Insadong Archives - ELAINE SIR

My husband, the girls and I escaped to my family’s homeland of Seoul, Korea around this time last year. We met up with my mom as well as my sister and her boys who left from their home in the Bay Area a few days earlier. Spring was in full effect, with cherry blossoms everywhere coloring the air. We visited and paid respect to our family (in homes, hospitals, cemeteries), devoured authentic and tasty cuisine, visited palaces, historical sites — and fun and fashion-forward shopping districts. Here are some photos if you’d like to take a gander (in chronological order of our visit) of my Seoul Korea travel blog.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL KOREA

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

Our first stop was the 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

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 | a tourist with a selfie stick. they were all the rage.

Warm chestnuts being roasted outside the palace gates.

Next stop…

I saw this photo on the grounds. Evidently, Hepburn is Korean.

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.

Our relaxation pool in the Banyan tree hotel room.

Insadong

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

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.

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.

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

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.