South Korean Diaries: Days 1-3 - Seoul Delight for a third time

When April 2016 arrived, I had already been to South Korea twice in 10 years, yet my anticipation for a third visit felt higher than ever. I was ready to take on two weeks of pure bliss from Seoul’s never-ending nightlife; this trip would be one incredible Seoul Delight!

For this particular trip to the East Asian country, we set up a base to spend the whole time in South Korea’s capital city instead of spreading my wings and exploring the entire country as I did in an exhausting trip in Christmas time of 2013 where I visited Busan, Jeju and Muju to name but a few top choice destinations in South Korea.

With an ideally located Airbnb apartment in the Gyeongbokgung area of the city, click here for an interesting story on my Airbnb experience; it was a perfect two weeks in the big city that is always having a party, and now let’s get into the opening part of South Korean Diaries – Days 1-3 – Seoul Delight for a third time.

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Seoul delight in South Korea.

South Korean Diaries: Days 1-3 – Seoul Delight for a third time

As I stepped off the plane and into the vibrant city of Seoul, I knew I was in for an adventure. This was my third time visiting this incredible city, but it never exceeded my expectations. The bustling streets were filled with locals and tourists alike, all eager to explore the many sights and sounds of the city. There was never a dull moment; from traditional markets to modern shopping centres, it simply was a Seoul delight.

Arriving in South Korea and dressing up in style, traditional style.

Day 1 – Arriving in South Korea for a Remarkable Seoul Delight

As mentioned, we arrived in South Korea for our third trip here. It has been a long, fourteen-hour flight, including transit; we are weary, exhausted and hungry. Arriving at Incheon international airport has lifted our spirits, not only because we have arrived at a glamorous and spectacular airport considered one of the world’s best but because we have arrived in a country that is undoubtedly number one in my book.

After arriving in Seoul, we made our way to Gyeongbokgung, a bustling part of the town home to the renowned Palace. Our Airbnb check-in wasn’t ready yet, so we visited a local food court for lunch and sampled authentic Korean cuisine. I opted for Dumpling Soup with rice cake – it was mouthwateringly delicious! And if that weren’t enough reward already – this gastronomic delight also came at an incredibly reasonable price! My first experience trying traditional Korean fare certainly didn’t disappoint; my hunger pangs subsided as soon as I took my first bite.

Finally, it is two in the afternoon, check-in time and up to the sixth floor of an eighteen-story apartment. The Room is ideal, kitchen, bathroom, living area and queen size bed downstairs and two beds for the kids in the loft upstairs. Perfect for a family of four. After a rest, it’s time to see the in-laws, at least my wife’s two sisters and their family; we meet at their fishing shop and eat one of Koreans finest and famous meals, bulgogi, a marinated beef grilled with vegetables, yummo. After the meal, it is home once again with the subway, it is a confusing system, but it works, and trains run all the time. We arrive at the apartment at nine pm, and it is fair we don’t remember much from there. We are all out like a light.

Korean Bulgogi, South Korea

Day two – Exploring Gyeongbokgung

After a rejuvenating slumber, we awaken, ready to explore the wonders of South Korea! My wife – who is Korean herself – leads us on an incredible journey filled with culture and fun. Even through the bustling streets, she remains our faithful tour guide, translator, wife and mother all at once; however, this trip can be more taxing for her than it is for me as she treks back home.

We wander around the Gyeongbokgung area, a busy place is known for its office workers. It has a modern look, with trendy shops and many restaurants, mainly local cuisine. It also contains familiar names amongst the westerners, such as KFC, Starbucks and Baskin-Robbins, yum yum. Therefore it is amongst high-rise buildings and apartments, with just about every second shop in the vicinity being a café; no problem for me there; I love my coffee. But I haven’t come all this way to indulge in food I can eat at home, although I am sure my taste buds will desire it soon.

As we explored the bustling streets of Korea, my taste buds were drawn to a hidden gem of a restaurant known for its black noodles. Despite the crowded atmosphere, the restaurant staff quickly delivered our meal and ensured our satisfaction. The neatly prepared dish was a delight, and we felt delighted. Of course, no meal is complete without dessert, and Baskin-Robbins beckoned me again.

We returned to our apartment for a brief rest before meeting friends for dinner at Jokpal, a popular Korean franchise chain. The pork leg was the meal’s highlight, sliced to perfection and served with various delicious sides, including Kimchi, quickly becoming a staple of our Korean diet. After dinner, we took a leisurely walk through the brightly illuminated streets, taking in the beauty and excitement of Korea at night.

Mountain at the backdrop of Gyeongbokgung, South Korea

Day three – A Day at Everland Theme Park

Tuesday is our first full day out; we go to Everland, South Korea’s finest theme park and one that more than matches any in Australia. Everland is packed even on a school day, with waiting times for some events over an hour; I hear on weekends, it is up to two to three hours, but forget that. Everland is a fun day out. With Safari world and hidden Valley, a bus tour that guides you on land and water around the animals of Africa, with the likes of giraffes, Zebras, Elephants, and cheetahs, to name a few. But as traditional with most zoos, the animals are not doing much, but the Giraffe gets up close and personal during the bus ride.

It was time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Safari World, so we stopped off at Snack Bar for lunch. With an impressive selection of Korean and Western cuisine alongside soft drinks and beer, there were plenty of delicious options – whatever your budget! After all that excitement in Everland earlier, though, it seemed like everyone had quite an appetite; the food hall was bustling with hungry visitors as we found our seats.

Enjoy the tulips of Everland, which will truly inspire the trip to Seoul – South Korea.

Everland was aglow with beauty and excitement for the Tulip Festival – a seasonal event that changes themes yearly but is awe-inspiring each time. As we marvelled at the stunning landscape of flowers, an unforgettable parade strode through, bringing colour and animation to fill our eyes! The tunes were infectious as floats danced past us in celebration.

Not to be outdone, Dad took Lucas on his maiden voyage aboard the regal Pirate Ship ride – it’s clear they suited both young ones and big kids alike who would not resist its appeal! This made for one spectacular day spent amongst family…and tulips galore!

It was South Korea; it was a Seoul delight.