Bukchon

I definitely have a favourite area of Seoul and that is the Insadong/Anguk/Bukchon area. It's an artsy part of Seoul where shop owners seem to take extra care to make their places look unique, well kept and creative. All along the streets are beautiful details in the stone walls and pathways, everything has so much character and is so clean. Leggy Maidenhair trees line the streets, carpeting the sidewalks with golden fan leaves, and the most delicious smells waft from the various restaurants and cafes as you pass. Our friend Sandy made a trip from Australia to investigate Korean glass art- she has collected some impressive work from many international artists, including work from Brian's recent show in February. Brian put together two packed days for her, which we all enjoyed! Bukchon is filled with galleries, so we made sure to spend time there. It is right next to Kyeongbuk Palace and the Blue House (where the Korean President lives), so while we strolled between galleries there was plenty of culture to soak in.

 This Buddhist shrine was in a quiet garden area behind one of the galleries. I imagine in the past other containers were used to hold offerings of water, but nowadays plastic is the way! I loved this entry- if you look closely you can see the piping has been sent through the logs that support the porch. So many cozy, fun places! It's like a vacation going here after so much time in our small country town.