Tag: Banyan Tree and Spa

Seoul Korea Travel blog

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL KOREA

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.

SEOUL KOREA TRAVEL BLOG | Deoksugung Palace

SEOUL KOREA TRAVEL BLOG | Deoksugung Palace architecture

Deoksugung Palace guards
Deoksugung Palace

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.

Gyeongbokgung Palace guards

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace guard

Gyeongbokgung Palace. A tourist with a selfie stick.

Warm chestnuts being roasted outside the palace gates
Warm chestnuts being roasted outside the palace gates.

Next stop… 

National Folk Museum of Korea

cousins | National Folk Museum of Korea
cousins | National Folk Museum of Korea

I saw this photo on the grounds.  

The National Folk Museum of Korea | Audrey Hepburn
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.

Banyan Resort and Spa
Our relaxation pool in the Banyan tree 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

Beautiful clothing store in Insadong.
Beautiful clothing store in Insadong. All items handmade.
Tea shop in Insadong.
Tea shop in Insadong.
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
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.

L'aetelier
L’aetelier

baby korea trip

View of the Han River from our cab
View of the Han River from our cab
Neorun Madang (Roast Duck House) Restaurant | photo by Regina Sir
Neorun Madang (Roast Duck House) Restaurant | photo by Regina Sir
Roast Duck House
Neorun Madang (Roast Duck House) Restaurant (view from the back)
Korean Kimchi Jars
Korean Kimchi Jars located in the back of the restaurant.
Lost in Seoul
Lost in Seoul | The American husband shopping in Namdaemoon

This is a Tree of Love located at the N. Seoul Tower.   

Visitors were encouraged to leave a message on a padlock for everlasting love.

N. Seoul Tower Tree
N. Seoul Tower Tree
Seoul at night
Seoul at night. Taken from the Seoul Tower.


And then we came home.  

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

As much as I love traveling and my family’s home country of Korea…… #ILOVELA

SEOUL KOREA TRAVEL BLOG


++  That’s it of my Seoul, Korea travel blog.  Thanks for reading my post on best things to do it Seoul, Korea!


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