June 10 to 14 2016 I felt like gadget-less James Bond, called away on a mission to a foreign yet familiar place: Seoul, South Korea. After 4 years, I found myself standing on S.Korean soil and although this was no holiday, it was nevertheless a great trip . Time to finish work, see Seoul and study the country…again. Having that chance to see a most beloved friend Soo-Jin made the short jam-packed trip even more worthwhile and memorable. Like my travel journal entries four years ago, I still love Cheonggyecheon청계천 stream that runs through the middle of the busy city. 10.9 km long, it runs through downtown Seoul and was a huge urban renewal project. It used to be the home of many who lived in shabby houses along the stream ( just think one of those stream communities in Philippines/Vietnam). It was an eye sore and later paved with concrete.…
South Korea
South Korea – Land of the Morning Calm
South Korea: Quick Busan trip
28 June 2012 Gyeongju to Busan is a short bus ride and after ancient Gyeongju, I was smacked with the more vibrant, surfing/beachy type culture of Busan. Some prefer to stay for longer but one day was enough for me. After a stroll around the port and a visit to the fish market, I basically spent most of the day walking around Gamcheon Cultural Village. The Gamcheon Culture Village is built on a steep hillside where amongst the houses and alleys, you can see many interesting local stores. Since Busan is well known for the film festival, they have a BIFF square. It’s rather dull so instead of checking out all the handprints left behind by stars, I spent the afternoon at books stores in Busan- a must for bookworms. Ended the night with some snacks at Busan’s many night markets. Busan- a great city but not the most…
South Korea: Nothing can beat Gyeongju
25- 26 June 2012 Bless Korean coaches- fast, efficient, reasonably priced and a great way to see the country. Gyeongju is my dream city and no doubt THE real Korea since things here are more cultural, traditional and historical. The people are also unbelievably chilled and friendly. In fact, I’ve had many people who reminded me that my shoelaces were undone. A simple but sweet gesture. Gyeongju (literally means “Congratulatory district” ) was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57 BC – 935 AD). It ruled about 2/3 of the Korean Peninsula (yes including present day North Korea). In 668 AD, Gyeongju became the center of Korean political and cultural life. Many archaeological sites and cultural properties were excavated in the city. Well-protected and not overtaken by the modern world, Gyeongju is often referred to as “a museum without walls.” Many of the historical sites are UNESCO…
South Korea: Tears in Daegu
23 June 2012 I met her in Year 5, an exchange student from Seoul. After all this time, I’ve held onto those childhood memories and for a few years, feared the worst when she moved back to Seoul. Letters stopped, I changed schools and contact was lost. However, luck was by my side. I managed to track her down and funny enough, she is currently staying in Daegu, a city on my list since I’ve always wanted to visit Haeinsa Temple.The express bus terminals in Seoul are pretty straightforward and always close to a metro stop. Since it’s low season, I got a ticket on the day and everything was prompt and easy. I really like the bus system here for its great efficiency, reasonable prices and ease. It’s a great way to see the country especially when trips are short. The four hour journey from Seoul to Daegu was…
South Korea: In love with palaces
21 June 2012 Gwanghwamun Square is a must. It overlooks Gyeongbokgung, a place that has served as the main palace for more than 500 years. Mt Bugaksan is to its rear and the main entrance faces the square as well as modern Seoul. It really is a nice blend of traditional and contemporary Korea. It was reduced to ashes by the Japanese invasion in 1592 then rebuilt in 1867 with over 500 buildings, palace walls, different courts, residence quarters and gardens. During the Japanese occupation (yet again) in the early 1900’s, this symbol of national sovereignty was demolished and land was transferred to the then Japanese official. More than 90% of the palace buildings were torn down and restoration of Gyeongbokgung back to its former glory has been ongoing since 1990. I arrived just in time for the Ceremony of Gate Guard Change. The Palace Gate Guards from the Joseon…
South Korea: First taste of SeOUL
20 June 2012 The 90 minute flight with 178 other passengers flew over new residential blocks in the outskirts of Seoul and eventually landed in Gimpo Airport. With 11 million out of South Korea’s 25 million people living in Seoul alone, the capital city is twice more than New York in terms of population density. The airport help desk provides travellers with all sort of information and a nice Korean couple helped me to find the correct 601 Bus. The bus ride was long and took me around many residential areas and streets in Seoul. The bus driver and passengers looked after me- they clearly sense that I don’t speak Korean. A nice elderly man went out of his way to stop me from getting off at the wrong stop. What a nice welcome. Seoul is home to many palaces and to make it easy, you can buy a group ticket for…