I left the iconic Ho Chi Minh City behind and I got on the a red-eye, Korean Asiana flight to Incheon International Airport. Some 5-6 hours later I found myself in Incheon airport, barely above 0 degree. The Incheon air was clean, crisp and freezing cold. It was a 10-hour layover before I got on the San Francisco bound flight. I decided to get out of the airport and go on a 5-hour Seoul City tour.
This will be my last hurrah before I head back home.
Incheon Airport is massive and clean. It is very modern. It is considered to be one of the layovers, so the terminal is busy as a beehive. After a 1-hour lengthy paperwork process for the tour, we are ready to head out to the city. The bus takes us on a 45 minutes ride to town, everyone by now, including myself, is dozing off from exhaustion.
600 Years old town.
The small ancient neighborhood is quaint, clean and very well-preserved.
Downtown Seoul. It is a very clean city.
Unlike Cambodia and Vietnam, the people here are quite law-abiding. When they wish to cross the street, it doesn’t matter whether the street is wide or just a few feet, when jack-in-the-box is red, Koreans do not walk. They shall wait until Jack turns green then they walk.
The preserved town is in such great condition that it can be mistaken for current buildings.
As I was walking through the neighborhood, I can actually feel the Zen in the air. It was very peaceful.
According to the tour guide., this is the most expensive neighborhood in Seoul. A small house will cost $10 million dollars – very small house. The houses are very old, well-preserved, and situated in the most prized location in the city.
Historic Houses.
I love this picture. These houses have been around for hundreds and hundreds of years.
I simply love the peacefulness of the neighborhood.
We heard some commotion. It was the police assembly.
I am hungry and this is the appetizer. Deep fried radish and veggie pancake.
This is quite inviting. People can come up and sit down and point to what they want to eat.
We ate this. It was cold so I want something to warm up and this is just the meal ! It costs about $10 per person. The restaurant will put one of these pots on the burner which is on your table and you just hot potting away!
There was a problem. I had US dollars and Korean restaurant does not accept US dollars. So this family was willing to exchange the money for me. The daughter, JoAnn was a Berkeley graduate. She was surprised to learn that I am from Sacramento. Very nice people/family. I was very fortunate to have met many beautiful people like these during my travel.
The Korean lady showed me how to regulate the hot pot. Yummmmmmyyy. The boiling pot has fish, octopus, veggies, and surprise….Kimchi! Korean loves Kimchi.
The streaming water is so clean that I can see to the bottom.
The tour was over and I am back to the airport. These musicians gave a live performance to the travelers. I loved it!
Words can’t describe their talents. One must be here to see them. Simply amazing.
Next stop, San Francisco, then Sacramento, home.
We have so enjoyed, joining you, in your vast adventures! Thank you Daravuth for sharing your trip with us. We look forward to seeing you in the , hopefully, near future! Safe travels home .
Teri & Clark
Teri & Clark, I hope to see you in the near future too! I am counting the days. 😉
Just saw this Daravuth, and you’re already back! The Korean side tour was fun. You a wonderful traveler, photographer and guide! So great to share your journey.
Linda
Thank you for coming with me. Please get out and paint the world red? 😉
I spent some time in Seoul in 1971. I remember it well because many of the people there would come up salute me. I was in uniform and got quite a kick of it. The people seemed very gratiful to Americans. I remember it looking much different than the pics you has sent. It was a terrific trip you took us on, and I want to thank you for letting me share the trip with you.
The General
General, you need to put on your uniform and head to South Korea. And do not undone your uniform until Victory is yours! They need you there more than ever now, General!
I really like KOREA. Especially foods. Although I never came here.
I hope someday you will! You will love it there.