I took a leasurly walk through Gwanghwamun, along the Cheonggyecheon and up through Myungdong early last evening to get a feel for Christmas eve in Seoul. The lights were were just coming on and lent a festive feel to this solitary stroll. Palatable was the energy vibrating off the young couples this evening. Christmas is definitely a romantic holiday in Korea, very little solemnity about it. I imagine the love hotels did a roaring trade last night. Big plans were made and even bigger mistakes probably, but I won't go there. As usually the top of the stream was used for some civic festival or promotion, staged with Emcee, dancing, singing and what not, but I didn't stay long enough to find out what. Myongdong was frantic with people and these days tourists from Japan and Taiwan. Lots of couples walking around with most young woman in this years issued choice of wear, black stockings. After walking to the Temple of Heaven by the Westin Chosun Hotel and contemplating a bit, I headed home to a Christmas eve meal.
