The Hanok Village - another visit

I visited the Hanok Village yesterday - it is always changing with new buildings opening, new shops and businesses and of course right now the spring flowers were in bloom.

This photo is in the main street of the Hanok Village near the Tourist Information Centre. There were several paper sculptures doted amongst the flowers.

I had caught a taxi there (an experience as the driver could not understand my instructions), but he did take me there. I had wanted to walk down to the river where there were some other museums.

A wander in the village

In the Jeonju Hanok Village there are many photo opportunities especially in spring as the azaleas and other flowers are in bloom. There is so much to see - I've been there three times already and still there is more to see, so I plan to get back.

It was the old part of town, and is being revamped to make it a tourist haven. This little street has cafes and shops along its length and a great water feature. At one point there is a stone water fountain where the water trickles down into the "river" that winds its way along the footpath. The water is only a few inches deep but it is quite a feature.




At various points along the way is a point on the pavement that says something like "take photo from here" which gives any budding photographer an idea where to stand to get a good photograph of the feature - which may be the water wheel above, a statue, or other place of interest.

There is much construction work going on and still much to do - and of course people live here as well as work here. The shop keepers are great - and many try their English skills with me. I've been given tea in shops, and taken from one shop to another by one of the shop keepers and even when I don't spend any money. Their courtesy is impressive.

Another day - another restaurant

Yesterday we went to a dumpling restaurant but the guys didn't think they were good enough so today after class they took me to another place - a restaurant that has been in business for over 35 years.

It was in the middle of the famousHanok Village. The Hanok Village was a very old run down part of town, but is slowly but surely being transformed into a wonderful tourist spot.

We entered the village from the rear I think, along a narrow stoned roadway, and we walked along the road past lots of little shops with Korean foods, artifacts and so forth. There was a Furniture Museum, as well, and of course lots of restaurants.

We turned down a side street to a little narrow entrance that opened up into rooms full of Koreans. Part of the restaurant was for those who wanted to sit on the floor, so they left their shoes at the entrance - rows and rows of shoes. (I wonder how many get accidentally taken?) It seems such chaos.

Soon our meal arrived. Small tasty dumplings that you dunk into Soy sauce and then in one mouthful push them into your mouth! With metal chopsticks. Quite an art. Then they brought noodle soup - which was very tasty with vegetable. It is hard eating noodles with chopsticks, especially anyone like me who is still trying to become familair with the metal chopsticks, but I managed to eat most of my meal.

Then it was a short walk back to the car through the village, and a ride home. Home before 8 pm. Good. I'm tired.