Deep within the walls - casing the joint

Our target. We entered through one set of walls already, this is the inner section we need special permission as commoners and foreigners to enter. Only one thing for it then.

Ticket acquired for a princely sum (Pfffffffft I can't even type that with a straight face)



Something important now, to prove that I did not simply take these from the internet. One unflattering portrait (courtesy of Helen) coming right up! Wow, you can actually see that I don't feel great that day! XD Still better than the shot on the school website.



 Right anyways, so we were late to the tour but our tickets were to really get us in and pay for the upkeep and hanboks of the place anyway.

We (Myself, Helen and Karen) sauntered around and took lots of photos. Some buildings you can actually go inside but you had to take your shoes off. Not the throne room though.

 Swanky - but kings get all the best stuff.

 Like this adorable little guy. We debated it because he looks like a cat/owl/fat hybrid but it seems most likely that he's the white tiger. No, not that sort. Baekho. What is termed 'Chinese Astrology' is very influential culturally.  (In Vietnam, it's the Four Saint Beasts) So statues like this are all over the place. Fascinating and rather fetching.

We didn't explore the gardens too much (It was getting late  and hotter here) but there's lots of trees and it was really quite nice.  Plus, in the shadows of the mountains like constantly.

I believe this area was for hosting foreign hostages dignitaries. Lots of indifferent fish swimming near the surface- pets/convenient lunch.

Now, this is interesting. These appear on almost every buidling and what they are is representations of Saiyuki. Journey to the west. Famous adventure and fictionalisation of the travel of a buddhist scholar.

Although you'd probably remember this: Monkey Magic

 It turns out that I am the eldest by a few weeks but we're all tiger ladies. XD So here I am with Sir Tiger of the zodiac animals.

After a full day we wandered over to the tourist district for some shopping and food off the carts. I'd just snagged a hotdog with a really nice mild spicy sausage when we discovered a Taekwondo competition.

Young men kicking each other in the face, a great way to end the day. I particularly like how they do a little exhibition dance as the musicians drum them on before they fight.