From the Hills of the West to the Edge of the Far East: Seoul, Korea

This week's adventures are going to be from the heart and "soul" of Seoul, Korea!

Let's see where Korea is in this world......

Notice the big yellow country of China. If you look to the right you will see a small brown and gold area which is North and South Korea. Let's scroll in on that.......

Korea is very close to Japan - just across the bay.

Seoul is in the northwest section of South Korea.

We started our trip on Korean Air leaving Tokyo and arriving in Seoul two hours later.

Of course they feed you on this flight and what was on the meal ticket this evening?

We had crab and cream cheese wrapped in salmon, asparagus, pickled red onions, broccoli, hard boiled seasoned egg for the "salad". The main course consisted of rib-eye steak with a demi glace sauce along with a chicken breast coated with seasoned sesame seeds and a sauce for dipping. A broccoli spear enhanced the flavors of both meats. This was all complemented by an assortment of rolls, with a slice of cake that ended the feast. I was amazed at how good the airplane food was!

We landed safely in Seoul and found this sign awaiting us in the airport.

We got our luggage and took it out to the car. Notice the license plate. Very nice.

Well look at this! The driver is on the left side, just like in the US!! Look out the window and there is an English sign that says, "Seoul Welcomes You".

There was a big surprise as we were driving through the city looking at the skyline......

You can't really see it clearly, but the tall building on the right is a Trump Tower. I didn't know that Trump rebuilt Seoul! I couldn't quite count the number of high rises that had the Trump name on them.

I was impressed to see English on the road signs too!

We got to our hotel.....

and checked in.....

Kent had meetings the next day with his translator was at his side....

I was invited for the luncheon meeting and here is what we had......

The first thing (that I ate before I took the picture) was a delicious scallop along side a yummy shrimp. Now the other two things may give you chills up your back. Jelly fish that look like noodles and a 1,000 year old egg. Yes, I dared and yes, it wasn't bad like I thought. The things in the background are kimchee (spicy cabbage) and boiled peanuts. Have you ever had boiled peanuts? I hadn't until this lunch. They were great!

Next we had this absolutely incredible crab corn soup.

Followed by another scallop and sea urchin. I ate the scallop, but I just couldn't try the sea urchin. It looked way to creepy. I'm sure I missed out on something delicious though.....????

This is actually the best Chili Shrimp that I have ever had. Yummm!!!

Here we have thin sliced beef, pepper, and mushrooms. Fabulous!

This was wonderful! It was a mild white fish with a sweet and sour type sauce. Incredible! The great thing about this meal is it consisted of pure proteins and good carbs. For those of you who are lactose or gluten intolerant, or diabetic, this was the meal for you. Asian cuisine would fit your bill. It is not only healthy, but it is tasty.....usually!

This is a view of Seoul from our room. Notice the church in the background. There are Christian churches everywhere in Korea. About 40%-50% of the people are Christian. Interesting that South Korea is below it's neighboring North Korea dictatorship country who has nothing to do with God and Jesus Christ, and is surrounded by Buddhist countries throughout Asia who know nothing about God and Jesus Christ.

Another view from the room. Notice the cranes above the buildings. Lots of construction going on.

A Rolls Royce in the parking lot of our hotel? I see how Samsung, Hyundai, Kia, and Lotte have really helped the Korean people. We were in Seoul 30 years ago to find nothing like what it is like today. Technology and the auto industry has really helped this country and the people here. Cool!

Black taxis and........

yellow taxis. Robby asked me why Japan's taxi cars are from the 1950's. He has a point. I'm not sure why, but Seoul doesn't think that they have to stay in the 50's. Nice..... However, they don't put lace covers on their seats and the drivers don't wear white gloves!

Let's check out the city scape!

We have the old mixed with the new. This old building in the picture use to be the part of one of the entryways into the city.

Again, old with the new. Notice how the cars are parked up on the sidewalk.....

More new with some not so new...... but not way old.

I wonder where the architect for this building is from? Way creative and cool!

There seems to be more space in Seoul than in Tokyo.

This is the Samsung building.

Next we will see pictures of the magnificent Geongbokgung Palace.

These next two pictures are not very clear, but it gives you an idea of how big this place is.

This is an evening aerial view.

Gyeongbokgung(경복궁), also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace -- Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven - was built in 1895, three years after the Joseon Dynasty was founded, and it served as the main palace for more than 500 years. With Mount Bugaksan to its rear and the Street of Six Ministries (today's Sejongno) outside Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to the palace, Gyeongbokgung stood in the heart of the capital city. It was steadily expanded over nearly three hundred years before being reduced to ashes during the Japanese innovation of 1592. for the next 276 years the palace grounds were left derelict until finally being rebuilt in 1867 under the leadership of Prince Regent Heungseon Daewongun. The restoration was completed on a grand scale, with 500 buildings crowded together in a labyrinthine arrangement. Within the palace walls were the Outer Court (oejeon), offices for the king and state officials, and the Inner Court (naejeon), which included living quarters for the royal family as well as gardens for leisure and play. On its extensive premises were other palaces, large and small, including Queen's residence (Junggung) and the Crown prince's residence(Donggung).

As Gyeongbokgung was the symbol of national sovereignty, it was demolished during the Japanese occupation. In 1911, ownership of land at the palace was transferred to the Japanese Government-General. In 1915, on the pretext of holding an exhibition, more than 90% of the palace buildings were torn down. Following the exhibition the Japanese leveled whatever still remained. The Japanese also built their colonial headquarters, the Government-General building, directly in front of Gyeongbokgung. Restoration of Gyeonbgbokgung to its former glory has been ongoing since 1990. The colonial Governemtn-General building was removed and Heungnyemum Gate was restored to its original state. The inner Court and Crown prince's residence were completed.

This is one of the outside walls.

This is one of the entryway doors. The artwork on these buildings are incredible.

This is a drum in the middle of one of the courtyards which is used during the many daily reenactments of the royal guards.

Luckily they have English guidebooks. This cute girl was my English guide.

This picture taken from one of the inner courts.

The re-enactment of the royal army processional. I wonder when the guys decided that pants were better than dresses? From one of experience, there are times when I prefer a dress!

Yes, I was here!

In one of the courtyards.

The costumes are so colorful.

Each of the flags was a different style.

The drummers and brass. Notice the interesting shoes.

Here is one of the entryways into another courtyard.

Notice the detailed artwork. So cool!

You can see chicken wire protecting the decorative detail on the facia and soffit.

The waterway inside the palace. Hmmmm. It looks empty to me.

This is the inside of the king's chambers.

The ceiling of the king's chambers.

Inside of the king's chambers.

Stone is used instead of cement on the walkways.

This is an incense burner. The incense is to ward of evil. Notice the stone animals at the top of the stairs to the right.

There are many stone animals throughout the palace grounds which represent one of twelve Chinese zodiac. You also find four stone carved figures of a white tiger, a black tortoise, a blue dragon, and a vermilion phoenix. These animal deities are responsible for guarding the palace and the royal family against evil.

This picture gives a perspective of the size.

Korean girls dressed in their traditional attire taking pictures in a doorway.

Detailed architecture everywhere....

A doorway going into one of the living quarters of the royal family.

Very Korean......

As you can see there is a great Chinese influence in the architecture.

This building, surrounded by a moat, is where the king hosted royal dinners.

The twenty-first century vs. the fourteenth century.

One of the gateways.

This is the National Folk Museum.

This is an ancient wood carving that was made........

around the time of Christ.

Korea's first flag at the beginning of the 1900's.

Old Korean armor.

Korean shield

Old style tools.

The king's entourage.

Old traditional Korean dress.

What are these?

These images protect the grave of an old general.

Cute, huh?

I'm thinking that these guys need a good dentist. I recommend my brother, Dr. Downey, DDS!

This is one of the original pieces from long ago.

This is self explanatory.

To ward off evil spirits.

We will now move out of the palace and into the real world.

Yes, they have buses too. The building behind the bus is fascinating.

This is what many of the apartment complexes look like.

Koreans are really good about preserving their past in a modern world.

The is the remains of one of the gateways and part of the wall that at one time surrounded Seoul.

This is the old Seoul train station, and right next to it is the......

new Seoul train station and mall.

Cute guy!

Let's check out the supermarket!

Wow, it looks normal with normal people.

Yep, normal.....snacks.....

Well look at this "organic" biscuits for kids for only $2. Maybe I should stalk up and bring them home to the U.S. where organic might be a little more expensive?.?.

These oranges are going for $5.50 for almost 3 lbs. How does that compare to the U.S.? They are a bargain for Japan....

These look normal....

Okay, this doesn't. Check out these mushrooms! They are huge! I put a white mushroom on top of the bag. Notice the difference.

This is only part of the mushroom section! Boy, these Koreans like their mushrooms! Who would have guessed?

Check out these radishes! Heads of lettuce are in the distance which are about half the size. I'm not sure what the greens are in the foreground.

We have a choice of dirty carrots and clean carrots. The clean carrots are barely in the picture to the right in clear packages.

Different kinds of cabbage and greens. These don't look too familiar.

It looks like a nice store.....which it is!

We have your basic fresh fish,

beef,

packaged/convenient/cooked meats,

Sushi, and rice products. The white wafers and tubes that you see are mashed rice cakes called mochi in Japanese. I wonder what it is in Korean? Anyone? Anyone?

This is what you all have been waiting for. A large selection of kimchee! You name the kind you like and they have it! All the way from mild to "take your head off" spicy.

Here is a close up. Hmmmmm......

I'm not too sure if I want to try the Seasoned Alaska Pollack Entrails. Let's check it out.....

Ya, I'm pretty sure. I'll pass.

How about trying some spicy fish eggs? I passed this up too.....

I think I'll pass again.......

Seasoned tree leaves? I'm sure they are good.....???? I wonder what kind of leaves they are?

Is this face the cutest? He seems to have taken off his shoe and wanting me to help him.

Okay, I can try any of this!

Well, what do you know? Downy fabric softener!! It reminds me of my single days! My maiden name is Downey and I got teased every once in a while.....

They are cereal eaters too.....unlike Japan. Maybe their milk is better than Japanese milk.

Once I finished the "shopping" trip, we went back to the office to get Kent and the Korean manager to head to dinner for some real Korean Yaki Niku (grilled beef).

We not only have this yummy beef being cooked on the grill over hot coals, but we have a variety of side dishes.

The waitress cuts the meat, puts it on your plate, you eat it with condiments such as a cooked piece of onion and then you wrap it in the green leaf. Don't ask me what the leaf is, please. I don't know!! However, it was yummy!

The restaurant was busy!

To end the feast, you eat a bowl of soup and rice. Really, more food? It was good, but I couldn't eat it all.

Here we are eating with Richard, the Korean manager.

Hi kids!!

One of these people don't belong........

Wait, I can't find the one that doesn't belong! They all have the same clothes on! Hmmmmmm..... Where did they get those?

Hold on! I thought these machines were things of the past?

Well, lookie here! Shirts on the lower shelf! Where are the shorts? I didn't get any! Hmmmmm........... I had my own work out clothes on. Maybe I was the one that didn't belong.

Every gym has "uniforms" for the people to wear. Wow! Wouldn't that be nice? Go to the gym during your lunch hour and not have to pack a bag full of clothes? And not have to wash them when you go home? I like that idea!

Since I had my workout and Kent was in meetings, it was time to eat lunch! Of course, no one can go hungry around here.

This is the restaurant where we ate......

Korean appetizers,

and Bibinbop.......destroyed by me. It doesn't look good now that I destroyed it, but it is so good. There is rice on the bottom and veggies and a fried egg on top. You mix it all up and eat it. Yum!

We finished the meal off with a bowl of veggie soup and a warm milk type drink. Can I say Korean food is healthy? No sugar, (even though they have it), no bad carbs! No wonder people are skinny around here!

I suppose the central heating doesn't work very well..... (maybe they don't even have it), so there were heaters all around the restaurant.

Check out the brick road!

The restaurant that we ate at is the one behind us with the white car parked next to it.

We looked at this church for three days so we decided to head over to see it as we were leaving Seoul.

This reminds me of churches in Europe.

The entryway.

Pews.

Donation slips at the back of each bench.

This is a scripture that hangs in the entryway of the chapel.

Chapel doors.

This is a protestant church that was built in 1988. We thought that is was built in the 1600's. Wow! What do we know. There is not as much "glitz' as many of the Catholic churches.

We got to the airport and as we were waiting for our plane, we found this.