Episode 04

The day

Saturday, 11 December 2027, in Seochon, the old neighbourhood west of the palace. A chapel on the hill, a hanok ten minutes below it, and snow, if the forecast is kind.

A small grey-stone chapel on a hillside with a snow-lined slate roof and warm light in its tall windows.

Three o’clock · the ceremony

Hansol Chapel

On the hill above Seochon, among bare trees. Up the lane from the old market; the last stretch is stone steps, so choose shoes with grip.

A hanok courtyard at blue hour, snow on the roof tiles and an old pine, paper-screen doors lit warm from inside.

Five o’clock · dinner and dancing

Solbit House

A restored hanok ten minutes’ walk down the hill, with one old pine in the courtyard. Follow the lanterns from the chapel, or take the shuttle from the chapel gate.

In order

The afternoon and the night

For the guests

Coming from Manila

What to wear: Formal, and warm. December in Seoul is often below freezing by evening. A long coat, gloves and shoes you can walk on stone steps in. The courtyard has heaters; the lane down the hill does not.
Getting there: Manila to Incheon is about four hours. From the airport, the train into the city and a taxi to Seochon take around an hour and a half. Seoul is one hour ahead of Manila.
Visas: Most Philippine passports need a visa for Korea. Check with the Korean embassy in Manila before you book, and leave yourself several weeks.
Staying over: Seo-yeon and Ji-hoon have a short list of places to stay near Seochon. Leave your email when you reply and they will send it to you.