Raymond Around the World: South Korea
After Raymond and I visited my friend in Tokyo, Japan, we popped over to South Korea to visit another friend of mine. Neither of us had been to Korea before, so we were excited to experience a new culture and country!
It was really hot while we were in Korea—especially compared to the North Pole—but we just ignored the heat and ventured out to explore. The Korean Peninsula is so full of history, so we made sure to take in plenty of historical sites. The first of which was the Jongmyo Shrine, a Confucian shrine located in Seoul. This shrine is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and houses memorial tablets for the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty.
At the entrance to Jongmyo Shrine
Outside Yeongnyeongjeon [Hall of Eternal Comfort] where the memorial tablets are stored
Checking out the different architecture in Jongmyo Shrine
While walking around another afternoon, Raymond & I happened upon Jogyesa Temple, the headquarters for the Jogye Buddhist Order. With its vibrant lanterns and colourful architecture, this temple really caught our eye.
Raymond about to enter Jogyesa Temple
Raymond especially loved the colourful lanterns
Another afternoon, Raymond and I emerged from the subway in Seoul to see a martial arts performance happening right in Gwanghwamun Square—how neat! After watching the amazing performance, we saw a statue of Sejong the Great, one of the most important kings in Korean history.
“Annyeonghaseyo, King Sejong!”
The statue of King Sejong is located near Gwanghwamun Gate, the main and largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Unfortunately we did not have time to visit this palace, but we at least took a photo near the gate 🙂
Raymond smiling, despite how hot it was. We shared a Mango Fruit Pudding Blended Juice at Starbucks [mmm!] to cool down.
While we didn’t have time to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace during this trip, we did make it to Changgyeonggung Palace where we enjoyed looking at the architecture and learning about the history of the palace.
Raymond taking a gander at Myeongjeongjeon [main hall]
Before Raymond & I went to Korea, I was a little concerned about finding vegetarian dishes for us to eat since most Korean food isn’t veg-friendly, but we were pleasantly surprised! From time to time, it was still a little difficult to find vegetarian food, but when we would find something, it was usually pretty darn yummy.
One of my favourite new dishes is bibimbap, which is white rice topped with julienned vegetables, sprouts, tofu, greens, sesame seeds, and an egg. Mix all that together with gochujang [hot pepper paste], and you have a super tasty meal! Bibimbap can also be served with meat, but of course Raymond & I would never want that 😉
Raymond eyeing my bibimbap in the 63 Building in Seoul
“Yummm!” says Raymond.
Raymond and I had a lot of fun on our adventures this year! Where do you think Raymond should go next year? Let us know in the comments!
cute
New York
When Santa’s reindeer have off for the season, Let me know if one of them can take a vacation in the Raleigh, NC area. There are so many things to do here. I would love to help in any way. Merry Christmas ya’ll
Raymond’s never been to New York or Raleigh, so he may need to add those to his travel “to do” list! 🙂
has Raymond made it to michigan? if not, he or any of the reindeer can come visit us!
Rylee, Raymond hasn’t been to Michigan yet either, so I will mention the idea to him!