Friday hey!

Nice to run in some light this morning - still very cold. Happy to have found the linear trail pleasant running. I had read that ‘toast’ bought from early morning street vans was a much loved breakfast so I went down to a nearby van and decided on a kimbap version (over the other choices which sounded like standard toasties ie ham &cheese). Well I got a kimbap (the sushi type roll) that wasn’t what I wanted and was very bland without any sauces - so in the bin and down to the hotel breakfast - expensive but again delicious! Wonderful Korean spread. The day was setting out to be sunny so I headed to Gyeongbokgung Palace. A few train line changes but the train system is seamless (but be prepared to walk) - love the fanfare as the train arrives! Enjoyed the palace - a lovely way to spend some quiet time and soak up some culture. I then headed to my food tour station. I was early so I had a preview of the market - wow! I felt I deserved a beer so I went behind the stalls and though they initially weren’t happy I didn’t want any food they soon calmed down and I had my beer and an hours sit down! The tour group was 7 people and a great bunch to spend a few hours with. The guide is apparently some noted food and drink writer and he certainly seemed to be on top of his game. He pointed out the tourist traps of the market and the gems. He said he would show us great street food but it wouldn’t be the great food we would have already tried but some others. The tour went for 5 hours and included some Korean drink tastings - lots of stuff I wouldn’t have considered trying. We spent some time in the market and then went out into the back streets - a huge experience! The highlights? The noodle queen, Korean beef tartare, the kimchi tasting, the walnut pudding tarts, the brewed mochkli (??), true KFC (at last) - called chicken and beer here and finally a experience that will disappear soon - a few dishes in a traditional street tent. No more licences will ever be issued so when the owner dies… history right there! (and yes - along the way we were offered live octopus. Confronting but great shashimi!) I won’t add the video of the dish…… this was one GREAT tour!
PS - there is kimchi pancake here (we tried the market special Korean pancake) and I plan to return tomorrow after perhaps a visit to the towerWeiterlesen