Seoul's subway network is very extensive. This map shows the line, the interchanges, and I believe also the door numbers that would make line transfers the most efficient.
You can see the location of the next train.
Insadong and the surrounding area were the residences of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) officials, extended royal families, and the aristocrats. Away from sight, a toy museum lurks upstairs via an uneventful staircase leading from Insadong's main street.
Gwanghwamun is the main gate to Gyeongbukgung Palace. Although it appears old, it actually is a reconstruction from 1968. Luckily, I came across the changing of the guard by accident.
There are few restrictions for visitors during the whole process. Just don't block their movements!
The National Palace Museum of Korea has a huge collection, and will not disappoint. It can easily take a whole day to just glance at the exhibits.
Royal ceremonies need to be precise and follow protocol.
The royal stamp of approval.
Although Koreans have their own language now, royalty also used the Chinese language in the past.
Wonderful photos....can't wait to get back there next summer!
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A car from more recent times is on display at the museum.
Notice even at the end of the 19th century, the local newspaper was still in traditional Chinese script.
Although autumn has arrived, the museum restaurant still served a cold summer dish with chicken, egg, lettuce, and even watermelon all mixed together. I didn't expect watermelon could be part of the main course though.
Gangnam is a land of new skyscrapers and innovative architecture. Combined with the low and mid-rises populating the alleys, there are many interesting urban scenes to photograph.
This one is particularly funky.
Seems a more dramatic version of a turning torso, stirring up an optical illusion along the way.
But from far it looks quite normal though.
A bit further south, this upscale residential area is packed with skyscrapers.
A stream flows next to it, with parks surrounding both banks.
Looks like Seoul is a great city. It's nice to see a mixture of ultra-modern high rises with street vendors in one place. I wished there's more of these in the U.S.
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