Seoul
Seoul is the capital of South Korea. It is a city of incurable contrast. Seoul rates as the fifth largest city in the world. It has a population of 10.8 million. It now boasts high-rise buildings, 12-lane boulevards and urban problems to match, the centuries-old royal palaces, temples, pagodas and imposing stone gateways set in huge traditional gardens remain timeless and elegant.
I visited only a small part of Seoul. It never really appealed to me. It wasn't like being in Korea anymore. I lost the feeling of old country that I liked so much when I was in Seoul. I did learn to use the subway and am quite proud of that.
My favorite shopping district in Seoul was, by far, Insa-dong. Insa-dong is full of little antique shops, tea houses, restaurants, art galleries and furniture stores. It also has a very korean atmosphere.
Here I am siting on a statue in Insa-Dong.
Kyongbok-gung
This palace was Korea's seat of power for a long time. Built by the first Yi dynasty king when he relocated the capital to Seoul, this palace was the focus of royal power and the royal residence for around 200 years.
