Korea: Seoul Fishmarket, Palace, Museum Contemporary art, Lotus Lantern Festival (Day 4)

 

Day 4: Saturday 16 May

We started very early this morning and visited the Seoul Fishmarket. Already there around 8 o'clock we explored the enormous place; so much fun to walk around, make photos and enjoy the liveliness of this market. 

We bought a king crab (still alive) and were brought to a 'restaurant traditional style' (sit on the floor) where 'our crab' was prepared. At 09.30 hrs we were having king crab for breakfast. Our tool was a pair of scissors, which worked out fine. Best crab we ever had.

'our' king crab

breakfast 

After our 'breakfast' we went to visit the Gyeongbokgung palace. Gyeongbokgung, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395. A lot of pavilions which were destroyed and burned down over the years are (being) rebuild. It was busy this Saturday with lots of Koreans visiting, some dressed up in traditional clothes due to the Lotus Lantern festival.

the (changing of the) guards in front of the Heungnyemun main gate

detail of the ceiling

modern Seoul is always around the corner

0.5 selfie

the Hyangwonji pond and Hyangwonjeong pavilion

paying attention

tall husband

throne hall and more

dressed up in traditional clothes

the area of sealed jars, which just had been completed

After our visit to the palace we went to the MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art), which was opened in 2013 in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, a former site of Defense Security Command. There is still the changing of the guards to be admired in front of the gates. We admired the works of Korean contemporary artist Jung Takyoung.

MMCA

Live music on the lawn in front of City Hall coz of Lotus Lantern parade

an impressive sight: thousands of participants sitting on the 5 lane main road crossing Seoul city center, 

listening to the speech of a visiting foreign Bhuddist leader

the impressive Jongno tower for us a beacon in Seoul.

light show and lanterns along the Cheonggyecheon stream