Our five days in Seoul South Korea and a touch of North Korea!
We stayed in Seoul South Korea for five quick days. In that time, we explored around and saw a wonderfully vibrant, modern, clean and progressive city. We saw a great Buddhist Temple and a few Shinto Shrines. We went to a wonderful Palace grounds that included a secret garden that only the Emperor and his family used. We also made a quick trip to the boarder of North Korea. Following is what we saw on our four fun filled days of Seoul South Korea. Beth.
One afternoon we were walking through the city looking for a grocery store. We were using google maps and it had taken us down some narrow side streets for the quickest walk to our destination. We turned a corner and stumbled upon a beautiful Buddhist Temple. It was very large and extremely colorful. We had wandered in through the back side while many people came in through the front. In the main building a service was being held. We were able to walk in and sit and watch as 2 men at the front chanted. Many people were inside bowing and praying. It was a great sight to see. Beth.
Geunjeongjeon Palace is a main royal palace from the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395. In the 19th century the 7,700 palace rooms were restored. In the 20th century much of the Palace was destroyed by Japan. Presently the Palace is being restored. Walking through what has been restored made for a beautiful afternoon walking around and learning some history of South Korea. Beth.
Our start today is truly unique. We are off to visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). The line between North Korea and South Korea that divided the country in 1953. Our tour bus gives us specific instructions on how to handle ourselves as we approach the most heavily fortified border in the world. The specific boundary is 4km wide (approx. 3 miles) with 2km on the north and 2km on the south. On the South side, there are farmlands that are tended to by a group of 250 original or direct decedent farmers who lived here before the north/south line was drawn. On the north side sits an empty city complete with homes, daycare centers, and a hospital. The city was created to give an illusion of a prosperous town. However, no inhabitants live in it and the buildings are all made of concrete with no doors and windows. The line itself is heavily mined and has been a natural reserve since inception in 1953. Only the unknowing wild life are brave enough to wander the most heavily guarded and mined area in the world. We enjoy a building tour of the JSA (Joint Security Area) and we learn history of the conflict. Our visit inside the blue buildings that are directly atop the divisional line is slightly apprehensive. The buildings are jointly operated as a location when South Korea and North Korea hold joint meetings. Our photos reflect our excitement yet uneasiness about moving to the end of the room that is technically in North Korea. Our guided trip only lasted for 8 hours and was worth every cent we paid. Bud and Beth.
