Last night, we visited the largest aquarium in Seoul. They displayed fish in household appliances like a refrigerator and washing machine, and fish in a telephone booth, mail box and a digital harp. Must be Korean sense of humor.  

Though not a new trend, it still fascinates me to see loads of Japanese tourists visiting Korea and touring the sights that their people burned to the ground for several centuries.

I wasn’t feeling so zen in the heat but there were some cool things to see.

Can anyone interpret this for me?

Gujeolpan refers to either an elaborate Korean dish consisting of nine different foods assorted on a wooden plate with nine divided sections in an octagon shape or the plate itself. The name is composed of three hanja words: gu (구, “nine” ), jeol (절, “section”), and pan (판, “plate”) in Korean. Foods are separated by color and ingredients, and comprise various namul (seasoned leaf vegetables), meats, mushrooms, and seafood items. The history of gujeolpan dates back as early as the 14th century in which it has become closely associated with the Choson royalty.

Found in Bukchon….
Japanese Apricot Iced Tea, Lemon Ginger Iced Tea, Homemade Pumpkin Rice Cake

One word: Divine

Taken from the Royal Palace…

My husband arrived last night for a quick visit and we had an amazing authentic Korean meal, inspired by dishes found in the Choson Kingdom and the eastern coastal city of Gangeung. The decor of this restaurant is worth noting for its motifs inspired by Seongyojang, a typical upper-class residence of the late Choson Kingdom. In the photo with the stones and black doors, the stones have names on them and behind each black door is a private dining room.

And so it goes, the wise-old Halmani always warned: Never marry an only son or first born son. You can’t tell in this photo that this man is holding hands with both his wife and mother.

Here’s what we are taking to our playdate this afternoon for the kiddies to enjoy when they are served tea. Each cake is a strawberry shortcake covered in different animal designs. LOOOOVE.