Today, we started the day with a lovely walk through Hnabok Village. Although it was a quick stroll, the scenery was beautiful, and I really appreciated the architecture of the traditional buildings. The rooftops featured unique paneling and curved ends that made them stand out. What was especially interesting was that people still live in the village, so tourists are asked to remain quiet. The area is only open to visitors during specific hours to respect the residents’ privacy.

Shortly after, we visited a Buddhist temple, which was still decorated in celebration of Buddha’s recent birthday. At the entrance, there was a statue surrounded by important figures in the religion. We learned about the life of Buddha, including the story of his conception. According to tradition, Buddha’s mother had a dream in which an angel in the form of an elephant appeared to deliver a message. The message foretold that she would give birth to a child destined to become either a great king or a spiritual leader. The decorations at the temple were bright, festive, and full of color—perfect for such a meaningful occasion.

After the temple visit, we went to lunch, where I had kimchi stew. It was by far the best I’ve had during the entire trip. The broth was rich and flavorful, and there was a generous amount of tofu, which made it even more delicious.

Since we ended the day earlier than usual, we had some free time to explore the local shops. I was able to find a few nice gifts for my family, which made the day even more special. Overall, it was a memorable experience filled with culture, history, and great food.