8 October 2006: Deoksugung Palace and Itaewon

Deoksugung was originally the residence of Prince Wolsan, the older brother of King Seongjong. This residence became a royal palace after all the other palaces were burned in 1592 during the Japanese invasions of the Seven-Year War. After a later king Emperor Gojong abdicated the throne to Emperor Sunjong, he continued to live in this palace. The palace was then renamed Deoksugung, wishing for the longevity of Emperor Gojong.

At our request to visit some of the Korean palaces in Seoul (knowing that the serial Gung has been aired on Singapore's Channel U and is receiving much popularity), Liet and his Korean friends brought us to Deoksugung where we saw very much a combination of both Oriental and Western styles in the architectual layout of the palace. Large compounds and gardens abound, and lush trees fill the scenery.

We then walked along busy streets of the government district of Seoul. This is Seoul City Hall:

In the evening, we went to Itaewon, a popular hideout for Korean expatriates. Itaewon is very touristy, and we had not enjoyed the place much. The alleys were clogged by bars and cafes, and we eventually settled on Pakistani food at one of the back ones.