After the long flight to Seoul, we arrived at the hotel after 11pm, but I (being a dedicated 365er) immediately headed out to take photos of the colorful lanterns for the upcoming celebration of Buddha's Birthday. I walked up and down the main streets near the temple, trying various angles and camera settings. When I got back to the hotel and showed my husband the photos, he pick this one, which I had snapped as I walked out of the hotel. I could have been finished in 2 minutes instead of taking half an hour!
Although this tent sat outside our 4-star hotel, they are more commonly found in back alleys. Made out of plastic tarp, the inside furnishings consists of plastic chairs and tables. They serve soju (like vodka) and snack foods like chicken feet and noodles. Some have picture menus that occupy the entire wall from the outside.
According to a CNN Travel report, officials consider them illegal and unsanitary -- yet there are more than 3100 in Seoul! Apparently, those who frequent them cite the bare essentialness of tents as bringing out honest conversations and crossing class divides when going to the Pojangmacha.
