With sun light peeking through our curtains we awoke to a very bright and warm Seoul. Dressed and ready we headed out towards the subway. The streets where a more a live as people worked in their stores.

We took the subway to Gyeongbokgung Palace. As we walked up the main street towards the Palace we could see a strong Police presence and people preparing for a celebration. Korea are celebrating their 70 years since gaining independence from Japan.

We paid the small fee to enter the palace. The buildings and grounds where in amazing condition for there age (the palace was first built in 1395). I would later find out that the palace had been first reduced to ashes by the Japanese in 1500s (first occupation), then demolished again by the Japanese during the last occupation. The Koreans have painstakingly rebuilt the Palace to its former glory. The Palace and buildings where inspiring to see. Grand throne rooms, entertaining and eating rooms. We explored the grounds and then headed back to the main gate to witness the changing of the guard. It was great to get so close to this tradition. The soldiers wore traditional dress with shields and spears, some had horse bows and pole-arms.

Heading out from the palace we found a cafe selling waffles and ice cream, which was ideal as we needed to get out of the sun and cool down. With a healthy lunch of waffles in us we decided to follow Seoul Stream.

The stream had been developed to allow people to walk along it and paddle in the cooling waters. People where enjoying the stream and Thailand inspired fair that was at the start of the stream. Walking along the stream we witnessed families and friends of all ages taking advance of the cool waters and relaxing sounds away from the noise streets above.

Leaving the stream we re-joined the busy streets. We walked through the market we had seen the previous night. Stalls where piled high with spices, nuts and fish. Walking back to the hostel we noticed that all the shops where selling all sorts of goods from plastic cups to rubber bands. It seemed to us that they where more like wholesales, supplying the goods straight from factories that made them.

Back in the hostel we had a nap and got dressed to go out for dinner. Beverley had found a highly rated bar not far from the hostel we where staying in. The staff where lovely and the food was great. Back at the hostel we packed our bag and got ready for bed. Early flight tomorrow morning. Where will we be next?