So after 2 weeks on Ko Lanta we are on the road again, the weather looked warmer and more settled so we headed 6 hours on a flight North to Korea. Thailand has never been high on my places to visit but we’ve had a great time enjoying the beach and amazing sunsets
Seoul
So in line with the tradition that has been created this trip we flew into the country during a big storm and heavy rain. However, it promised sunshine and temps in the mid 20’s for the next day and remainder of the week.
Another country another currency and transport system to master, we are getting pretty good at this and within a couple of hours we were sat in a local cafe near our accommodation having, yep, you guessed it, some noodles!
Heading out the next morning the weather, as promised, was perfect, not too warm for wandering, but clear and sunny.
We came across an outdoor library event and got our first glimpse of the famous Seoul tower
There are palaces dotted around the city, but thankfully Richard agreed we should maybe just visit the main complex
People were dressed up in traditional clothing that you could rent – and then get free entry to the palace – but we weren’t convinced!
Heading to the tower we walked into a street festival, and I think this was K-pop but not sure.
After the distraction of the music we’d left it too late to head up the tower to see the sunset, so headed for a walk-way that cuts through the city that’s been made in a storm drain, with trees and planting, but still floods if there’s rain.
I’m pretty impressed with Korea so far, I think it could be a contender for first place over Japan. Seoul is much more relaxed than Tokyo and almost has areas that feel quite villagey.
Richard had some work to do so I booked onto a day trip to the DMZ (the border with North Korea). Not sure what I expected but after a couple of science stops and a cable car…
… we arrived at the border. Looking across what can only be described as stunning mountainous landscape it was strange to imagine how different life would be for those folks just a couple of miles away.
After the war North Korea continued its aggression in the form of tunnels into the south that troops could be sent through to invade. 4 tunnels have been found since the 50’s and they think there are more. We were able to go into one of the tunnels which it was only about 3 foot wide by about 5 foot tall, so a squeeze for me. Unfortunately as the area is still an active military zone we weren’t able to take pics in some places and the tunnel was one of them.
Heading out and back to Seoul you feel how the South still remain wary of the North, and although there have been some initiatives and cooperation between the two countries, it still appears to be a very fractious relationship.
Last night in Seoul, we found a great little bar right next to our accommodation for a final beer.
Seoul has set a high bar for the rest of the country!
