Day 1 - Tosokchon, Gyeongbokgung & Seoul Tower's N Grill

First of all, I would like to comment on the our flight to Seoul on Asiana Airlines. We decided to choose Asiana Airlines as they were named Airline Of The Year 2010 by Skytrax, that and the tickets were cheaper than Singapore Airlines lol. But I have to say I have trouble understanding how it won Singapore Airlines tbh. Seeing as it won the award, I couldn't help but keep comparing it to SIA.

The service was no where as warm and friendly or attentive. But And worst of all, there was no personal IFE on the flight to Seoul! I was quite shocked when I realized that upon settling down in my seat. No personal IFE on a 7 hour flight WTF! Idk I've always thought that this was something pretty standard, and certainly not too much to expect from a 5-star airline? The only form of entertainment, besides a crying baby, was a tiny screen in the front, which showed a few episodes of Just For Laughs.

On the return leg, there was personal IFE, but the movie choices were pretty limited. They had Unknown, Inception, Rango and a few other movies. Since I had already seen most of them, I ended up watching Big Momma's: Like Father, Like Son lol.

The only redeeming factor was the seat itself, which was probably the most comfortable plane seat ever. There was generous leg room and a thick seat back which made it most comfortable to sleep on. Although I had trouble falling asleep on the flight to Seoul as I did not have a neck pillow. I bought one at a Daiso in Seoul and it is a life saver. I can't believe I always refused to bring one on board as I didn't want the trouble of carrying it around. It is SO worth the trouble.

Anyways, enough about the flight. Now to post photos!

Airplane food: Omelette with potato and sausage. Quite yummy :)

After landing, making our way to the airport and depositing our luggage at the hotel, it was already near lunch time so we went to Tosokchon, which was near the first attraction we wanted to visit, Gyeongbokgung.

First purchase, a bottle of green tea haha.

 It's supposed to be a really famous restaurant, known for its Samgyetang. But nobody we asked seemed to even know what we were talking about lol. Just arrived and lost immediately -_- Fortunately my mum happened to look up and spotted the sign above the buidling just across the road! For people who are looking for it,  it's at Exit #2 of Gyeongbokgung station, walk towards the Paris Baguette, Tosokchon is somewhere in front, turn left in one of the lanes (can't remember which one sorry!).

Yay! We found the place! As you can see my mum was very anxious to go in and eat, didn't want to wait for me to take a photo.

Inside the restaurant. Everyone's sitting on mats.

Within minutes, our Samgyetang arrived, with a small glass of ginseng wine which you can choose to drink or add it to the Samgyetang.

Kimchi and pickled white radish (at least that's what I think it is...)

After our meal we exited the restaurant. Thank God we went there early, a long lined had formed outside!

With our bellies full, we made our way to Gyeongbokgung.

Just in time for the guard changing ceremony!

 

A snack by the pond.

The palace was huuuge! We were exhausted from the flight exploring the palace so we went back to the hotel to take a nap and also freshen up before going to N Grill.

Taking a cable car up to Namsan Seoul Tower.

Chillin' in the bathroom.

In the restaurant; Some champagne, a toast to a great holiday ahead :D

Amuse bouche.

Breads.

Mozzarella Ravioli.

No idea what this was. But it tasted like some kind of potato soup?

Duck with some kind of orange sauce, I really loved this one.

Main course: Hanwoo beef (Korean premium beef). Highly regarded by Koreans due to its desired chewiness.

 

Damage to wallet...

Not cheap and food while good was not spectacular but I felt it was a worthwhile splurge for the view and atmosphere. I saw a guy proposing to his girlfriend at the table next to ours, it was so sweet!

Seoul Tower @ night!