BBQ, spicy and sweet rice cakes, grilled mackerel and some basic instruction on Korean table etiquette and drinking customs. 

"T" our guide explaining the cast variety of rice cakes (pictured are the sweet versions)

Many Koreans enjoy a drink with their meal. Soju (distilled rice alcohol) is a popular choice.

Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) with mussels, fish cake and squid.

Enjoying some grilled mackerel and makgeolli. Definitely an interesting atmosphere!

Tour is over and our bellies are full. A great end to a great first day!

Night food tour at On'go Food Communications

The food tour group run by the famous food blogger Daniel Gray - gave us a night food tour of Seoul - three restaurants - here's Kelsey and Cecilia enjoying the first stop - BBQ - very tasty.  This restaurant had a special sauce that was nicely spicy and lots of side dishes.  After grilling at the table, you wrap your meat with whatever sauces and sidedishes in a lettuce leaf and pop it into your mouth. Below, Erin is helping cook the spicy seafood ricecake dish in a big bowl. Our guide Taesong was really wonderful - good luck to him as he moves to Ethiopia for a year of service.

Lunch

After the Palace Tour, we split up to have lunch - several of us stopped at a noodle place - here's my lunch of chicken noodle soup with sidedishes, including kimchi - which is served at almost every meal.

Gyeongbokgung

Our tour guide - we all learned a great deal about the history of Korea at this Palace, especially about the Josen Dynasty.  Since it's a food course - a little detail about the king's food.  He had 2 royal court ladies who fed him and one royal court lady who was a taster.  Her job was to taste his food in case someone tried to poison him.  I'm sure she hoped that he was popular!  

Gyeongbokgung

Outside the entrance of the palace

First dinner in Korea

We are so tired from 20 hours of airports and airplanes and a 40 min train ride to Seoul, but we are here.  Checked into the hotel and walked to this little restaurant for dinner.  We all look forward to sleeping in a bed instead of an airplane seat.

Arrived

After 20 hours we are here