Banyan Tree and Spa Archives

My family and I generally escape to my family’s homeland of Seoul, Korea around this time of year – when cherry blossoms are in full effect, coloring the air. We visit and pay respect to our family (in homes, hospitals, cemeteries), devour authentic and tasty cuisine, visit palaces, historical sites — and fun and fashion-forward shopping districts. Here are some photos if you’d like to take a gander of my Seoul Korea travel blog; i.e., my ideas of the best things to do in Seoul Korea.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL KOREA

LAX (LOS ANGELES) ———-> INCHEON AIRPORT (SEOUL)

Deoksugung Palace

A walled compound where royalty lived until the turn of the 20th century. Remarkable architecture and vivid colors.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung was the core of the autocratic ruling of the Joseon period. Important matters were conducted here; foreign envoys received. The head of state assembled his court.

Warm chestnuts being roasted outside the palace gates.

Next stop…

I saw this photo on the grounds.

The National Folk Museum of Korea | Audrey Hepburn

My incredible cousins Seoung Yun Unknee and Grace put us up at the breathtaking Banyan Resort and Spa in the heart of Seoul at Mt. Namsan. We had our very own mineral salt relaxation pool in the entrance of our hotel room.

SEOUL KOREA TRAVEL BLOG | Morning view from the hotel room. — Morning view from the hotel room.

SEOUL KOREA TRAVEL BLOG | One of two of the hotel's stone steam bath showers — One of two of the hotel’s stone steam bath showers. Baby not included.

Insadong

home to a plethora of modern galleries, tea shops and handmade clothing boutiques

SEOUL KOREA TRAVEL BLOG | Another teashop in Insadong. — Another teashop in Insadong.

In addition to all the beautiful shops selling handmade traditional hankboks (Korean dresses) and jewelry, there were eateries on the sidewalk. And dessert stops. Like this one.

SEOUL KOREA TRAVEL BLOG — Just 2 ingredients: honey and malt.

It becomes this. Soft, heavenly, sweet, flaky goodness. kkul ta rae — It becomes this. Soft, heavenly, sweet, flaky goodness.

My sister, hub and I got a kick out of the adorable school kids. They were straight out of a Tarantino movie. I think they were onto us as we were snapping away.

SEOUL KOREA TRAVEL BLOG | students in seoul — SEOUL KOREA TRAVEL BLOG

And of course, the food was unbelievable. Clean, fresh, pure.

Lunch at the Banyan Tree | dolsot bimbimbap

Panchan (Korean side dishes) at our lunch at the Banyan Tree — Panchan (Korean side dishes)

L’atelier is an uber-hip and trendy restaurant with tasty foods and the most gorgeously dressed clientele. Although French in name, the menu hosted foods of the Italian based. Pastas, risotto, incredible desserts.