October 11th - Incheon - Seoul, South Korea

Got picked up at 8:30 and headed to Korean Folk Village, an example of a
Joseon period village on 245 acres that is set and designed according to
the principals of Feng shui. Here, 260 traditional Korean houses have been
relocated from various regions of Korea.

In addition, we were treated to numerous shows.

The first was the Farmers' Music and Dance to pray for a good harvest. Then
saw an acrobat perform his skills on a tightrope.

Then it was over to the ring to watch the historical Masangiae riding
skills.

The last show was the Traditional Wedding Ceremony, which we were told was
an actual wedding, not an re-enactment. Beautiful costumes and pageantry. We
left before they actually tied the knot to get to our next stop - hope no
one got cold feet!

Our last stop of the day, and for the time spent here was to view the
Hwaseong Fortress Wall, there was originally a summer palace here and the
king kept and secret army.

Great way to end my visit to Korea. I want to thank Exclusive Tour Korea Co.
Ltd. For making all of the arrangements (www.exclusivetourkorea.com). They
are a small family run business and succeeded in their promise to make our
days in Korea memorable. A very special thank you to Maria Suh for arranging
everything, and for being so responsive to my requests and questions. And,
to our lovely guide, her niece, Miae Hyun, who was knowledgeable, gracious
and had a fabulous grasp of the English language!

October 10th - Incheon - Seoul, South Korea Part 1

Got off the ship and headed to over to the Naryangin Fish Market – the largest in Seoul and the largest I have ever seen. The market is open 24/7. They sell wholesale and to individuals. Often the local people come and buy their fish for the evening meal and take it upstairs to one of the restaurants.

 

Next we took a scenic drive around the city on the way to the Jogye Temple. There was a festival being celebrated and there were flowers everywhere. For a donation that goes to needy children, One can make three wishes. I made mine, and picked the flower pot I wanted my wishes to “grow” for the next 30 days.

 

The next stop was to Insa-dong Street to experience the busy marketplace. We also enjoyed a traditional Korean lunch that included Kimchi.

 

After lunch went over to Gyeingbokgung Palace to  watch the changing of the guard and spent time walking around and being awed by the structures and size of this palace located right downtown.

 

Took a quick walk up the hill to Bukchon Hankok Village which still retains its’ original architecture.

 

Drove by the US military base on the way to Namdaemun South Gate Market, a very busy open air market downtown that sells just about everything.

 

Last stop for the day was the N Seoul Tower with 360 degree views of the city and surrounding areas.

 

Very full, but wonderful day!