View this article in another language
- 한국어
- English
- 日本語
- 中文
- العربية
- Español
- Français
- Deutsch
- Pусский
- Tiếng Việt
- Indonesian
By Honorary Reporter Dianne Therese Sencil from the Philippines
Videos = Dianne Therese Sencil
My face was caressed by the cool breeze the moment I set my feet on the pavement filled with fallen cherry blossoms on my first day in Seoul with my family. The cold is something my body was not used to. Yet despite this unfamiliar weather, I was relaxed and felt thrilled about the adventures and learning waiting for us to discover.
The tour of the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) was the main stop of our trip for the day. As the official residence of the president, this city landmark covers a wide space filled with greenery, blooming spring flowers and notable structures. The complex is guarded by well-groomed and highly trained personnel and surrounded by tight security but the atmosphere is never intimidating. Instead they are incredibly polite and attentive to everyone. After the tour, adult visitors received customized mugs and children got card holders as souvenirs.
To visit the Blue House, make a reservation three weeks prior to your desired date to secure a spot.
Since we still had plenty of time after being dropped off at Gyeongbukgung Palace's East Gate parking lot (which is also the visitor's waiting area) by shuttle bus, we jumped on the chance to explore nearby landmarks such as Gwanghwamun Square, National Museum of Korean Contemporary History and Cheonggyecheon Stream, which reminded me of my younger self.
The 11-kilometer eco-friendly spot in the middle of Seoul's bustling central district reminded me of my high school days. All the planets, elements, DNA structure and astronauts hanging in the air to mark the Korea Science Festival awakened my love for science and made me reflect on the amazing days I spent studying this area of knowledge. The sound of the rushing water also created a calming atmosphere, and I can see why so many people come to this significant space after work to sit down and just be themselves after a long day. And how can I forget the vibrant and alluring flowers displayed at every corner that warmed my heart? These are authentic beauties I don't get to see too often.
It all started with unfamiliar feelings toward a whole new environment that I only saw on TV, phone or computer screen. But at the end of the day, Korea warmly welcomed me and my family with the gentle touch of its breezy air that made us more relaxed and extra ready for a new adventure during the rest of our trip in the capital.
chaey0726@korea.kr
*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.
Videos = Dianne Therese Sencil
My face was caressed by the cool breeze the moment I set my feet on the pavement filled with fallen cherry blossoms on my first day in Seoul with my family. The cold is something my body was not used to. Yet despite this unfamiliar weather, I was relaxed and felt thrilled about the adventures and learning waiting for us to discover.
The tour of the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) was the main stop of our trip for the day. As the official residence of the president, this city landmark covers a wide space filled with greenery, blooming spring flowers and notable structures. The complex is guarded by well-groomed and highly trained personnel and surrounded by tight security but the atmosphere is never intimidating. Instead they are incredibly polite and attentive to everyone. After the tour, adult visitors received customized mugs and children got card holders as souvenirs.
To visit the Blue House, make a reservation three weeks prior to your desired date to secure a spot.
Since we still had plenty of time after being dropped off at Gyeongbukgung Palace's East Gate parking lot (which is also the visitor's waiting area) by shuttle bus, we jumped on the chance to explore nearby landmarks such as Gwanghwamun Square, National Museum of Korean Contemporary History and Cheonggyecheon Stream, which reminded me of my younger self.
The 11-kilometer eco-friendly spot in the middle of Seoul's bustling central district reminded me of my high school days. All the planets, elements, DNA structure and astronauts hanging in the air to mark the Korea Science Festival awakened my love for science and made me reflect on the amazing days I spent studying this area of knowledge. The sound of the rushing water also created a calming atmosphere, and I can see why so many people come to this significant space after work to sit down and just be themselves after a long day. And how can I forget the vibrant and alluring flowers displayed at every corner that warmed my heart? These are authentic beauties I don't get to see too often.
It all started with unfamiliar feelings toward a whole new environment that I only saw on TV, phone or computer screen. But at the end of the day, Korea warmly welcomed me and my family with the gentle touch of its breezy air that made us more relaxed and extra ready for a new adventure during the rest of our trip in the capital.
chaey0726@korea.kr
*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.
