South Korea – Part 2

Gwanghwamun Square is the biggest square in South Korea and is in the centre of Korean capital. Admiral Yu Sun-sin’s statue is in the north, and in the south, there is a statue of king Sejong, the inventor of Korean alphabet, and under the statue, there is an exhibition of “The story of king Sejong”, which you can see for free. You can also go to National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, where you will see the first Korean television, the first Korean car, Korean movie industry and so much more. The museum is mostly dedicated to the division of Korea and to Korean war. The entrance to the museum is free. The square is also the place where events and protests happen (and they happen quite often). If you’re interested how South Korea maintains peace in the country, I would recommend visiting the National Police Museum, which is only a few hundred metres away from the south part of the square. Here you will find everything from police uniforms to weapon and modern technology, which is still in use today.

Korea wasn't always an independent country. In the beginning of the previous century, Korea had one of its darkest time in its history. It began with the Japan-Korea Treaty from 1876, regarding the integration of Korea in the Japanese empire, followed by the agreement from 1905, after which Korea was proclaimed as the Japanese protectorate. It was followed by the occupation of Korea in 1910 with an agreement, that was never signed by Korean regent Gojong. Unfortunately, this didn’t prevent Japanese occupation, which lasted till the World War II until 1945. To commemorate this time, many museums and statues were built, as well as Seodaemun Prison History Hall, which is one of the museums that shows the Japanese terror in 35 years and the brave Koreans who fought against the occupation. It is a great museum, but it is very explicit, so keep that in mind.

The museum is in the premises of former Japanese prison, which was open from 1908. It next to the underground station Dongnimmun, 2 kilometres from the main entrance to the King’s palace.

Culture Station Seoul 284 is a modern cultural place, located in the premises of former central train station. The architecture itself is a good enough reason to visit it, and it’s only a bonus if an interesting show is being performed. To go there, follow an interesting park, Seoullo 7017, which is located on an abandoned overpass, one kilometre long and 10 metres wide near the central train station. The name Seoullo 7017 comes from the year 1970 when the overpass was built and the year 2017 when the project was finished. The number 17 symbolizes 17 entries to the park and the height above the road, which is also 17 metres. Seoullo 7017 is an attraction, which is interesting through the day, but even more at night with all the lights. Because it’s so centrally located, you can also walk from there to Seoul’s cathedral Namsangol Hanok Village.

Namsangol Hanok Village was opened as a tourist attraction in 1998 and is located on the northern part of the Namsan hill. It was built around five hanoks, which were renovated and gradually, they built other objects. Locals and tourists can enjoy the Korean tradition and culture, as something is always happening in the village, from the local crafts to Korean martial arts. On the upper side of the village, there is a time capsule, which was put there in 1994 when Seoul celebrated its 600th anniversary. They plan to open the capsule in 2394 when Seoul will celebrate its 1000th anniversary. Namsangol Hanok Village is worth a visit. Everyone who decides to find the accommodation in Seoul International Youth Hostel, will be able to walk to the village in a couple of minutes. Close by, you can also find Namsam Hill, which offers beautiful view especially if we go to the top of N Seoul Tower, which had the fastest elevator in the world a few years ago. Only a short walk or a funicular ride separates you from a beautiful view on Seoul. I recommend visiting the hill and the tower in time of the sunset, as the view is the most beautiful then. This is why Namsam hill is a popular getaway for young couples who can also leave a symbolic frog as the symbol of eternal love.

The centre of Seoul offers many other attractions, sanctuaries, galleries and theatres and it is impossible to write about all of them but doesn’t’t mean that they aren’t’t worth a visit. It is nice to find a part of the city, where it’s peaceful and quiet, especially if it is in the city centre.

Park by the Stream Cheonggyecheon is definitely the part of the centre where we will forget about heavy traffic and neon signs. It is a small stream, which was abandoned and hidden under the concrete until 2005. About a decade ago, Seoul decided to remove the concrete that was hiding the stream and fix up the embankment. The walking path starts at Cheonggye Plaza, only a few minutes away from the southern part of Gwanghwamun square and city hall and continues its path to the east. After a hard day, you must find something to eat. You will find more about food, markets, shopping, Olympic park in the next issue of Globetrotter.