(^10) Seoul
After taking the bicycle to the bike shop to be reassembled, I took a
short meander to the Bukchon Traditional Cultural Centre. Later, I
popped into Deoksugung, an old palace site where stunning old
buildings remained.
On returning, my amble took me through the Namdaemun Market
(famous for its street food) to pick up my daily portion of kimchi. It
seemed kimchi accompanied every meal and was often eaten as the
main dish. Kimchi resembled fermented vegetables, sometimes eaten
on its own or fried in a pancake. Whichever way prepared, it was
delicious, and I needed my daily dose. It all made sense as the key to
traditional Korean food was fermentation.
Seoul
I had all intentions of leaving but tons more remained to be
investigated. Good thing as well, as when picking up camping gas, I
discovered a cycle path along the river which I understood ran the
length of the country to the southern city of Busan. Although I was
sceptical whether the trail led all the way to Busan, there was no
harm in trying.
I was unsure what I had envisaged, but Seoul was utterly different
from my expectations. Not only was the city super modern, sporting
interestingly designed high-rise buildings, but it was also modern in a
funky way and revealed many cool and cosy-looking coffee shops and
restaurants. Old buildings sat comfortably amongst new ones, and
narrow pedestrian lanes and malls buzzed with goods and food.
leana
(Leana)
#1