Day 3 … a chance to take it a little slower

Given that we had done so much yesterday we decided to take it a little a little slower today … and so we didn’t leave the apartment until just after 10.00 am. We had looked at catching the subway to MyeongDong … as we needed to get some shoes for Claire so her poor feet could have a break … but we soon realised that it would take longer to go via train (as we would need to swap trains part way through) and so instead we walked.

It was only one kilometre, and all very flat, so the walk was easy. Heading into the district of MyeongDong we passed the beautiful cathedral. Built in the 1890s the Catholic Cathedral is the national cathedral of Seoul. It is a beautiful red brick with stunning stained glass windows. Visitors are welcomed and you are able to enter and take photos … provided it is not during mass times or during a wedding or funeral.

 

 

 

 

We then began our wander of the MyeongDong shopping district. This is one of the largest shopping districts in Seoul. First stop was some shoes for Claire  … and with new shoes on her blistered feet she practically danced out of the shop. We then wandered … looking at the shops, stopping to buy some things (including food for Ian and Kim) before heading down to the underground shopping mall. This labyrinth like shopping mall beneath perhaps 12-20 large city blocks is incredible. Lined with shops it is firstly worth noting that it is pristine! Markers on the tiled floor indicate directions (as it can be very easy to get disoriented below ground). We had a wonderful time peering in windows, smiling at the shop keepers and making a purchase from one lovely lady.

We then found an exit and wandered back up to street level and made our way towards the funicular at the base of Mt Namsan. The funicular is a street elevator that travels up the side of the mountain, in order to avoid the stairs! And it's free of charge! We then bought tickets for the cable car that would transport us to the top of the mountain and to N Seoul Tower. This tower was one of Seoul’s first communication towers. It was built in 1969 and was opened to the public in 1980. Today you can travel to the top for spectacular views of central Seoul.

When we reached the top via the cable car we were all pretty excited to see the snow and ice on the ground from the most recent snowfalls. The ground was blanketed with a crisp layer of white snow (not soft and fluffy … but hard and icy). The fortress wall looked beautiful with the wall capped with snow. It did make walking a little more treacherous at times but the sight was so beautiful. Icicles hung from some of the structures and slowly dripped as they melted in the afternoon sun.

Kim and Claire purchased a Love Padlock to attach to the fence. The tradition started back in 2011 where couples leave a lock with their names and the date as a symbol of eternal love (thanks to the K Dramas). We had left one on a part of the fence back in 2013. I’m sure it is either buried in there somewhere … or it has been removed to allow more people to attach a padlock!

Before heading to the top though you pass the old grey brick fire beacons which were used for communication  during the Joseon Period. Depending on how many beacons were lit … it indicated the impending danger. The more beacons lit the higher the danger. They signalled to the palace who were then able to prepare for battle.

Beneath the tower is Namsan Palgakjeong, an octagonal pavilion that was originally built in 1959 but was demolished in 1960 (during April revolution) and rebuilt in 1968. Today it is surrounded by plastic peace doves suspended from the surrounding trees which gently sway in the breeze.

We then decided to stop for lunch before heading up to the top of the tower. We chose Korean … and Ian and Kim had Mandu Raymun, Claire and I had honey soy fried chicken. We shared a plate of fried vegetables (think fine julienned vegetables fried in a tempura batter). The food was delicious!

Then to the tower. Unlike the 555m yesterday we only travelled 236 metres to the observation levels. On the way through to the elevators though we passed through a room with an immersive media art installation with images projected on the walls and floor of the room. It was a wonderful display and reminded me a lot of my recent visit to The Lume in Melbourne.

Then … up to the top (in just a minute) and once again we had the views of Seoul to enjoy. Ian and I had a great time picking out all of the places we have visited in the past and pouting out places we would be revisiting in the days to come. The skies were crisp and clear so we could see a long way into the distance.

And then to head back down … this time taking the beautiful walk that winds its way down the mountain. The stairways were lined with snow, the air was crisp, the birds were singing … it was a lovely way to end our visit to the tower. (Back in 1998 when we travelled to Seoul to bring home Han … Ian made me walk up the mountain!).

We reached the cable car station and Ian grabbed us a taxi and a lovely man drove us back to our apartment complex. He was friendly and very knowledgable as he told us some of the history of Seoul as we drove along.  Back at the hotel for a mid afternoon break, except that Kim and I went for a wander in search of donuts … we failed but found a bakery with exquisite, but pricey cakes. We ended up at the nearby 7-Eleven where we bought cake, chocolate and a drink for Kim for less than one piece of cake at the bakery.

 

After a bit of a rest back at the hotel we headed out to wander Cheonggyecheon Stream. This stream is a much loved favourite place within Korea for us. We visit it every time and it is such a beautiful place. The stream was once covered with concrete and had an elevated road over the top of it but following a public plea to make the city more beautiful a redevelopment and revitalisation of the stream occurred ... removing the road and uncovering the waterway.

As a result there is now a wonderful stream that its located in the centre of Seoul with paths along both sides, with many places to sit and enjoy the tranquility. Tonight we took the opportunity to visit the Seoul Lantern Festival before it ends this Sunday. I have always wanted to see the lanterns but it has not been on when we are in Seoul. The lanterns are made of a metal frame with some sort of waxed material covering them. They are lit up at night ... and are spectacular.

 

After walking from one end to the other ... stopping to enjoy the many lanterns we headed for some dinner at a chicken and beer place! Korea is known for its Chicken and Beer ... the chicken was lovely, as were the wedges and the cheesesticks. No beer was consumed! Then back to the apartment to chill out, get some sleep and prepare for the new day.