Here's our friendly tour guide already briefing us on Korean's rich history

In the bus and so far not motion-sick

On the path to the palace. I couldn't help but noticed this tree. Seemed like a very large manicured bonsai.

Palace with the lovely mountainous backdrop

Other tourist admiring the palace atmosphere

Another perspective of this once grand palace

The front of the palace. Imagine, hundreds of years ago there would be far more guards protecting the entrance. I'd have to use supreme ninja skills to get this close in reality.

Here they come - palace officials of some sort?

Flying the flag high. These guys seemed to like wearing the color red.

And here are the green guards!

Filing in - archers ready for action.

Flag before the palace.

This is my friend Rannie aka @photojunkie from Canada. You'll see some of his handiwork in the photos further down.

This is Nick from Gizmodo.com.au. Too much glare in this one. Sorry buddy.

Ceremony over and now headed back out again.

New guard meets old guard.

That's one big weapon man. You should be smiling...

I'm at the palace, I'm at the palace!!

Singaporeans meet their new Korean friend.

As you can see it was quite a busy tourist morning.

And so it begins - this is where @photojunkie started showing his photography skills. I love how captured the mountain and palace in this frame.

And of course I had to return the favor

Canadian posers!

Alone in the snow

I forgot what this read. Any helpers please?

Here's the whole gang getting their photo taken - Canada, Australia & Singapore. Frank actually invited some other tourists to join us in the photo. Funny man.

Golden dragons emblazoned on the ceiling.

Stonified chicken? Magic spell cast as punishment for not laying eggs?

Patterns in the wall

See what I mean? @photojunkie kicks ass!

@photojunkie applying for his new role...

I too tried to get a role in the Korean Imperial Guard - failed though due to not perfect eyesight.

The lovely Beatrice as captured by me! This place in the palace was perfect for glamor shots!

Even the great @photojunkie wanted a piece of the camwhoring action

Even Singapore's LG Manager asked if he could get his photo taken! LOL - Look at that serious pose...

Another sub-section of the palace - I'm sorry for not listening to you guide!

This guy rawks. Frank from LG Canada.

What is it with all the LG Managers?! Here's Wayne wanting another photo of himself. He really needs to learnn how to smile...is this a Singaporean man thing to be so serious?

Aah, here's Beatrice showing the guys how to smile

And of course, I had to get a profile shot here too. Hey it was MY camera!

Each of those little statues represented an animal of some sort with a benefit to the household - again I apologise to our tour guide for being distracted by my freezing toes...

Believe it or not, but this is a chimney.

More chimneys that decorated the Queens own personal garden (yes I was listening at this point)

I am not vain ok? It's just not everyday you got a proper photographer with you in your tour group. Gotta make the most of it!

Mini-palace gate

Palace tour ended and we were headed for last minute shopping at tech place. Looks like the whole river is frozen over. Never seen anything like it.

TechnoMart, home of shop keepers who will call you over and try to sell you all types of warez. Pity I couldn't understand Korean...

Interesting people statues at the front of the TechnoMart

Shopping Mall elevators!

Lunch at TechnoMart food court - BimBimBap!!!

Having BimBimBap with my new found Singaporean buddies. I think I have too many Singaporean friends now - it's affecting my speech la.

Farewell my Singaporean comrades. It was a blast! Hope to see you in SG soon! (Beatrice, Wayne, Shawn and Andy)

Tim from www.gizmag.com couldn't help but pick up this Microsoft Arc Mouse. Nice and red!

Last photo of Korea. Tribute to the guy who took awesome photos and helped make the whole trip fun -> @photojunkie . Smile dude?!