{"id":8151,"date":"2024-05-19T07:00:10","date_gmt":"2024-05-19T07:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?p=8151"},"modified":"2024-05-02T22:53:57","modified_gmt":"2024-05-02T22:53:57","slug":"10-days-in-seoul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gowatkinsgo.com\/?p=8151","title":{"rendered":"10 Days in Seoul"},"content":{"rendered":"

We only had a short time in Seoul, but we kept busy exploring bustling markets and historical sites and immersing ourselves in the local culture (including pickleball).<\/span><\/p>\n

Our first view of Seoul when we exited the subway was the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a UFO-looking architectural marvel that houses a variety of exhibitions, shops, and cafes<\/span>. The<\/span>\u00a0futuristic design of the plaza is a stark contrast to the traditional palaces and temples we visited.\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Our accommodation in Seoul was basic but surprisingly comfortable<\/span>. We<\/span>\u00a0stayed at Joy Guesthouse<\/span>. The<\/span>\u00a0first half of our trip was spent in one room with two\u00a0<\/span>sets of<\/span>\u00a0bunk beds (think college dorm)<\/span>. We<\/span>\u00a0got a second room for the last few days of our stay<\/span>. There<\/span>\u00a0is a small communal kitchen and a washing machine<\/span>. The<\/span>\u00a0host is responsive and provides nice touches like snacks and coffee<\/span>. The<\/span>\u00a0location is\u00a0<\/span>great<\/span>, near shops and restaurants with easy access to the subway. \"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)<\/span>. The<\/span>\u00a0impact of the division between North and South Korea did not sink in until we visited the DMZ<\/span>. As<\/span>\u00a0we stood at the Dora Observatory, looking out into North Korea, the reality of the separation of families and nations became palpable<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>Daria<\/span>, our guide, shared harrowing stories of human rights\u00a0<\/span>violations<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0but also<\/span>\u00a0stories of hope and reconciliation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n