- Jongno-gu
- Hanbok rentals<\/li>
- Geongbuk Palace<\/li>
- Lunch at Pizza School<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Insadong Shopping Street<\/li>
- Banpo Bridge, Han River
- Boating<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_006-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
MiniStop Crew<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_007-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
Riding the bus into the heart of Seoul<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_013-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
On the hunt for a Hanbok rental shop.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_016-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
Found a bookstore and picked up some books on Korea.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Hanbok Rentals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hanbok<\/a> literally means ‘Korean clothing’ but generally refers to traditional Korean garb from the Josoen period. Renting Hanbok<\/a> is a popular activity that honors Korean traditions, and is fun for locals and tourists alike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We rented our Hanbok from a shop called The Artist HanBok<\/em>. They provided lockers for storing our clothes and belongings, and had a variety of outfits, hats, and accessories to choose from. They also provided basic hair styling services. Bethany and I both got our hair put up in braids. It was so much fun and we felt so pretty!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_022-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>The Artist HanBok<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_027-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_026-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>some hat options<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_031-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>Modeling our Hanbok<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_032-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Getting our hair done.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_035-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>Feeling pretty!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_036-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>cute hair ribbon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Geongbuk Palace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Geongbuk Palace<\/a> is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon dynasty. Located in the heart of Seoul, it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Visitors dressed in Hanbok don’t have to pay an entry fee. What a great idea that helps add to the atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our group had a great time exploring and posing for photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_043-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>Walking along the exterior of the palace wall.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_077-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Geungjeong-jeon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_Jeremiah_005-480x600.jpg?resize=480%2C600\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_078-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/20190803_Jeremiah_009-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08122019_375-600x451.jpg?resize=600%2C451\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_105-480x600.jpg?resize=480%2C600\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_124-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_109-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_090-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_128-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Inside the main pavilion<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_149-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Inside Sajeong-jeon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_165-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Gangnyeong-jeon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_174-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Inside Gangnyeong-jeon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_247-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_254-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_289-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_335-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_334-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_343-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>One of the palace gates.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n more photo fun<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_201-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_226-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_272-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_323-600x600.jpg?resize=600%2C600\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_327-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lunch at Pizza School<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We returned our Hanbok. Bethany and Tabitha returned to Kookmin, while the rest of us walked around in search of a place to eat lunch. We stopped by a little convenience store for refreshments on our way to a small pizza restaurant called Pizza School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_386-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_388-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Interesting Building<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_390-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>We stopped by the convenience store across the street.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_402-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Pizza time!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_400-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Me & Kevin<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_399-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Sushant, Mausam, Daisy, and Jeremiah<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_403-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>School’s Out!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Insadong Shopping Street<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After lunch we took a bus to Insadong to visit it’s main shopping street, said to be one of the best places to purchase souvenirs and traditional Korean crafts. This ended up being one of my favorite part of Seoul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_407-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_434-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_429-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_410-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSsamzigil (\uc308\uc9c0\uae38)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ssamzigil is a really cool bazaar type mall with a spiral ramp walkway that loops around the building from level to level. It’s filled with cute shops, many run by local artisans, and restaurants. It’s super artsy and is my favorite spot in Insadong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_437-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_452-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_459-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>The infamous poop themed cafe is located on the top level directly across from me.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_474-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>I couldn’t bring myself to eat there.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_444-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>What an awesome sculpture in an unexpected place.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_454-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>I found the cutest Korean handkerchiefs in this shop and bought quite a few for friends and family.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_482-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Views from the top<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_515-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Fun bench.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_518-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>Jeremiah spotted a cat.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_526-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_527-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Cool!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_536-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a>Exploring more of Insadong<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_544-450x600.jpg?resize=450%2C600\")
<\/a>Found a K-Pop Store at the end of this charming alley.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_556-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBanpo Bridge, Han River<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Several of us had yet to visit the Han river so Jeremiah, Kevin, Mausuam, Sushant, and I decided to take a bus to Banpo Bridge<\/a>, a bridge featuring the world’s longest rainbow fountain aka Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. I was delighted to find lots of fun activities in the area from viewing the bridge and river from a riverside park, taking photos at numerous photo op spots, playing games at an indoor arcade, and donut boat rentals. What a fun night!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Boating<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carolandkarl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/08032019_689-600x450.jpg\"){kind=link}