Starting off the new decade with my soul mate, Kelly. We decided to revisit South Korea on January 1, 2020, to spend some quality time together. After a hectic and busy 2019, we were excited to embrace the new year and all its opportunities.

We spent five relaxing days and five chilly nights in the land of the morning calm. South Korea has always held a special place in our hearts, and it was the perfect destination to recharge and reconnect with each other.

As we explored the bustling streets of Seoul, we were reminded of the beauty and diversity of Korean culture. We visited traditional markets and sampled delicious Korean cuisine, including our favorite, Korean barbecue and fish cakes!

First in our itinerary is the Deoksugung Palace. We weren’t able to visit this before so now’s the perfect time to explore. Situated at the bustling junction of downtown Seoul, Deoksugung Palace is renowned for its picturesque stone-wall pathway. This majestic palace stands out from the rest as it is the only one to be flanked by a cluster of western-style structures, lending a distinctive charm  and unique striking contrast to the surrounding vista.

The palace’s strategic location at the intersection of the city’s busiest streets provides easy access to visitors. The elegant stone-wall pathway, a popular feature of the palace, is a testament to the stunning craftsmanship of past artisans. Deoksugung Palace offers visitors a glimpse into Korea’s rich cultural heritage.

Our next stop is Haneul Park, also known as the Sky Park, situated right next to Seoul’s World Cup Stadium. It’s a scenic oasis at the heart of Seoul and a beautiful escape during the winter months.

The park’s rolling hills are covered in a golden-brown hue, which contrasts beautifully with the blue winter sky. Visitors can hike along the park’s trails, taking in the stunning views of the city skyline and the Han River. The park’s wind turbine and various sculptures and artworks add to its unique charm not to mention Instagram-worthy spot.

Haneul Park provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing visitors to soak in the beauty of nature and appreciate the changing of the seasons.

On to our next, the Ehwa Women’s University. Ewha Womans University, located in the heart of Seoul, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city. The university’s stunning Gothic-style architecture, sprawling campus, and lush gardens make for a picturesque and memorable experience. Visitors can stroll through its winding pathways, taking in the grandeur of the historic buildings and enjoying the serene atmosphere. The university also features a museum, art galleries, and a library, offering visitors a glimpse into Korean culture and history. It is a unique and beautiful destination that should not be missed.

Do you know that the first Starbucks store in Korea was built in 1999 in front of the Ehwa University? It was refurbished and renamed as Starbucks R Store.

After a day filled with walking and exploring, hubby and I headed back to Myeongdong street food market to indulge in some of our favorite dishes and try out new ones. Despite the frigid weather, we couldn’t care less because we are totally famished. And because its super cold, we first got ourselves some hot fishcakes, the soup was pefect for the cold weather. Then we tried some teokbokki, a popular Korean snack made of chewy rice cakes in sweet and spicy sauce. We also tried freshly cooked bungeopang, a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste. It was a sweet and savory dessert that was the perfect accompaniment to our spicy main dishes.

Hubby tried the grilled squid and sausages. It was cooked to perfection and the seasoning was just right, giving it a subtle smoky flavor that mixed well with its the natural. I tried the Gyeran-bbang, or egg bread, its a soft, fluffy bread filled with a whole egg. The combination of bread and egg made it a perfect snack for any time of day. We also decided to indulge in some grilled lobster, which was worth every penny. The lobster was cooked to perfection. It’s juicy and tasty and a must-try food in Myeongdong.

To end our satisfying myeongdong streetfood experience, we tried the sugar-coated fresh strawberries, it was the perfect dessert to end our meal. They were big, juicy, sweet, and refreshing, which was a perfect way to cool down our taste buds after all the spicy food we had.

After spending hours trying the different food options, hubby and I were feeling pretty full. So, we decided to head back to Ninetree Hotel, which was conveniently located within walking distance from the street market and very close to Myeongdong Station. If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, I highly recommend Nine Tree Hotel Myeongdong for a comfortable and convenient stay.

After a long day we were ready for a good night’s rest. The hotel was quiet and peaceful, allowing us to get a great night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle another day of adventure.