I had a great day yesterday. I met with Yang Wook in Seoul. I finally worked out what bus to take to the station and actually found my way into Seoul without a hitch. It took me an hour and then I found out there's an express bus that takes about 35 mins! Still it was a pleasant journey and I got to see a bit of scenery on the way.
We met at Kyeunbok Gung Palace - the largest palace of the Joeson dynasty. It was spectacular! we watched the changing of the guard - a reinactment which is performed by men doing their military service. The costumes were brilliant but I did find the false beards a bit amusing. After that we went around the palace grounds and even though Yang Wook got me a translator device he provided better and more interesting information. The grounds were beautiful.
Then we went for dinner. We had a really lovely meal but it was really expensive. After lunch we went to the Palce museum and I had a great laugh because Yang Wook is a socialist and I got his take on the History of Korea and what he would have done if he was around in those days. Seems my friend would have been a revouloutionary on par with Che Guevara! It was really interesting to see all the historical costumes and documents and then to hear his very irreverent views.
There was special exhibition on the Celedon pottery from the Goreyo Dynasty (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/08/135_49283.html ) this will explain why the display of celedon pottery is so special. That was the highlight of the museum for me as I love Celedon pottery.
I waited outside while YW went to the loo and got talking to some young men who were asking me about my tattoo. My tattoo has aroused so much interest! When I told them that people usually have Chinese or Japanese symbols but I prefere Hangeul because Korea is the best they were beaming. I got big smiles and lots of bows! An older gentle man beckoned me to sit by him and then started to ask me where I was from and what did I think of Korea. I had a little chat with him and then said goodbye with a bow from him and a handshake from me.
We then made our way to Insadong. I love Insadong!!! We wandered throught the streets, browsing the shops, just looking at the prices of the pottery and laughing at some of the corny souveneirs. We went in the Arcade shops and made our way upstairs. We found a stall that made the granite stamps with your name engraved on. we worked out how to write my name in Hangeul and YW bought one of the stamps for me! It's absolutly lovely and comes in a little case. After that we made our way to the station so we could go home. YW is going away this morning with his family for a few days so he didn't want a late night. I had an absolutly brilliant day and he wouldn't let me pay for a thing. I hope I see him again before I go home. When I got home Jaron was in and we went straight out again for dinner. We went to the restaurant downstairs. I've been a bit curious about this place as it seems to be filled with autographed pics. Anyway we ate there and the owner was friendly and told us that the waiter is his son. I told him that they looked alike and they were both very handsome. We had a nice meal and then made our way back upstairs. No sooner we were in the door then Kito rang. They were in the English type bar round the corner, the Frog and Toad, and would we like to join them. So it was out of the door again. By this time my feet were killing me with all the walking I had done that day. Anyway we got there and I had a pint of Guiness! Glorious after the lager I've been drinking. we only stayed for the one drink and then made our way home. It was an exhausting day but really enjoyable. Today I felt a bit grotty, just a bit nauseas and a headache really. Probably just really tired. I've been in the apartment catching up with the washing and watching subbed episodes of Dream on Mysoju.com! Can't believe I've only got about 10 days left, I have so much more I want to do. The time has sped by - that's probably why I haven't felt homesick yet.
Just one observation before I go! There's a lot of Christians in Korea and so many churches. The churches are marked with red crosses that are lit up at night, so you can't miss them. On the way home yesterday on the train between Samsong and Wondang stations, which is basically just industrial area, I counted eight churches!!!