Not far from the Grand Palace, is the great golden statue of King Sejong sitting regally on his throne. He is the highly respected fourth King of the Joseon Dynasty. I believe it was during his time when they call it the golden age in Korea. He was the driving force behind many inventions and…
In Gwanghamun Square, Admiral Yi Sun-sin stands guard over the city of Seoul. He is considered a National Hero. I came by here see the 12.23 Fountain. This special number is to remember the 23 battles he fought with 12 warships. The fountain has water jets that rise up to 18 metres along with 300…
A serene river flows right through the heart of Seoul. This is Cheonggyecheon. Quite simply, it is a great example of urban renewal. I came across this whilst walking around after dinner. Would you believe this used to be an expressway? A very busy expressway that one will find in any major city. So, when the…
Gwanghamun means “may the light of enlightenment blanket the world”. Founded in 1395, it symbolizes the creation of the Joseon Dynasty. However, much like Gyeongbokgung palace, it too has been demolished more than once. You would think the memory would be lost forever. But not quite. Maybe symbolic of the resilience of the nation of…
Realizing that many of the visitors seem to be headed towards left of the main palace, I did the same. There I came upon Sujeongjeon. Another grand looking and colourful palatial structure. This entire building was used as the King’s bedroom in it’s time. It was also during King Sejong’s reign (1418 to 1450) that…
After a long day, I decided I really needed something to perk me up. The Nanta theatre was good fun the night before but this time I wanted to go grand! After hearing about Gyeongbokgung Palace, I am inspired. Of the five palaces in Korea, this one is the top of the pops. It wears…
I had mentioned Sungnyemun gate earlier as a passing remark. But I really should do more justice to it. I have only been made aware that it is after all Korea’s National Treasure No.1! And so this post is to remedy that oversight. Sungnyemun gate is unofficially also known as Namdaemun Gate. Built in 1398, it…
After dinner in Myeongdong, easily a more upmarket area than Nandaemun market, I came across (quite unplanned) a sign advertising Nanta Theatre. I have heard about this from a Korean friend. But all she said to me is that it is an entertaining show. Not knowing much more than that, I walked upstairs to see what…
Pulling into the driveway of the hotel, I felt like a celebrity in the limo like taxi. But I was jolted into remembering that I was here for work when I was handed the receipt! Getting into Seoul, one word that kept popping up was . . . . Traffic. Unless you live in Canberra,…