A little Seoul in your step

Seoul is a most interesting mix of contrasts: tradition, development, hip boutiques, kitschy street shops selling socks, a foodie’s delight, wired to the max, along with an undertow of political edginess. Alas, it is just 35 miles from the North Korean border. And did I mention the shopping? I never did figure out when the shops closed. Some I think were open 24 hours. It can all be too much unless you force yourself to schedule downtime which we did, using the hotel’s fitness facilities, pool (swim cap required!) and sauna. 

Hanbok

Girls dressed up in traditional hanbok for fun

All through the city you will see groups of girls or couples dressed up

In hanbok touring the palaces

Deokstgung palace guards

Seoul at night

Seoul, city streets

Changdeokgung Palace, Secret Garden

Jogyesa Buddhist Temple

Korean BBQ at maple tree house

Bukchon Village, one of my favorite areas in Seoul, at sunset

Bukchon Village, tiled roofs

DMZ, JSA

Inside the JSA Conference Room