Seoul, just discovered and already passed by

Slept quite long today. After that, had an unexplainable craving for pancakes. So we made our way to Itaewon, which is apparently also called the foreigner's quarter because many foreigners live there. On the way there, we understand why: the US military has settled there, and the stationed soldiers sometimes crave home-cooked food. After breakfast (or rather lunch), we stroll through Itaewon, which alternates between interesting galleries and shops and touristy restaurants. Overall, the area is appealing. But I have never seen such steep streets in my life! The pancakes were partly burned off anyway (no, not really, but one can still pretend).

Since we couldn't see everything in the National Museum of Korea two days ago, we went back again. It's really worth it. Although I would have liked to see the more modern face of Seoul (there are sooo many other interesting museums and galleries), the National Museum was essential for me to understand the history of Korea. What is less illuminated are the religions of Korea, actually only "Buddhist Korea" is in the foreground. But since it is much more artistically interesting than "Confucian Korea" or "Christian Korea", I have no complaints at all.

After the second visit, we went to N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain (Seoul's home mountain). We caught the last few minutes of dusk and a view of Seoul in the evening light that you won't forget so quickly. Trillions of locks (estimated by the math genius Fani) hang on the railings around the platform at Seoul Tower, which have been left behind by couples and friends of all kinds. Despite the many people, it's a romantic spot.

We walk down from the mountain (definitely also a beautiful walk during the day) and have a fantastic meal at an Italian Osteria in Itaewon. Big city feeling: here you can get anything!

Tomorrow we will continue to Busan.