South Korea, October 2013;

Time for a little flashback to October 2013 when I was able to visit South Korea.

The week long trip itself began at touchdown in Seoul Incheon airport, with a coach ride all the way to Busan in the south.
The next destination was Daegu, and after that a small coastal city of Tongyeong, and climbing of Mt. Mireuksan.
The last couple of days were spent in Seoul, at Gyeongbokgung and Gangnam and Shinsa-dong/Garosugil.

Little beach cat in Busan

Finding beauty even in the coinage, a crane adorns this Korean Won coin

In Seoul I visited Gyeongbokgung, or Gyeongbuk palace.
It is the main and largest royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, originally built in 1395
(info from Wikipedia).

The palace grounds are a huge, with buildings, gardens, ponds, cafes, and a folk museum where I spent most of my time. 

"Gyeongbokgung Palace is also referred to as the Northern Palace due to its location being the furthest north, in comparison to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace.  

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of all five palaces.

The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). 

Under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919),all of the palace buildings were designated for restoration. Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, have remained relatively intact. 

Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculptures of contemporary art.  

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate,and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong."

The admission fees for international visitors are:

Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won

Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Group (10 people or more): 1,200 won

(History and admission information from:
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264337)

The beautiful intricate buildings of temples and palaces.
I visited Gyongbokgung.

Enjoying a refreshing iced maesil cha, a traditional sweet plum tea.
This was the most delicious drink to have in the October autumn weather.
where it's still transitioning between the summer heat and cooling autumnal breezes.

Snake zodiac

Monkey zodiac

Overall, this trip to South Korea was very special as my parents lived in Seoul over 30 years ago and I grew up with a lot of the cultural influences around me.

This time of year had the most perfect weather and beautiful autumn scenery,
the trees were awash in orange, red, and yellow, with some green leaves dotted about.

It wasn't too hot or too cold, the sunshine was uplifting and had such a positive effect on my mood.
There was an inimitable freshness that I dearly miss, and hope to return to one day.

It is a beautiful country if you look close enough, away from the technology, plastic surgery stereotypes, and mainstream K-pop.

I definitely recommend visiting South Korea, and in future I plan to visit the little island of Jeju
to see the green tea fields and visit the cafe of my favourite skincare brand, Innisfree!

Hope you enjoyed this photo diary, I'll try to dig up some more from this trip and post them soon ♡