Weekend Trip to Seoul

A few weekends ago we took a mini vacation and went to Seoul. We stayed at the Army post there and enjoyed the conveniences of American type food and better shopping. We also toured the city, hitting some of the popular tourist areas. It was a nice trip, but exhausting with 2 little ones!

 

Traveling via train again!

Zach's first train ride!

Outside of Seoul Station and it was hot!!

 Our first full day was little rainy and overcast, which made for a much cooler day to be out. We stopped at the store on post to purchase a small stroller to use for Zach since he gets pretty warm in the Ergo. We visited Insadong, which is a district known for Korean souvenirs and shops. Due to the cloudy weather, it was not crowded and made for a nice shopping experience. Seoul is much more diverse in terms of foreigners (people like us) so we found most people spoke English and were very nice. Lilly was spoiled by receiving candies from the ladies in the stores and even money from a man in a park. One of the things I will miss about Korea is their love for children!

As you can see, both modes of "carriers" are not being utilized, unless you count Bubble Puppy who is in the stroller.

I had seen pictures of these and wanted to try it. They are kind of like cones, but are a little different tasting and they fill ice cream in them.

Traditional tea house.. and Lilly.

This side street had antique type items, Korean and American. Lilly now recognizes Buddha and said "Hi" to the statues.

Ramon finishing my ice cream. Trying to keep him "cool" during a head strong toddler moment!

After our shopping extravaganza we went to Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was once Seoul's principle palace, originally built in 1395. The palace has had an ongoing restoration since 1990, due to most of palace being torn down when the Japanese occupied Korea. The area is quiet large and you can imagine all the historical events that took place here many years ago.
 

The entrance into the main palace.

We were able to watch the changing of the guards.

This was right before Lilly finally passed out.

Main building

Lilly at the park where she received 1,000.00 won ($1.00) from a nice man.


I guess we didn't get our fill of tantrums and tired kids, so the next day we went to Lotte World, which is similar to Disney world, but on a much smaller scale. It has a huge indoor amusement park as well as outdoor attractions and all the typical amusement type food you would expect. It was insanely packed, even during a weekday. I forgot the kids in Korea are off of school for the month of August (they go year round) so I would probably avoid this place during weekends or holidays if we go again. The lines were too long at most of the rides, so Lilly didn't get to go on very many. I really liked that it had a lot to do indoors, as it was very humid outside!

The long line for the carousel.

 

 

The hot air balloon in the ceiling is an actual ride. We attempted to go on it, but the line was way too long.

 

Ice skating rink and the other two floors

 

We have since learned that some Koreans think this is very dangerous for children and have been told to take her down by strangers. Gotta love friendly advice!

 

A similar castle to the Disney castle

 

Lilly and Ramon on the kids ferris wheel

 

Lilly got to ride the ship by herself and she had a worker sitting across from her cooling her off with a fan.

 

Dinner time in the food court

 

 

This was outside the entrance and there were mobs of people sitting around. Ramon started to take pictures of the kids and then everyone else started snapping away.

Our trip back home, waiting for the train, while Lilly receives another snack from a stranger!