I Cried Twice Today
- Deborah Kade
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
This morning at breakfast, I thought of all my friends reading this blog. I especially loved breakfast this morning! However, I chuckled to myself knowing most of you are "gagging" on all the different breakfast choices being offered.
fried dumplings and fried glass noodles
The person sitting next to us thought this was tasty
The octopus was yummy but a little too spicy
The spicy chicken was delicious
Meats, cheeses, and breads
Homemade strawberry, apricot, and blueberry jam
Fig and apricot composts
My favorite honey is the chestnut one
Michael had pineapple yogurt
I tried every type of chicken that was offered. The garlic naan was good, too.
Nice selection of juices
Don't know what this tastes like
Better tasting than what it sounded like
The Danish was flaky
The banana Danish was banana cream and chocolate inside. I finish the meal with a chocolate dipped Madeleine. Madeleines are small, shell-shaped French sponge cakes featuring a signature "hump," buttery flavor, and light texture, typically flavored with vanilla or lemon. They are a classic teatime pastry made with eggs, sugar, flour, and melted butter, often chilled before baking to achieve their distinct, golden, crisp-edged look. Why wait for teatime when you can have them for breakfast.
I had mine and part of Michel's. Cream was tasty.
June's first stop for us today was at Changgyeonggung Palace.
"Located in the heart of Seoul, Changgyeonggung Palace was originally built as Suganggung Palace by the 4th ruler of the Joseon dynasty, King Sejong (r.1418-1450), for his retiring father, King Taejong. It often served as residential quarters for queens and concubines. During the reign of King Seongjong (r.1469-1494), the palace was renovated and renamed to Changgyeonggung Palace. It later became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden during Japanese colonial rule. The palace grounds remained this way until 1983 when restoration of its old grace was completed."
We were the only people at the palace at that time. Emotions overwhelmed me and I just started to cry. I could feel the presence of people.
This palace is not visited as much as the one we saw the other day. Locals visit and but not many tourists.
Built in 1483 by King Seongjong of the Joseon Dynasty, Changgyeonggung Palace, located in Seoul, originally served as a residential palace for royal family members, particularly queens and dowagers. Known as the "Eastern Palace" due to its position near Changdeokgung Palace, it was heavily damaged by fire during the Japanese invasions (1592–1598) and colonial rule (early 1900s), when it was briefly converted into a zoo and botanical garden. Following extensive restoration that began in the 1980s, it has been returned to its original, serene, and elegant form, showcasing traditional Korean architecture.
Cherry blossoms just starting to bloom
Original Purpose: Built in 1483 to house the royal dowagers of the previous king, rather than for primary state administration, giving it a more intimate design.
Destruction and Rebuilding: Destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and rebuilt in 1616. It suffered damage again in 1803 and was rebuilt in 1804.
Japanese Colonial Period: In the early 1900s, the Japanese dismantled many buildings and converted the area into a park named "Changgyeongwon," containing a zoo and botanical garden.
Restoration: Major restoration efforts, including the removal of the zoo, were undertaken in the 1980s, with restoration of the original appearance completed around 1983-1987.
Unique Features: Unlike other palaces, it is oriented to the east rather than the south. It is connected to the back garden of Changdeokgung Palace.
White moon represented the queen and the red sun represented the king
Queen's residence
Residence of royal dowagers
The next stop took us to SKKU- Sungkyunkwan University, where I cried for a second time.
"Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom, which constitute the foundational spirit of
Confucianism, are the four virtues humans should attain. Sungkyunkwan University’s educational objective is to instill these virtues in people’s minds."
Sungkyunkwan University is a private research university with campuses in Seoul and Suwon, South Korea. The institution traces its origins to the historic Sungkyunkwan founded in 1398 in central Seoul. As the foremost educational institution during the Joseon period, it was governed by the great code of the state administration with royal assent. By a resolution of the Progressive Intellectuals and Confucian scholars, it was restructured as a comprehensive university in the mid-20th century, and has since greatly expanded its academic offerings."
"Sungkyunkwan was established in 1398 and became the most prestigious educational institution in Joseon. Its name means "to make" "harmonious society".
"The school focused on in-depth study of the Chinese classics, Confucian cano, and contemporary literature; and on how to apply knowledge to governing the nation and to understanding the nature of humanity. It also served as a shrine to Confucian sages, and rituals were held regularly to honor them and their teachings."
Even today, students attending the school wear traditional dress.
As soon as we walked into the courtyard, we saw what looked like people leaving some type of ceremony.
We found out that twice a year they honor Confucianism. we just happened to be at the right place and the right time to witness this ceremony.
This woman reminded me of an actress I saw in "King the Land".
Another wonderful place to have lunch. I will definitely make my dish again when I'm home. I had the chive bibimbap with soybean paste.
Stopped to shop a little at Namdaemun Market
Check out the line for this very popular food stall!
So many people shopping!
Ginseng
Qomen wear this vest when they make kimchi.
Last stop for the day was Namsan Seoul Tower.
Originally built in 1971 as Korea's first general radio and television broadcasting tower, Namsan Tower played an essential role in the development of modern communication in South Korea. In 1980, it opened to the public and quickly became one of Seoul's most visited attractions.
"Namsan Seoul Tower rises above the city atop Namsan Mountain and is a beacon for K-drama fans and couples alike. Featured in beloved series like "My Love From the Star" and "Boys Over Flowers," it is famous for the love lock tradition, where couples fasten padlocks on the tower's fences as a symbol of their bond."
You can walk up or take the cable car.
Watched a weapons' demonstration
Great Views of Seoul even though it was quite hazy.
So many memories were made today! Fantastic, fabulous, memorable......... day comes to a close. Best decision that was made for this trip was to hire a personal guide and driver. We can't imagine getting around this city without one.
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