Gyeongbok Palace and Hongdae

The Lunar New Year holiday meant that the vast majority restaurants and shops were closed. I found that Seoul is alive at night whilst mornings and early afternoons are relatively quiet. Given the holiday, it was even calmer.

So we met up with Michael at the station and trekked our way to Gyeongbok Palace. Today was soooo busy, it being a public holiday and a cultural day (I think). There was also free admission, so cue endless tourists and Korean families.

 The contrast between the traditional palace and rows of cars was an interesting placement

 The amount of people was crazy

 My eyes are closed lol

 There were so many cute children wearing the traditional costume for Lunar New Year 

Props to Michael for being an amazing photographer!
I'd recommend the Palace for first-time visitors of Seoul. It's a beautiful place to take pictures and learn history. There's a lot of walking involved so our physical limitations prevented us from seeing the whole Palace.

We then went to Hongdae- the hip and happening place for the young-and firstly went to the 'You Are Here Cafe.'

 

Can't wait to visit all the cute cafes here. Korea doesn't have coffee as good as Melbourne, but their cozy atmospheres and decorations are on another level! I had a caramel macchiato and a strawberry cheesecake tart which filled me up pretty well.  

Poor Michael then had to deal with Elysha and I going crazy at the shopping area in Hongdae. Elysha especially went crazy oohing and aahing at the winter coats, H&M and Forever 21. Pretty sure we spent our limit for the day and since banks are still closed, we will have to spend our cash frugally until Sunday.   

I love the vibe Hongdae projects, it being lined with the latest fashion and buskers. The few hours were definitely not enough, so we will be returning tomorrow.