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Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

October 24, 2015 by David Herd

City Skyline Seoul South Korea

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea in September 2015 was my first visit, in the three days I covered a lot of ground & convinced myself to return in the future to see more of the country.

One of 29 bridges in Seoul South Korea

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

 One of 29 bridges between Incheon International airport and the city.

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

I stayed at the Savoy Hotel in Myeongdong which is a very lively part of the city and one of Seoul’s main shopping and tourism districts.

Savoy Hotel 

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

The Savoy is in the heart of the action, right outside the door are shops, restaurants and crowds of people day and night. The room was good and the location perfect, use this link for a very good room rate.

 Love this sign at me room in the Savoy Hotel

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

I was on the 7th floor so I hope it is a long rope. 🙂

Savoy entrance

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

The hotel was a little hard to find so make sure you have the right directions.

Lots of hotels here with great room rates.

Kinnor Cafe Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

Not far from my hotel was this delightful cafe with a good breakfast and exceptional coffee. However you must visit Itaewon, one of the best restaurants streets I have ever been to in the wonderful world.

Cafe Kinnor

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

I quickly became a regular customer here.

Itaewon 

Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

The restaurant choices are simply mind boggling at Itaewon.

Choong Ang High School near  Bukchon Hanok Village

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

A very attractive school building near Bukchon Hanock village.

Paris Baguette cafe

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

Probably the most expensive sandwich I have ever eaten. Halfway through I broke a front tooth (crown) and for the next 10 days had to endure rather unattractive photos whenever I smiled. 🙂

JD, my terrific taxi driver

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

I had a stroke of luck finding this friendly interesting taxi driver who spoke perfect English. He was a wealth of information regarding people and places in Seoul. Here are his phone numbers, from outside the country, 82 10 5396 8225 or within Seoul 010 5396 8225. Apart from being so helpful he has wi fi in his taxi, what a find.

Parliament house Seoul

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

We stopped on the way to the airport to take some photos.

What a monstrosity

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

This strange looking sculpture is near the airport, I had no idea what it represented when I first saw it. The JD my taxi driver explained it was a ballistic missile pointing at North Korea. He also added many females had quite a different explanation for it. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Myeongdong Seoul South Korea post

Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

For a hotel in a great location just use this link for a very good room rate.                   

                    Here are some more posts to check out 

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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
               book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
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Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

October 24, 2015 by David Herd

Traditional Korea village

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

 Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul with it’s narrow streets showcasing restored traditional homes from the 14th century. Originally the residential quarter for high-ranking government officials and nobility.

Very narrow streets

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul 

Th village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called ‘hanok’ which date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name, ‘Bukchon,’ which  translates to ‘northern village.

Wonderful old door

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

Many of these hanoks operate as cultural centres, guest-houses, restaurants and tea houses.

And another one

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

I have always had an attraction for interesting doors, perhaps a psychologist could explain the reason why?

Lots of hotels here with great room rates.

Another door & a beautiful roof line

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

 
Subway, Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2.
– Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village.

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

Distinctive Korean roof lines.

Local cafe

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

A short taxi ride from Bukchon Hanok Village takes you to Changdeokgung Palace, here is my photo blog link.

Nice coffee shop opposite village

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

Here is where I stopped for coffee before visiting the palace.

What a monstrosity

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

This strange looking sculpture is near the airport, I had no idea what it represented when I first saw it. The JD my taxi driver explained it was a ballistic missile pointing at North Korea. He also added many females had quite a different explanation for it. 🙂

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul, thanks for visiting.

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul

The village is in the northern part of the city, I was staying at the Savoy hotel in the middle of all the action. Use this link for a very good rate.

What a great year for travel                          

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets EuropeHungarian Parliament Building (2)The Walkie Talkie (5)   

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837IMG_7425Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South VietnamMain Square (3)Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
Pattaya live webcam
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Counter only started June16 2020.

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Changdeokgung Palace Seoul

October 23, 2015 by David Herd

Donhwamun Gate Changdeokgung Palace Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul was built in 1405 and was completed in 1412. It was burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion in 1592 when the royal family fled during the Japanese invasion of Korea, it was then reconstructed in 1609. What an incredible history of conflict these two countries have had over the centuries.

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul

The Palace has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, and was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997. How lucky was I to have this beautiful blue sky to make my photos look so much better.

Chong-jon hall

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul

 Changdeokgung Palace was one of the places visited by the first ladies of the Seoul G20 summit during the G20 conference in Seoul in November 2010. It is one of the most historically significant attractions that represent the beauty of Korea.

Inside the hall

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul 

Lots of hotels here with great room rates.

The main Hall

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul 

It is fascinating to think these rooms have not changed for centuries. You can just imagine the pomp and ceremony.

A warm welcome

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul

 A warm welcome from two pretty ladies in traditional dress. Their outfits look absolutely fantastic. 🙂

Now listen carefully

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul

School kids having a history at Changdeokgung Palace Seoul. What a terrific outfit and hat the teacher is wearing.

Outside the Palace

Changdeokgung Palace Seoul

A very peaceful setting yet so close to the city. Seoul was a surprise packet for me, so many interesting places to enjoy.

First of two short videos

Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul

My apologies for fouling up the pronunciation but languages have never been my strong point. 🙂

Second short video

Changdeokgung Palace part 2

This is the main hall.

Thanks for visiting my Changdeokgung Palace Seoul photo blog. Follow THIS LINK to see my favourite part of Seoul, Itaewon, such a fantastic area for bars and restaurants.

  What a great year for travel                    

             

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets EuropeHungarian Parliament Building (2)The Walkie Talkie (5)   

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

                     43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837IMG_7425Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                    

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South VietnamMain Square (3)Vung Tau statue (6)

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
Pattaya live webcam
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

September 24, 2015 by David Herd

A world class restaurant street

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants, people lights, it’s all there. This street in Seoul looks very ordinary through the day but it comes alive when night falls. It is the best bar restaurant area I have ever seen anywhere in the world.

Fat Albert’s

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

There are many small lanes branching off the main street that are worth exploring. There are several red light districts in Seoul, some with the classic red lit windows that have become so famous in Amsterdam. These areas are mainly for locals, so it is best to have a guide if you plan on finding them. Itaewon however is home to a foreigner friendly red light district which welcomes all. The main area in Itaewon to find escorts is called Hooker Hill. This street is lined with bars with sexy girls standing outside, tempting gentlemen to come in and “buy them a drink”.

Many varieties of food

Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

Itaewon used to be considered the trashy part of town, however recently it has been developing with upmarket restaurants, bars & designer stores.

Bee

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Another nice spot to sit and watch the passing parade in Seoul.

Just before dusk

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Sunset in Seoul and soon the crowd will arrive at Itaewon bars restaurants.

Lots of choices

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

The street is about 600 metres long.

Maple Tree Korean BBQ

Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

The difficult part is deciding where to eat. 🙂

Thousand of bottles

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Maple Tree Korean BBQ is the restaurant featured in the header of this post.

Prost pub and grill

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

  A nice pub where you can watch the passing parade, the later it gets the busier it gets. 🙂  

Opposite Prost

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Many thanks to these guys for posing for my photo.

Le Comptoir

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

     Nice French restaurant in Itaewon.

 Le Comptoir

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

I originally wanted to eat at an Italian restaurant close by but it was so crowded with people waiting in a queue to get in I decided on French at Le Comptoir. Avocado & prawn to start then steak tartare.  

Avocado & prawn 

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurantsDelicious. 🙂

Above Le Comptoir

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Away from the maddening crowd in Itaewon.

Oreno Italian restaurant

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

  This was the night before I wanted to go there, when I arrived the following evening the place was packed as you can see from the photo below.  

Oreno was booked out, I should have gone last night. 🙂

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Lots of hotels here with great room rates.

Borie’s cafe

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

   A good spot to watch the passing parade while drinking cold German beer.  

And here it is. 🙂

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Beer from Munich, it does not get much better than this.

Fabulous Itaewon

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

 Itaewon really is one of the world’s great restaurant precincts. 

But I hardly know you

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

  A classic photo of boy meets girl, if I return in an hour they will be sitting much closer. 🙂  

The master chefs

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Hard at work in Itaewon.

This is a magic street

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

So much to see and so little time.

Lavo Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Too many choices, you really need to spend a month here.

Lavo pub & lounge

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

     The biggest problem in Itaewon is deciding which restaurant and bar to visit.

Lavo one of Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

Koreans certainly enjoy the night-life.

Restaurant Bee

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

This is another favourite photo of life at Itaewon.  

Dillinger’s

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

  Not a bad bar situated on the opposite side of the road to where all the action is, Jack Daniels 6,000 or a double 9,000 so you can guess what my choice was. 🙂  

Dillinger’s shots

Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants  

Shooters at Dillinger’s. 

Mexican Grill

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants


Mexican, French, Italian, Korean it’s all here.

Rose & Crown

Itaewon Seoul bars restaurants

English, Mexican, Spanish, French, Italian, you name it they are all in Itaewon.

 Savoy Hotel Myeongdong

Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants

A very good budget hotel in the heart of the action, for a great rate use this link.

Thanks for visiting my Itaewon Seoul good bars restaurants photo blog.

           Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.         

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 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                         Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Check out these great photo blogs.

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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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