Day 3 (8.15)- Liberation Day/Umbrella Brigade

We were lucky enough to enjoy Seoul during Korea’s independence day, celebrating liberation from Japanese occupation in August 15, 1948. The holiday is known as 광복절 (Gwangbokjeol), which translates to “The Day the Light Returned.” Ironically, on a day of celebration of peace and light in Korea, we were greeted by thunderstorms and an all-day torrential downpour that even the locals found to be bit much to handle. Still, in true Seoul spirit, we powered through.

First on the list was Changdeokgung Palace, essentially, the vacation home of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty who ruled from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. It’s Korea’s equivalent of Windsor Castle. The Palace was dripping with rain, yet this made it even more wonderful to behold with architecture that looks so intricate and well-cared for, you’d think it was designed yesterday. Even our local tour guide was a bit at a loss for words at the monsoon we faced crossing the grounds. “I’ll never forget this tour,” he said with a look of apprehension as he tried to decide which way to step to each spot without ruining his shoes.

(see above as the King checks his cell phone in the rain…..everyone is always locked in on their electronics in Korea, even in the Joseon Period apparently)

While excited to see some staff dressed in traditional garb, we were all a bit disappointed we didn’t see any women there in the traditional Hanbok, beautiful ballgown-shaped dresses worn by Korean women in the olden days that are now most commonly seen during traditional weddings or holidays. Since the 15th was the latter, we assumed we’d see quite a few of the intricate, brightly-colored dresses during our visit. Of course, we got our fill as we were about to exit the palace, as a group of about 10 tourists who rented their own Hanbok were having a photoshoot on the ideal date, with less-than-ideal weather. One of them caught my eye instantly….a woman with a gorgeous lilac skirt, her entire outfit covered in golden butterflies.

Pause for a “Wizard of Oz” effect….

She was particularly helpful as a photographer despite her regal appearance….as a strange juxtaposition of traditional and technological Korea.

Of course, there were many other beautiful Hanbok…well worth the wait to get some candid photos of.

Finally, after a long, cold, and muddy visit to the palace, we went out to explore Seoul’s favorite shopping districts among tourists and locals alike.

First was Insa-dong, a stretch of shops with traditional craft items such as name chops (personal stamps), ceramics, Hanbok, and of course, the more kitschy variety of items as well. Who can leave any major city without an “I <3 (insert city name here)” shirt? Personally, I was most interested in visiting the local Starbucks, the only one in the world whose marquee has the name written in a language other than English. Its sign spells “Seutabeogseu Keopi,” in Hangul, which when sounded out, is pretty self explanatory, regardless of your Korean language proficiency.

(shoutout to this girl’s stylish outfit that makes up for the fact the first part of the Starbucks sign is cut out of the shot)

This trip ended for me in Myeongdong, the most magical Mecca for makeup lovers I’ve ever seen. Myeongdong-The Most Magical Mecca for Makeup Lovers….Say that 5 times fast…

This place was lined with street food vendors with strange eats, ice cream stands with sweet treats, and some of the most quality makeup on the planet at the cheapest price. Stores like Innisfree, TonyMoly, and Etude House are more obscure than your average Sephora or Mac in the states, but they offer the same type of products, and then some for a fraction of the price. The best part?  Half the stuff you go home with you get for free. They hand you beauty mask samples to get you to go in the store, which of course always works, then when you buy something, they give you even more free products to keep you coming back. It’s a vicious marketing cycle that I sure wished would catch on in stingy American stores….