Who: Tim and Gina Swanson of Denver.
Where: Gyeongbukung Palace, Seoul
Best meal: Eating tempura on the street by the Insadong Cultural Marketplace. There are many vendors to choose from, and you can eat for about $2 a person. People usually eat standing up in front of the vendor, and there is a warm spicy barley drink that is offered free to customers.
Best deal: The Insadong Cultural Marketplace features pottery, live music and demonstrations by local artisans and is close to the memorial to Korean independence.
Best time to go: We traveled to adopt our son in late March/early April, and it was beautiful. The temperature was perfect, and many flowers were in bloom. It was a lovely time to visit many of the palaces and gardens.
Best travel tip: South Korea has a wonderful subway system that allows you to travel easily throughout the city. Announcements of stops both visually and auditorily are made in English and Korean. Walk the streets by the Lotte World exit to experience authentic Korean street shopping.
