SEOUL, Big City, Gangnam Style, K-pop, high maintenance, glitz and glam. Across the other coast, laid back, mountains, hiking, small towns, and another DMZ we also didn’t get to.
Gyeongbokgung also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace dates from 1395, and is the main historical monument in the South Korean capital, Seoul.
South Korea is high on my list of countries to get back to. I really liked Seoul, the food, the people, the streets. Outside the capital, there are apparently mountain ranges, beaches, castles and more.
I only visited South Korea for a long weekend from Tokyo, visiting friends, so didn't do a lot of sightseeing.
The UNESCO World Heritage fortress was built at the end of the 18th century.
Korean food rocks. I hope you know that by now. Specialty shops, where as few as one main dish are on offer, are the norm. Wish I ahd taken more pics.....wish I had gone more and stayed longer!
Hwaseong Haenggung is in Suwon, a city 30km south of Seoul.
Suwon was as far as we got in Korea. Next time!
Is it a frog? Is it a dog?
A guardian at Gyeongbokgung.
Love links on a bridge in Seoul.
A traditional drumming performace in Suwon.
Seoraksan is on the other coast, in the north (of the South...) and is an excellent but popular hiking destination.
Best to stay out at the mountain, and beat the crowds, especially on weekends.
Despite a multi-kilometre traffic jam leading to the carpark, there a plenty of quiet spots.
Those with more stamina and commitment can hike for days in Seoroksan.
Sokcho on the coast is a feeder town for Seoroksan, and there is another DMZ north of there. Access by private transport only- no buses, no hitching! (We didn't get there.)