Hey y’all! Today was one of the most culturally rich days of our trip so far. We visited Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighborhood where traditional Korean homes, called hanoks, are still preserved and lived in. Historically, this area was home to aristocrats and even royal heirs after marriage. Walking through the narrow alleyways felt like stepping back in time, with the curved tiled roofs and wooden structures standing in quiet contrast to the modern city surrounding them. Since people still live there today, we were reminded to be respectful and keep our voices low. This was something I appreciated, as it emphasized that this wasn’t just a tourist attraction, but a living, breathing piece of history.
Afterward, we visited the largest Buddhist temple in Seoul. The grounds were filled with bright decorations for Buddha’s birthday, which is a major celebration in Korea. Seeing the lanterns and offerings reminded me of how deeply tradition and spirituality are still woven into modern Korean life. The atmosphere was both peaceful and festive, showing how communal and inclusive religious observance can be here.
For lunch, I had a bowl of spicy hand-cut noodle soup, which was both flavorful and comforting. After eating, we spent more time exploring the village and its shops, many of which sold handmade crafts and traditional trinkets. I love how Korea puts so much value on artisanal work and preserving cultural heritage through everyday items.
To cool off, Noa, Riya, Maddox and I shared some bingsu, which is a milky shaved ice dessert topped with fresh strawberries and condensed milk. It was the perfect mix of sweet, cold, and refreshing.
Today reminded me how culture isn’t just preserved in museums, but in the way people live, celebrate, eat, and make things. It was powerful to see how Korea holds onto its past while still moving forward.
