As I relive my trip through these posts, I’m forever thankful that my three weeks in South Korea were back in October/November last year before our world changed. I’m following the situation in Korea as much as my own country, and marvel at Korea’s latest adaptation I heard on CBC news this morning — Seoul set up a drive-in movie (remember those?) that sold out in ten minutes! Continue reading Jeju Island’s Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
Tag Archives: Seoul
Seoul Forest
This large reserve had an eye on children because attractions such as the insect pavilion and feeding spotted deer had hoards of excited children at these sites. Continue reading Seoul Forest
Yeouido Park
Amidst shimmering highrise buildings and the constant hum of traffic sat a rectangular oasis of calm — Yeouido Park. I planned to avoid Seoul’s tourist meccas that fine morning and picked the perfect location. Continue reading Yeouido Park
National Palace Museum of Korea
Although all signage within Gyeongbokgung Palace was also in English, to gain a deeper sense of how the royal family ruled, I recommend a visit to the National Palace Museum of Korea located just outside the palace grounds. Continue reading National Palace Museum of Korea
Gyeongbokgung Palace
On the outskirts of Bukchon Hanok Village was Gyeonbokgung Palace. On my visit to the country’s capital eleven years ago, I’d toured two of the six palaces in Seoul and found the architecture and layout similar. This complex however, seemed larger and without a map, I wandered it’s many buildings that felt like I was moving through a maze. Continue reading Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Village
I hiked past Seoul crowds up to Samcheong Park with a view of the city between lush vegetation. But it was the early architecture I came to see, so I turned back to face the tourist buses and hoards roaming the streets to spot those tasteful houses from the past. And I wasn’t disappointed. Continue reading Bukchon Hanok Village
Incheon’s Japanese past
On my way back from Australia, I stayed in Incheon rather than Seoul. It was closer to the airport and turned out to be a good move. The town was a walkable size with a lush park and history connected to the Japanese and Chinese. Continue reading Incheon’s Japanese past
Seoul’s Changdeokgung Palace
I was close to done with palaces, but the final one was worth the visit.
Changdeokgung Palace secreted one surprise after another. I turned corners and artistic buildings crystalized. Even the walls surrounding palace structures were impressive. Unlike Deoksugung Palace, I accompanied a guide. There was no choice! Continue reading Seoul’s Changdeokgung Palace
Mt Inwangsan’s Zen Rocks’ power
I climbed Mt Inwangsan to the Zen Rocks where a woman gestured before the boulders in prayer. This was where those who couldn’t conceive came in the hope the Zen Rocks would answer their need. Continue reading Mt Inwangsan’s Zen Rocks’ power
Seoul’s Bongeunsa Temple
While people prayed before a Buddha statue in Bongeunsa Temple, I tiptoed around until I came across lanterns. Devotees pinned a prayer to the bottom of lanterns that swayed in the breeze in the hope their prayer would be fulfilled. Continue reading Seoul’s Bongeunsa Temple