New Years in Seoul - Amazing City, Amazing Company

Approximate Date: December 31, 2010 - January 2, 2011
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Details: Nick and Becky ventured to Seoul for a New Year's celebration with East Coasters, Amanda and Andrew.

The day before leaving for Seoul. Snowy Mokpo fountain.

The building next to our bank has country flags hung across the sidewalk. It was easy to spot this one, but we weren't too sure why it has English written on it.

At the train station at the weeeeeee hours of the morning. With the crazy amount of snow we had, we were ill advised to leave the apartment about two hours prior of our 6am train to Seoul. Our director thought for sure that it would be nearly impossible to catch a cab in the bad weather, so we left at 4am only to walk outside and instantly see three cabs driving by. Needless to say, it was a long day.

Breakfast on the train.

First good view of Seoul as we crossed the Han River.

Snow covered shrubbery near our hotel.

A place called Texas Bar. As much as I enjoyed Seoul, the only drawback was how pricey food and drinks were. At bars in Korea, it is expected that you purchase food, like an appetizer, with your drinks. This isn't such a bad thing when you are hungry like we were - expect that a small plate of nachos or chicken ran around ₩17,000 - ₩20,00. Ouch.

The lights around Boshingak, a historic pavilion in central Seoul, where they had a bell ringing to mark the beginning of the New Year - the year of the Tiger. This was a little less dramatic than we were anticipating. The bell was a large gong that you had to stretch to hear over the millions of people who gathered. As soon as the bell stopped ringing, everyone who pushed their way past us was now quickly pushing their way to get back out. All and all Nick and I enjoyed the experience but the best part was that with all the people gathered so closely, we stayed nice and warn! The video below is a group of traditional dancers prior to the New Year.

I don't think I have ever seen so many policemen in one place before. Luckily we didn't get to see them in action.

Amanda and I holding on tight so we wouldn't loose each other in the crowd.

Nick and I cuddling for warmth.

Amanda and Andrew blending in with the locals.

This is Boshingak pavillion where all the action was taking place. I am not current of my K-Pop stars (don't tell my middle school girls this!) but I guess this is a big Korean hunk. If only I knew who it was, then I would have some serious bragging rights.

'11. Koreans will use most any surface for advertising.

The Texas Bar from above had a troop of carriages. The best part we noticed was that the driver had a button to push that made the sound of a strange, electronic neighing horse... Maybe intended to draw in some clientele? It only accomplished in freaking me out.

This was a dog we stumbled upon living in a scooter dog house that has an empty wine glass perched on top. His name is Il Shami. Please, do not touch.

A nice photo opp at Cheonggyecheon.

Something about the holiday season says 'umbrella' to Koreans. I don't get it.

An interesting bench we stumbled upon walking through the historic Bukchon neighborhood.

We found this great pizzeria called, Pizzette, for lunch on our last day. Cutest little place filled with a great vibe and lots of love. The owners had some amazing photography of their two Golden Retriever's as wall decor.

Oh, pup pups. I miss Bauer :(

Half cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and gorgonzolla) half black olives and pesto. Delicious.  

Changdeokgung Palace.

Changdeokgung Palace.

Nick standing with a sundial at Changdeokgung Palace.

 

Changdeokgung Palace.

An interesting wall we came across walking from Changdeokgung Palace.

More wall art.

We found the American Embassy. As we walked by I saw a McDonald's delivery enter the gates. I had to laugh.

View towards Namsan Mountain.

A wall of Hangul (Korean writing) in the King Sejong underground museum.

These are two traditional tea cups Nick and I treated ourselves to in Seoul. The award winning designer is named Yong Cheol Yu.

Each piece is hand stamped in white clay. This pattern was one of our favorites (within our price range) but much of this man's work was simply amazing.