Day 2: Seoul

Arrived 14:00 to ICN, easy to find the metro to Seoul, buy metro cards for 23,000 Won. Pass tidal flats, distant shimmering high rises, dense vegetation. Hot and humid. Transfer from airport metro to local line 3, then 4, off at Gyeongbokgung exit. Not the best choice, as there are a lot of stairs, no elevator option, and we are lugging a heavy suitcase.

Eventually find Hide and Seek GH, it is on a small street that Google has trouble finding (thus the name, I guess). Shoes off at the door! (of the room).

Light fading already, go down Sejong-daero, the main avenue leading S of Gyeongbokgung Palace. There is a quiet demonstration going on, concerning some relation between South Korea and the US, with a number of US flags about. Appears to be a positive theme, to my relief. A statue of Yi Sun Sin broods over the proceedings.

I expected downtown to look more futuristic, but in fact many of the buildings are somewhat dated. The interspersing of traditional royal palaces is an interesting touch. Speaking of that, arrive at Deoksugung (Palace of Virtuous Longevity), built in 1593 but not a primary royal residence until 1897. A few structures here built by British and Russian architects. Evening sets in and the many buildings are bathed in artificial light. FUN FACT: A Russian building was built specifically for Emperor Gojong to savor the celestial taste of coffee. He had become a fan of it while hiding in the Russian embassy in 1895, when Queen Min was assassinated by the Japanese. One of the many times Japan sought to control affairs on the peninsula.

Eat, finally, near Seoul Square (Udon and rice), return to hotel at 21:30.