Today was a VERY long day, but I did a ton!
I started off (after the same breakfast routine) by walking towards the area with the main palaces. They are quite close to the hostel, which is very nice. The gate to the first is also right across from Seoul National University Hospital, wheee one of the medical schools is located. I think the Younsei University Hospital looks way nicer (I've passed it a few times), but SNUH still looks like a fine hospital. There are two Taiwanese medical students in my hostel doing an elective/observing surgeries there. Anyways, I headed into the first palace, Changgyeonggung. It was fairly early, so there weren't too many people, which was nice. To be honest, I didn't realize I wasn't at Changdeokgung palace for quite a while while I was exploring. I'm an idiot haha. They are connected, so it's no that crazy, but I didn't realize there were two palaces in the same area there. I explored the grounds a bit and then found the entrance to Changdeokgung Palace. It was perfect timing, because the next tour for the secret garden was starting in about 15 minutes. I had read that it was really difficult to get tickets if you hadn't booked in advance, but I think that because of the rain in the forecast there weren't too many people trying to get the day of tickets that are always available. The tour of the secret garden was really cool. I really enjoyed walking around the grounds. It was also like my own personal landscaping heaven, and entire forest of Japanese maples! Well, sort of. The beginning had more maples, but they were still everywhere. The tour lasted an hour and a half, and we saw lots of different buildings that the royal family used to use, and some beautiful landscaping. It was very forested as well, which is always a nice respite from the big city.
After the secret garden tour I explored the palace ground. They were very pretty, and quite interesting to look at. Unfortunately, it started raining while I was there, and I got very wet. At least I had a hood. The Portlander in me did not have an umbrella, nor did she consider buying one. Haha. I stopped and got a citrus tea (holy crap it was sweet, like the put sugar syrup in it!) and waiting for the rain to lessen. I eventually set out and just accepted I'd get a little set. Luckily the worst really was over.
After leaving Changdeokgung I walked west towards the Bukchan Hanok Village, an area were there are many old traditional homes. I wandered for a while, without any clue as to where I would see the best hanoks, but eventually found exactly what I wanted to see just by wandering not. Thank you directional skills. Also to thank, Pokémon. Hahahah. When I was trying to decide which was to go I would look and see which direction had a Pokémon I preferred at the Pokestop. Then I would go that way. Surprisingly that method led me to so many things from this point on today. Also, Pokémon is huge here. Anyways, the hanok village was pretty cool, and I got some excellent views as well. On my wanders I grabbed a chicken and green onion skewer for lunch, which was quite yummy.
After the hanok village I set off towards another palace, Gyeongbokgung, which is the original and largest palace. Unfortunately I got side tracked, but it was a good side track. I instead headed south and explore Insadong. It is a cool neighborhood which lots of tourist shops and vendors. I got some traditional Korean honey candy to bring home. I got a sample and it was pretty good. Can't wait for you to try it! I also got a delicious chocolate filled poop shaped pancake thing that was delicious! When he handed it to the customer he always said "Choc-o-lot POOP." Haha, loved it. I continued to wander and found my way all the way to Cheonggyecheon, a stream formerly covered by a highway and now reconverted to a stream and green space. I had wanted to see t and happened upon it! Yay! I walked along the steam a bit and it was lovely. I then continued south towards Namsan Market, and happened upon the old gate to Seoul along the way. Also saw the metropolitan library, which was a super cool building!
The Namesan market was okay. Nothing I wanted too much. I did get a malasada look a like thing, but I think it was fried mochi in cinnamon sugar. Whatever it was, it was yummy! I then stumbled upon a HUGE department store. I mean 14 floors huge. I thought it would never end. One of its sections was Banana Republic, like your would see Ralph Lauren or whatever at Macy's. So random. I saw some pants I like and looked at the brand and thought "of course it is." I also managed to end up with new Oxo silicone cooking chopsticks...
After exploring the store I ventured to the area near one the the women's universities to go to the raccoon cafe! They were initially asleep when I got there so I waited and killed time, which I needed because I had been walking all day and my phone also needed charging. The cafe also has a super cute corgi who I played with a lot. There's also randomly a capybara, but you can't play with it. Eventually one of the raccoons woke up and I got to interact with it a bit. It was pretty cool. You don't get to be so up close with them too much at home.
After the cafe I got on the subway towards Itaewon, but since it was late, changed my mind and got on the train the other direction to Myeongdong for some street food dinner. All the stores were also still open, which I thought was so weird. I guess the shopping does t stop until 11PM here. Anyways, I had an egg cake, baked cheese, fresh orange juice, and a traditional ice cream topped with honey in a waffle/waffle cone shaped like a fish! It was super fun and all very delicious. So much more I wanted to try too! I then finally went home, and am super exhausted. Tomorrow is already my last full day here!
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