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South Korea - South East Asia

Bec
2004-09-21 11:20:58

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Seoul
View from the Seoul Tower in Nam San Park.

I must have spent all my bad humour in Taipei because I really enjoyed Seoul. It is also a big busy Asiatic city but I found the people more relaxed and friendly even though they certainly work as hard as the Taiwanese.

Perceptions are very subjective. Maybe it depends on the people you meet. Anyway, I got into Seoul in the evening, took a city bus to the Koreana Hotel and walked to the Daewon Inn where I got a "room" for 10 000 Won (12.50 $US).

This was my "room" in the traditional Korean Daewon Inn. It was literally a cupboard in the wall with just enough space for a mattress and cupboard doors that you can close and lock from the inside at night. It was a very novel and interesting arrangement for me.

There were a dozen such cubicles in the Daewon Inn. They were raised about 50 cm from the floor by flues through which the hot gasses from a central furnace were circulated to keep them warm in the winter. A most rational arrangement to save fuel.

My "room" was interesting but the major feature of the Daewon Inn was its friendly owner, sitting next to me in the red jacket, who made us all feel at home and the fine bunch of backpackers that were staying there. We had a ball...

Better still, I got in touch with Kelly whom I had met in Vietnam a month earlier and we had a great time together. Here, we are having Beef & Brew at a popular night spot with some of the others from the Daewon Inn. That's Kelly, pulling her tongue at me!

Seoul is big, modern and busy but it takes good care of its numerous historical sites and it has not lost its soul to the pursuit of the almighty dollar like Taipei.

The Toksu Palace is just a short ways north of the South Gate on Taepyongro Road. The big building on the right looks like the Koreana Hotel near the Daewon Inn.

North of the Koreana hotel is the National Museum which is definitely worth a visit.

Initially built in 1392, the Kyongbok Palace was burnt down during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and left in ruins until it was rebuilt in 1867 to become the residence of the 26th king.

South of Seoul is the very interesting Korean Folk Village Showing examples of various traditional architectural styles.

I enjoyed Seoul and hope to return someday. After a week, I moved on to Tokyo.

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