I Like! Seoul. A City of Surprises

This is my fifth month living in Seoul, and I feel settled into my life here. I can get to any place within the city or beyond, in any type of public transportation. I can load my subway T-money card in Korean! Haha. I can blend with the locals in a crowded place. I enjoy kimchi, or any side dish served with a meal. I can finish a big bowl of bibimbap— with gusto! Yes, I feel like home.

I LIKE! SEOUL. I was charmed the moment I got here. The city is beautiful in winter, and twice as lovely in spring. I love the landscape of Seoul transform in different seasons. And there are countless of other reasons. Seoul is a city of endless, pleasant surprises. There is always something fascinating waiting around the bend. In Seoul, I never lose my sense of wonder!

....Sometimes, surprises appear on a fence.

Great works of art reinterpreted with a twist. A teaser for the upcoming opening of the UUL National Art Museum, Seoul in Samcheong-dong.

Sometimes, surprises come in a bottle.

I bumped into these cool, flashy, walking advertisements (Message on a Bottle, lol!) in Hongdae last winter.

Sometimes, surprises happen in the middle of a street.

There's always a chance I'd stop, look and listen. Street performances from budding, young musicians  are also a common sight in Hongdae downtown area.

Sometimes, I do not even have to look far. More than a week ago, I got surprise in my inbox! The Seoul Metropolitan Government has appointed me, together with 217 other people from 26 countries as 2013 Global Seoul Mate. How exciting! The goal of the Global Seoul Mate program is to promote the city through social media such as this blog—and this is my first mission.

A thumbs up from Haechi—the mascot of Seoul. "The Seoul Government are trying to get people and tourists to associate Seoul City with Haechi in the hopes that someday it will become one of the world’s best city brands." -Exploring Korea Traveling Guide

Sometimes, I see it on the sidewalk.

Appreciating the talent of a traditional Korean artist in Dongdaemun.

Sometimes, surprises come wrapped in fur.

Dongdaemun offers great finds for shoppers of all kinds.  Check out their Sunday flea market.

A peddler and his friendly, furry, four-legged helpers in Myeongdong. 

Sometimes, surprises come on a stick.

Yummy fried potato twirls sold in a snack shack in N Seoul Tower

That is no ordinary waffle dog! You get them in food carts all over the city.

And on lucky days, we even get to bring 'em surprises home!!!

My husband, Mannie, has become so fond of playing those "Love Push" toy machines and balloon-popping games. Winning even simple prizes is like hitting the jackpot. What joy!