Tom, Beth and Matt traveled from JFK airport in NY to Incheon Airport in Seoul on Wednesday/Thursday (we lost a day in the process). The flight was 13.5 hours on the largest plane any of us have traveled on. It was an airbus with 2 levels and 10 seats across and a pretty comfortable flight.
We’re staying in an apartment in a high rise building we booked through Airbnb. Our host is a lovely woman who has been really helpful and even met us at the bus stop to walk us to the apartment.
We planned a light day for our first full day in Seoul, didn’t want to over do it because of our jet lag, and went to the Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden. The palace and gardens date back to the 14th century and were built by the Joseon Dynasty which was the last royal dynasty in Korea.
The Secret Gardens are also known as the Forbidden Gardens as only the royal family and their guests are permitted entrance. Even today you can not tour the gardens without a guide. We had a beautiful day with the temperatures in the low to mid 40’s. It was clear that in the warmer months the gardens would be amazing but it’s a little dreary in the winter. The pond below is said to be in the shape of the Korean peninsula.
We had lunch near the palace and had bibimbap, a mixed rice dish and seafood pancakes. The we’re both delicious but the bibimbap was very spicy!
You guys look so great. Happy to hear your flight went so well. When I look at the pictures I can’t believe you’re finally there.
Hope you all have a wonderful time. Say “hi” to John and family.
Love,
Lida
Flight was fine. They changed our seat assignments when we checked in and I got a seat with no seat in front of me because it was next to plane door. Awesome!. We are going to have dinner with John and Sun Young today at their place. See ya.