The first official day of the programme started with a meeting for all New Zealand and Australian participants. Our tour guide extraordinaire Stephanie taught us all about Korean protocol, language and customs. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the Korean culture and also the other people in the group.
A walk around the royal palace was followed by a sighting of the Blue House, which is the residence of the Korean president. There were lots of security and police around that area, and traffic was monitored closely. We continued to walk towards central Seoul and had lunch in a popular area which was very busy. Our meal was a local Korean dish made up of egg, rice, vegetables and beef. There was also a selection of kimchi and other Korean delicacies to share.
In the evening, the New Zealand group headed out to do a bit of shopping and eating in the Myeong-Dong area. The late night markets, shops and food stalls were all buzzing with people out for the Chuseok public holiday (harvest festival).
After the meeting we took the subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace where the Korean royal family used to live. After the Japanese occupation during WW2 the Korean royal family in a sense 'died out' due to intermarriage with the Japanese royal family. The buildings at the palace were absolutely beautiful! Stephanie explained the difference between Korean and Chinese architecture, and discussed the traditional roles of the royal family.
A walk around the royal palace was followed by a sighting of the Blue House, which is the residence of the Korean president. There were lots of security and police around that area, and traffic was monitored closely. We continued to walk towards central Seoul and had lunch in a popular area which was very busy. Our meal was a local Korean dish made up of egg, rice, vegetables and beef. There was also a selection of kimchi and other Korean delicacies to share.
After a bit of shopping in the arts & crafts area of Seoul, we had a look around Bukchon Hanok Village which is an old suburban part of Seoul. The old houses in that area are made in the traditional Korean style, and are maintained to this day. It used to be property owned solely by the wealthy upper class of Koreans, but this is not so strictly enforced anymore.
In the evening, the New Zealand group headed out to do a bit of shopping and eating in the Myeong-Dong area. The late night markets, shops and food stalls were all buzzing with people out for the Chuseok public holiday (harvest festival).
Overall, an interesting and busy first day.
Simone
