The 'Pavilion of Far-reaching Fragrance'
This hexagonal pavilion on an island surrounded by lotus is one of the loveliest spots in Seoul. But the site's poetic name--"Hyang-won-jeon," meaning 'pavilion of far-reaching fragrance'--belies some turbulent and sad history that took place...
lantern in a window
A window-display near the Jogye-sa temple in central Seoul...now, THAT's a paper lantern!
Buddhist temples were not allowed in Seoul during the years of the Joseon (Yi) dynasty (1392-1910); the new rulers were suspicious of clerical involvement in...
Mortar and Pestle in the Middle of the Hustle and Bustle
On a sidewalk in Seoul's Insa-dong district, a husband-and-wife team demonstrate the traditional way to make "tteok," chewy-sticky rice-cakes. Pounding the sweet rice in the giant stone mortar with a wooden pestle turns it into a flour which is...
"Virtuous Longevity" in the heart of the city...(and weird donuts)
Surrounded by skyscrapers in the center of Seoul, Deoksu-gung Palace ("The Palace of Virtuous Longevity") got its start as a prince's villa in the mid-15th century. In 1907, the compound became the 'retirement home' of the next-to-the-last king of...
a working lunch, middle of the market
"Bah-leep-bah-lee!" (Korean for 'hurry hurry') may well be the mantra for life in Seoul. This is especially the case in the labyrinth of Namdaemun-shi-jang, one of the city's oldest markets; it's been a hub of commerce since the 1300's--the action...
Rice in a brass bowl with toppings and sides galore
In the Korean capital's Myeongdong district, you're not limited to 'Seoul-food;' you can also taste distinctive dishes from Jeonju city, in the country's fertile Southwest. Go to "Go-gung" (pronounce: goh-goong) restaurant.
The restaurant's...
Still hand-painted...
Seoul's Insadong district is one of the best locations for arts and antiques browsing in the Korean capital. On nice days, especially weekends, artisans demonstrate their traditional crafts on the sidewalks--the street turns into another of the...
a 'bell ringer' of a building...across from the old belfry in the heart of Seoul
One of the most distinctive buildings in central Seoul is the 33-story Jongno Tower, a triangular glass and steel tower topped with an oval floating above seven stories of emptiness.
Across the street is the traditionally reconstructed...
