Seoul is my flashback of two things.

A summer dream.
A love once lost.

It was 10 summers ago when I started my romance with Seoul. It was that summer when I had my first paid job with Korean friends, my first annyeonghaseyo, my first kimchi and my first memory of Sassy Girl.  It was that wonderful verano when I fell in love with Seoul, and I dreamt of meeting her someday since then. A decade after and some battle scars here and there, the touchdown at Incheon felt oneiric. Ten years somehow was never too early nor too late to see a dream come true.  

And there was this man six Decembers ago. He was my first thought in the morning and my last at night. He was my Venus. I loved, then lost. But I healed and fought. I guess love knows no time. Six years proved to be neither too short nor too long to love over and over again, with the same man. These days, I travel with him in tow while I wear a wedding ring and his last name around. Now, Shakespeare, take that.

THE HERE AND NOW

Cheonugak Pavilion at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Cheonugak Pavilion at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

 

With lessons learned and better judgement, we are determined to make better memories. A week stay ended too quick but here is to share some remarkable moments. Our first stop is the Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, a re-creation of a small village that depicts the architecture and gardens of the Chosun (Joseon) Dynasty. The village is certainly not a disappointment, and so is Seoul itself!

This is just a teaser for more stories to come. Browse for more very soon so together, we can cheer to fiery hearts and to a better us.

One of the beautiful entrances to the traditional Korean houses at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
One of the beautiful entrances to the traditional Korean houses at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
A peek inside one of the traditional Korean Hanok houses in Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
A peek inside one of the traditional Korean Hanok houses in Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
A peek of the traditional Korean Hanok houses in Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
A peek of the traditional Korean Hanok houses in Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Walking along the stone walls at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Walking along the stone walls at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
A peek of the interior in one of the traditional Korean Hanok houses at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
A peek of the interior in one of the traditional Korean Hanok houses at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
A peek of the interior in one of the traditional Korean Hanok houses at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
A peek of the interior in one of the traditional Korean Hanok houses at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Jangdokdae pots at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Jangdokdae pots at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Traditional medicine displayed at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Traditional medicine displayed at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Food display for a traditional ceremony at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Food display for a traditional ceremony at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
A peek of the Cheonugak Pavilion and the pond at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
A peek of the Cheonugak Pavilion and the pond at Namsangol Traditional Village in Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.