I traveled to the capital city of South Korea, Seoul. It is a very large city of 10 million people, but the people were still friendly. I stayed in a part of Seoul called Insadong, and it was more traditional part with lots of shops and narrow streets.
The streets of Insadong in Seoul
Whilst hopping around Insadong, I even saw some other frogs and we shared some stories!
Polly found froggy friends in Insadong!
I leapt into Gyeongbokgung Palace. Shane told me that it was originally built in 1395, but a fire destroyed most of the Palace more than 400 years ago, so all 7,700 rooms were rebuilt during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919). Shane said that it reminded him of a smaller version of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.
Polly hops around the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
There were many buildings in the Palace grounds, and it was great to see the beautiful and bright colours.
Polly at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
Many of the buildings are built around courtyards and because there were not many people visiting on a rainy weekday, I could hop around without fearing I would stood on by other visitors.
Lovely courtyard at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
However, one time when Shane was sitting to take a photograph, I hopped out of his pocket to take a rest. Shane walked off and five minutes later discovered I was missing. He was very worried, so he quickly retracted everywhere he had been and finally found me sleeping on a step.
Shane found me asleep after I hopped out of his pocket
You could imagine my surprise when Shane woke me, I didn’t even know he had gone away! We were very happy to be together again. Afterwards when we leaving, I posed with a guard in traditional clothes. They have regular guard changing ceremonies at Gyeongbokgung Palace when they beat drums and men in bright clothes carrying long poles with flags change the guard – it was very interesting.
Polly meets a serious looking guard wearing traditional clothes at Gyeongbokgung Palace
We left the Palace, and later in the day, I met two cute Korean characters and posed for a photograph. The lady wanted to keep me, but Shane did not want me to lose me twice in one day, so he smiled and took me back.
Polly meets two cute Korean characters in Seoul
After an exciting day, Shane, Fi (his friend who was already traveling in South Korea) and I ate a delicious Korean BBQ in a restaurant. Guests are given uncooked meat which they cook on a personal BBQ at each table.
Shane prepares to cook a delicious Korean BBQ in Seoul - thanks to Fi for this photograph
I enjoyed my time in Seoul. It is one of my favourite cities in the world and hope to return one day.
Tags: Polly 7
May 27th, 2012 at 12:31 am
Glad you found Shane again…or that Shane found “missing” Polly.
Interesting blog. I love your pics all around ESP while you were sleeping!
May 27th, 2012 at 6:01 am
This is a great post! We’re very lucky that Shane found you. I hope you take more pictures and do more write-ups about your trip.
May 28th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Do you know if frogs hold any kind of special meaning in South Korea?
May 29th, 2012 at 5:42 am
I like the pictures and think this looks like an amazing and exotic place to visit.
June 7th, 2012 at 9:08 pm
Whew! You had me worried when I saw the title. I’m glad everything turned out okay! Great post!