Seoul Round 2: This time - No English

In late September, barely after the semester started, I had 3 days off for  추석 or Korean Thanksgiving. Originally, I was planning on going to my host family's Thanksgiving. Then, I met my Korean family. My grandmother's younger brother still lives in Korea. He, his wife, and his two children are the only three family members who are left in Korea...except for me. Therefore, I was informed that I was going to Chuseok at their house. I was more than happy to oblige. The lead up to Chuseok was quick. I only had class on Monday and Tuesday. My co-teacher told me I should leave early on Tuesday and got my classes covered for me. After generously showing my students Taken 2 on Tuesday, I caught the bus to Seoul. The traffic was terrible; the entire country travels for this holiday. Finally, I saw my Grandfather. He was waiting patiently for me. I was quickly whisked to their apartment and shown my bed...which was a blanket on the floor in true Korean style. I met my second cousin and my great aunt. We shared a delicious meal before I promptly went to bed. My grandfather had a big day planned the next day. Sightseeing :)

My cousin, grandfather and I toured all the great sites of Seoul. We, or I should say my cousin, purchased a group ticket to the different historical landmarks. Because it was the day before Chuseok, they were fairly crowded. My grandfather did his best to explain the sites to me in Korean. He majored in Korean History, so he was very knowledgeable. His acting skills were commendable and I actually understood some of the things he was telling me.

Our group ticket

The Gate

A representation of what the this may have looked like many years ago

My grandfather (Great Uncle) and I

One of the King's chairs

The palace with metropolitan Seoul in the background

My cousin

The cover of my Korean Historical Novel

The Korean baby I wanted to steal

My grandfather mid-Korean history explaination

Korean traditional architecture

After touring the palaces for a while, we decided to tour the city for a little bit. We explored some different popular areas like Insadong and Myeongdong. The city was quite beautiful and it was great to spend it with family. Then, there was the cat cafe. After spending an absurd amount (which I didn't spend a dime on. Seriously, I'm going to have to bring my Seoul family a huge present. They did so much for me), we were welcomed into the cat cafe. Here, you could drink coffee or tea in the presence of carefully groomed cats. If you wanted to pay extra, you could buy treats for the cats and feed them. It was hilarious. Overpriced and unnecessary, but definitely hilarious.

Yeah. You pay extra to watch cats sleep. That happened.

GRUMPY CAT!

Here I am at the most expensive spot in Seoul. I don't remember how much it was, but it was pricey!

Hipster shot?

Every girl loves a secret garden. This was the special garden behind a palace.

My grandfather explaining Jongmyo Shrine.

Here, some kings were buried with MULTIPLE WIVES?!?!

I thought we looked so similar!

The pictures you take when your grandfather tells you where to stand

My grandmother 

McDonald's delivery mopeds

My grandfather's apartment building

Yes, riding the subway merited a photo. I guess I didn't do in Seoul frequently

Inside my grandfather's apartment

Sunset at Seoul

At Chuseok, a traditional food is 송편. I was lucky enough to join the family and make some with my grandmother and her mother. I wasn't very good at it :)

After this, you boil it. It's quite tasty.

At my house, we have this book. I was excited to find it in Korea.

This is where the nobles used to live in Oldentime Korea.

King's Chair!

I love the style of Korean houses!

Secret Garden Pictures

Seoul was a fantastic. I am so grateful to my family and I can't wait to go back and visit. I can only hope that I can return having learned some more Korean so we can have a real conversation.