Incheon - Seoul, South Korea - Oct 13, 2011

The gateway to Seoul from the sea is through the port city of Incheon on the northwestern corner of South Korea. Clean with organized chaos is the best way I can define Seoul, traffic is crazy but the people are so friendly, helpful and so nice. They are very happy to have their picture taken and are equally happy to take a picture of you. South Korean’s are a very proud with a high respect for their way of life. You would be very hard pressed to find a piece of paper or cigarette butt on the ground and as far as graffiti is concerned there is simply none, anywhere. 

We started our tour in the National Folk Museum which first opened in 1908. This museum moves from South Korea’s beginnings to modern time. Our time here was short so we bring only a few pictures of shoes worn and an animated kitchen setting. 

 Next door to the museum was the reconstructed Gyeongbokgung Palace (the original 13th century Joseon Dynasty palace was destroyed). The main palace served both as the residence for the King and his closest family members and as a place where affairs of state were routinely conducted and where foreign envoys were received.

Our guide Sunny was just great, so passionate and energetic. Here are some shots of the palace along with the great children and the some of the changing of the guard ceremony. All pretty cool to see.

 We had lunch at a central business district restaurant called Bulgogibros and it was about as authentic Korean as you will get. They cooked on a burner at the center of the table, couldn’t tell you exactly what we had but it was delicious, cooked pork, noodles with vegetables. 

After we visited the South Gate market, great spot for pictures.

 Back to the ship by 4pm where they brought on a local Korean Traditional Percussion Quartet, they were wonderful and entertaining.

So goodbye to South Korea an onto China.

Tip or comment of the day. Our introduction to the Asian world through South Korea was  not what I had expected at all, the crazy busy dog eat dog atmosphere was not at all present. As noted friendly, kind, respectful people along with the cleanest of cities I have seen anywhere yes it is busy, yes they honk at just about anything, but floating above all that was a sense of respect. Crime wise, at any point I did not feel threatened in any way, As for pick pockets, surprisingly this was not even brought up with our guides nor even thought about until just now as I am keying this, meaning that I didn’t even think about it or have to think about it. Moral of the story - don’t let the prejudices built up through your time stop you from experiencing anything. You can be on you guard of course but don’t let yourself stop you.