Korea day 1

Korea-Seoul (-7 degrees celcius)
 

We reached Korea's Incheon Airport, changed into our thermal and winter wear before meeting our tourguide and tour members. It was chilly when we went outside to take our coach. We were told the the lowest temperature is -12 degrees celcius. Shivered at the thought of it. We took the coach to a place outside the president's palace. However, our itinery do not include the touring of the palace. Hence, we could only stand outside and take some pictures.

 

 

 

 

Surprising to see policemen playing this see-saw thingy during winter when its so damned cold. It is actually a traditional game of theirs that they played during their New Year.

The streets of Seoul

Spiral cone structure-heard that they used US$300million to build this structure

 

After that, I could not wait to get back to our coach to warm our bodies as it was far too cold for me! I rather forgo taking pictures. My hands were too cold and lazy to keep switching on and off the camera. Finally, we walked back to the coach and we were on our way to have our lunch-Korean Ginseng Chicken! Unluckily, Godma was vegetarian for that day and could only watch me savour the juicy and succulent chicken with glutinous rice. The hot piping soup managed to warm up my body a little. However, I did not quite like the first meal I had in Korea as I was not quite used to the taste. Did not try the Ginseng Chicken Soup in Singapore before, so I did not know the difference. But I am sure that the authentic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup would taste much nicer than the ones in Singapore.

 

 

Also, it was during lunch where Vicky Jie and family introduced themselves to us. Also, learned that Vincent is a vegetarian, kind Godma gave him one of her vegetarian food which was brought from Singapore. After the filling lunch, we proceeded to take airport for a domestic flight to Jeju. It was an hour flight but I still grabbed the chance and slept throughout the flight-must be jetlag from the previous six hour flight.

 

Jeju-do (1 degree celcius)

 

Finally, we reached Jeju! And guess what I saw? SNOW! It was the first time I saw snow! Took pictures, but the snow came down in small little bits, so could not quite capture the beautiful snow. Then, we proceeded to mysterious road. The reason behind its mysterious name is that vehicles will move by itself uphill even when the engine is off. COOL! Hahas, but it is man-made and not a natural phenomenon.

 

 

My first picture with Vicky 

 

This is what will happen if you leave your car out too long during winter.

 

After that, we went to a flora and fauna garden. It snowed harder there and I witnessed a picturesque scene of the white snow on the trees and plants. A walk through the garden nearly froze my toes.

 

 

The evening soon came. We went for seafood hotpot dinner. Actually, its quite early for dinner as it is only 4.30pm in Singapore time, and 5.30pm in Korea time. All the side dishes for all meals are almost the same. You will always find kimchi, beansprouts (which are super long and skinny), black beans, seaweed, and many other types.

 

Night started to fall after our early dinner. We went to view the dragon molten lava rock. It was super windy and chilly. I could not take it, so we quickly took a few pictures and scrambled back to the bus for warmth. I thought to myself "how am I going to survive the rest of the days in Korea! Its so cold!"

 

Finally, its time to go to the hotel for an early night. We stayed at ocean suites. I can finally relax my cold body in the hot shower. As you can see in the pictures, our room is nicely done up and furbished. There is a double and a single bed. PLUS! A toilet with a bidet where your butt can be cleaned automatically after you poop. (the wonders of modern technology) You need not even have to dirty your hands. But still, wash it after you have used the toilet!