Seoul, Hong Kong and Bangkok

[Matt_01]

Still playing catch up on trip reports this one is Seoul, Hong Kong and Bangkok, quite a generic report and one of the first attempts of just using photos I have taken, i.e not just using MrsM photos so there may be a few gaps. The trip was a booked about 10 months out on redemption tickets. We were not sure if we would actually take the trip as we had a bigger trip planed for a few months later and were happy to cancel the tickets if required. In the end there was a few itchy feet in the family, as they put it “we have not been anywhere in a while” so off we went.

Initially it was just Seoul and Hong Kong then Bangkok got thrown into the mix. A bit of time in Seoul and Hong Kong was cut back to accommodate the changes and we were not fussed as we were going back to Hong Kong a few months later. In hindsight we should have suck with a longer time frame in Seoul and dropped out Hong Kong all together.

First important place to visit was the lounge. When flying SQ and if possible I prefer to fly out of SYD. I am off to a good start and remembered to take some photos.




Chicken Satay and peanut sauce

Duck pancakes

 

[Matt_01]

Time to start SYD-SIN

 

[Matt_01]

Some time in TPR.

 

[Matt_01]

After leaving SIN we boarded a 777 to ICN in F but less than 1 day into travel I have already forgotten to take photos of that flight. That been said I had been well watered with Dom so sleep was a higher priority. I personally like the SQ 777 F as I find the product quite good and with wide seats are good for sleeping.

Arrival at ICN is painless, took the train to the city.

No need to carry luggage up the stairs, just put them on the conveyer.

Walking to the hotel.

We stayed at the The Plaza Seoul which seemed like it was close to most things. I always like it when free stuff is waiting in the room.

 

[Matt_01]

Next a walk through Gwanghwamun Square on the way to Gyeongbokgung Palace.




Creative fairy floss art, have not seen this before

 

[Matt_01]

Gyeongbokgung Palace a few photos of building and gardens within the palace grounds.

 

[Matt_01]

Within the grounds there is also a national folk museum of Korea

 

[Matt_01]

Leaving the Palace, just a few more pics, then wandered through different areas on the way back to the hotel.


I am not sure what this sculpture is about. My take " your head is so far up the boss's cough" and the chap in white, the CEO, who knows.

Insadong area.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

 

[Matt_01]

Walked up the Mount Namsan to the N Seoul Tower. It seemed like a good idea at the time but half way up maybe the cable car would have been a better option. I am not as young or fit as I still think I am.


The view as we wandered up

A bit higher up

Still more to go and on the other side of the wall it is very steep


At the top, well almost. and there are love locks everywhere

 

[Matt_01]

At the top.

 

[Matt_01]

Just a couple of random pictures



The National Museum of Korea.


Gangnam just to find a shop that seems to always be on MrsM radar and she seems to find them all the time.

 

[Matt_01]

Bukchon Hanok Village is a great place to see traditional housing, there are also a signs up reminding you that you are in a residential area so keep the noise down and not to go into houses.



Other random photos.


Bell pavilion

 

[Matt_01]

Jogyesa Temple Complex

 

[Matt_01]

Unhyeongung Historic complex/ Royal Residence.

 

[Matt_01]

Gwangjang Markets

Donghaemun Design Plaza

 

[Matt_01]

Changdeokgung Palace

 

[Matt_01]

War Memorial of Korea, this is a good place to visit and it is large.

 

[Matt_01]

Some more photos of the War Memorial.

 

[Matt_01]

From the original wall and gates I was surprised how much remains in place and you can walk along it however some parts are steep.


It was also nice to see the traditional dress and it seems to be worn frequently

 

[Matt_01]

Seoul and Korea in general is a place we will be coming back to, however for now it is was time to head back to ICN and go to HKG.

Asiana J Lounge

A few clouds on the way down