Day 4: Strolling down Samcheondong on a Thurs Afternoon

Day 4 is a "go slow" day. So we went strolling down Samcheondong after a fabulous jumbo dumplings lunch at Bukchon Kalguksu. :)

We found lots of quaint & pretty boutiques here and Tina managed to get a top from one of them. :)

Desserts are stored in a seperate compartment, so we still had room for soft ice cream. :)

If you prefer a cuppa, there're plenty of choices! :)

Cafes are all around Samcheondong.

And every cafe has its own characteristics. :)

We stopped at some random cafe, Minto for tea. No particular reason why we chose it, we just needed a place to rest our feet. :)

We had ice tea & ice chocs. Mom finished her cuppa before I could capture any pic. *.* I was hoping Minto serves waffle with ice cream...but they don't. No pretty cakes either. : /

Minto could be better if they had worked on their afternoon tea menu. As you can see, it's actually a pretty place. :)

We should have gone to the cafe below... I see waffles...& gorgeous ginkgo tree... :O

That's our Thursday afternoon at Samcheondong. :)

Location Map of Rakkojae, Bukchon Kalguksu and Samcheondong (all within walking distance):

A: Bukchon Kalguksu
B: Samcheondong
C: Rakkojae

Day 4: Bukchon Kalguksu's Juicy Jumbo Dumplings Here We Come!

Bukchon Kalguksu is just across Gyeongbukgong. Juicy jumbo dumplings here we come! :)

There was a long queue when we got there. :) But good stuff is worth the wait!

All jumbo dumplings are freshly made on the spot. :)

It's a MUST order. :)

In addition, we ordered hotpot with mushrooms & assorted savory pancakes. :D We needed to replenish our energy!

We were apprehensive if we could finish all the dumplings. But they were gone in no time! The dumplings were very juicy! Yum!The main ingredients in the dumplings were minced pork, veg & tofu. 

The hotpot consisted of assortment of mushrooms & veg in beef broth. It's light & healthy! 

The hotpot came with additional dumplings and hand cut noodles. :)

We love it! :)

The assortment of savory pancakes were delish too!

Details of Bukchon Kalguksu:

84 Sogyeok Jongno-gu

T: +82 2 739 6334

Day 4: Gyeongbokgung Palace

As soon as we dropped off our luggage, we left Rakkojae for Gyeongbokgung Palace. :) The palace is within walking distance from the hanok. ^.*

Gyeongbokgung Palace was first constructed in 1394 and reconstructed in 1867. Gyeongbokgung means "Palace of Shining Happiness".

We made it in time for the reenactment of the Changing of the Royal Guards and the Patrol Ritual. Yeah! :D The procession took place in front of Heungnyemun (Gate) at 10am.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is deemed to be the most beautiful and grandest of all five palaces in Korea.

Besides tourists, there were many students on excursion.

Some kids were obviously bored... :)))

I can't remember if we had been here with mom & beanie when we were younger...so some pics for future reference. ;)

There's a story behind every door...

The palace compound makes a splendid picnic spot. ^.* If only we had our picnic basket...

Surrounding the palace were ginkgo trees!!! :D

This little cutie was posing for her mom. :)

We spent quite some time under the yellow canopy...snapping pics! :)))

There were some red leaves too...

We were all thrilled by the yellow ginkgo trees. :)

Lin & I love yellow. It's such a cheery & hopeful colour. So be prepared for more yellow! :D

Don't you love such intimate moments with grandparents? :) Priceless.

We marvel at God's creations & thank Him for such perfect timing to enjoy our autumn in Seoul. :)

There were more visitors closer to noon. :) So it's a good idea to visit Gyeongbokgung palace in the morning. ;)

Time for lunch! :D

Direction to Gyeongbokgung: