A city of contrasts

Seoul has been a shock to the system. Not because of its size or population but it’s very cold, being a few days from winter. This morning - -3, yep, that’s right, -3. Thank goodness I brought the beanie and gloves. I’ve needed them.

The metro is frequent and fast and very inexpensive to use. Though I’ve walked as much as I can, there’s so much more to explore on foot.

People are very helpful, if you look lost they’ll ask if they can help, even if they don’t speak very much English. Most of the guides I’ve had on palace tours here have great English – most of them have lived or studied overseas.

The contrast between the ancient and the modern in Seoul is striking but add to that the brilliant colours of autumn, even on a cloudy day, it is stunningly beautiful.

Insadong, the area where I’m staying, is very central, not only to art galleries, ancient palaces and more shops than you can poke a stick at, it also has the oldest hanok village in Seoul, I discovered completely by accident.

Vising the DMZ was an experience. Sadly, we couldn’t see much of North Korea, it was too foggy and pictures are strictly forbidden once you cross into the DMZ zone. I was surprised to find that most of the dos and don’ts for this area are not dictated by either North or South Korea, the UN holds sway and if they say you can’t, you can’t.

As I head for home (and warm weather) I realise how much more there is to see here even in Seoul itself. But next time, I’ll be coming in spring.Читать далее