I AM A-O-KAYE

Letters from Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace - November 2014 Day 6

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first palace built in 1395. This was the time when the five hundred year history of the Joseon Dynasty beg...

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first palace built in 1395. This was the time when the five hundred year history of the Joseon Dynasty began in Korea. The Palace was also considered the furthest north in comparison to its neighboring palaces Changdeokgung, the eastern palace and Gyeongheegung, the western palace. People say Gyeongbokgung is the grandest and most beautiful of all palaces. I beg to disagree with it being the latter. For we all have our own preferences, I believe Changdeokgung, along with its secret garden, is still the most beautiful. Nonetheless, Gyeongbokgung remains to be the grandest of all due to its size and distinction.

I have seen a lot of similarities with the architecture and design between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. During the Japanese invasion, Changdeokgung was burned down. Most of the materials used for the restoration of the palace came from Gyeongbokgung Palace. That must have been an evident reason why they had a lot of similarities in architecture and design.

Geunjeongjeon Hall (main hall) and Bugaksan Mountain at its back

Gwanghwamun Gate

Hello kids! Wala ba kayong pasok? ((:

Heto pa. (((:

Here goes our lakas-trip moments..

National Folk Museum of Korea

Find Your Sign ang peg nila lahat. ((:

The Rabbit

Hyangwonjeong Pond

Gyeonghoe-ru Pavillion

We were not able to tour the whole palace grounds due to lack of time. But before we completely left, we were able to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at the entrance of the Gwanghwamun Gate. They were in traditional colorful costumes. I took a short snippet of them performing their royal duties.

One thing that suprised us was that the pamphlets were sold and not distributed for free. We really wondered why for most tourist spots we had been to were available to anyone who bought a ticket.

Honestly, I did not know much about Korean history and culture until I visited Korea. It takes a lot of effort, time, and money to visit a country and immerse in it. But this trip is indeed a splendid experience that I could not just learn by reading a book. If I could remake the history classes I've attended in, I want to learn about history and culture by experiencing it. Maybe I learn better visually. Amazingly, as I began to explore Korea, I also began to realize how rich and beautiful Philippines is. Each country has its own charms that different people will admire and appreciate.

"May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants.

May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace. "

Psalm 144:12

Up Next: A Quiet Evening at Bukchon Hanok Village - Day 6

Letters from Seoul: Namsan Tower - November 2014 Day 5

Sunday, December 28, 2014

I enjoy climbing towers despite my acrophobia. Whenever I overcome this fear of heights, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Namsan Tower or N...

Sunday, December 28, 2014

I enjoy climbing towers despite my acrophobia. Whenever I overcome this fear of heights, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Namsan Tower or N Seoul Tower could have been the fourth tower to climb but my friends were not planning to climb it that night. We also did not have a lot of time. I also did want to climb it alone. So, I'm saving the climb for a day in the future. Maybe a cable car ride to walk to the tower will be better.

The tower sits on top of the Namsan Mountain.

Seeing the tower reminded me of Boys Over Flowers when Gu Jun Pyo waited for Geum Jan Di. ((:

The cityscape is the main reason why the tower is worth the climb. The other reason is to see the Love Locks, which is kind of similar to the Love Lock bridge in Paris, France. I never got to find the bridge when I was in Paris. But seeing the Love Locks in Seoul was a relief. I got to see what the locks really looked like in person. I also did not plan to grab a Korean man (or even a boyfriend if I have one) and secure our love in a teal-colored padlock with a pink heart in the middle and throw the key into the wilderness below. Noooo! Though it would be love suicide, I just don't think it is the perfect way to show your love to someone. Two or three years hence both of you might break up and end up with different lovers.

Though I think love locks look cute, I just do not believe in their power. When it comes to taking pictures of the love locks, they do not look good in pictures at night. We even had to simultaneously use our phones to add light to the love locks. So if your goals is to take good pictures, it is better to go during day time.

Love Locks

In various sizes. ((:

The famous bench.

The city night view was awesome. It was one of the best night views I have ever seen in my life. With a bird's eye view, you can see the city of Seoul.

While I was walking, lost in thought, by the tower, I remembered how God revealed portions of Himself to me throughout our trip. I just kept on trusting Him and listening to what He has to say.

Dearest Kaye,

I am your rock, your fortress, and your deliverer; I am your God, your strength, in whom you will trust; your buckler, and the horn of your salvation, and your high tower. (Psalm 18:2)

So do not fear or worry. Remember this, though seasons change and people's feelings come and go, my love for you does not. I am giving you a relentless love.

Your Best Friend

In Myeongdong, we all ended the day with shopping first and then eating after. Women can really bear without food as long as they are shopping! I am thankful for how kuya Nono and kuya JM bore with us and held their patience for us. One thing Joni and I realized is to find a man who can patiently wait for us. 'Yun eh.