Detour via South Korea

Not originally in my list of places to visit, but after hearing a lot of positive things about South Korea, I decided to make a short detour to Seoul in order to join a few friends I had met along the way and discover the Korean culture. And indeed it was quite a nice surprise, at the exception of the weather with temperatures oscillating between a chilly 5 degrees Celsius during the day and a freezing -5 degrees at night... But with some good gloves and scarf, nothing is impossible....

Although I did not spend too much time there (about two weeks more or less), I absolutely loved the Korean food, was pleasantly surprised about the kindness of Korean people (although their average English level is really not that good, even worse than France if I may say so...) and was really astonished by their culture in general. It would be too long to detail all the little things which made me like this country but I would definitely recommend a visit (maybe more during spring or autumn though, when the temperatures are more mild). I had very little time to visit the countryside but I heard there is lots of hiking to be done in the high season so I will definitely come back one day to explore the back-country.

Therefore here are a few pictures taken during these two weeks, between Seoul, the capital, and Jeonju, a smaller town in the South.

The Gyeongbok Palace, the former king's residency

Another house from the Gyeongbok Palace's complex

The National Folk Museum, near the Gyeongbok Palace

Little detour via the fish market, near Noryangjin

Inside the Hanok (traditional) village in Jeonju

The traditional dish of Jeonju: Bibimbap. Rice, meat, vegetables, all mixed in a big bowl... Really good!

Having someone who can translate Korean definitely helps!

Totems protecting the village (in ancient times)

In the Korean Folk Village, just outside Seoul

My friend Bo-ok trying to fit into a Korean gama (litter vehicle)...

Horse show

Seoul too has its tower with the Namsan Tower, overlooking the city

View from Namsan Tower

The toilets inside Namsan Tower, not bad...

That's what I call some a nice restaurant BBQ!

The side dish...

Seoul by night

Obviously I couldn't come to Seoul without having a glance at that famous area from the Song!

Seoul by night, near the canal

Seoul by night

A few month ago, my Korean friend had made me discover an amazing Korean pianist, quite famous here and maybe in the world, Yiruma. And by pure coincidence, I could assist to one of his "concerts" live in the subway, which was part of a promotional event organised by Sony Music. Definitely unexpected!