June 22, 2007:My second tourist trip to Seoul was to take the "New and Old Downtown Walk" (self guided walking tour) compliments of The Lonely Plane. Final destination, N'Seoul Tower 4km walk (without getting lost or "off course). We started out early, meeting at 9:30am. The subway ride to Seoul took about an hour (with one stop), with our first stop at the travel agent to drop off our passports for Visa processing for our China trip. We spotted a Starbucks and had to head in for a Latte and a Scone -- oh happy Jill!
We jumped back on the Subway for one stop and started our tour. I was happy to be the "tour director" for this journey but was not sure how detailed the tour was or how easy it might be to get lost. Our first land mark was referred to as a "boulevard covered with giant black and white piano keys".
We turned the corner and found these! WooHoo, I was not bad at this tour director gig! :)
Now this what I call a piano ... I should have paid better attention in piano lessons in grade 3!!
We walked along the keys and of course had to stop to try our hand, or should I say feet, at a tune! I should have practiced more in grade 3!! ;)
Next, we found Cheonggye Stream where a massive US$313 million dollar restoration project was underway to help beautify the downtown core. While waiting in the "cue" to cross the stream I noticed a man with something unusual clipped to his shirt - they look like giant rabbits feet ... I must research their significane. Click on the photo to enlarge it and check it out!!
Across the stream was the following wall. Very interesting and of course snapping a photo of the details allowed me to share them! Isn't the digital age great?!
The royal palanquin for King Jeongjo, but the king riding a horse is behind the palanquin carrying Queen Hyegyeonggung, his mother. To the front are a horse carrying royal seals, a royal spokesman, a royal bodyguard with a sword, and veiled court ladies, followed by 50 military officials headed by Minister Sim I-ji. Next are officials bearing royal ceremonial flags decorated with various animal designs including a lion, a phoenix, and a red bird, and behind them are large flage of the pheonix and dragon, symbols of the king.
I saw these women crossing the street and had to take a photo! I am a "tourist" after all, so isn't it expected?!
Who knew ... flight attendants still dress like this! :)
Maybe I will see some for myself when I go to China, I'll keep you posted. The polar opposite to West Jet's philosophy!
Jamie and Jill at Seoul Plaza with our South Korean Flags. The background behind us is a collage of postcards/small flyers that were strategically placed to create a greater picture! This wall was blocking a construction site so I don't know if this was done for the festival or if this is the norm for all construction site in Seoul, but a self portrait with our South Korean Flags (being handed out as you entered the Plaza was a must!
Seoul City Hall and Seoul Plaza
Children cooling down on a hot day at the Seoul Plaza next to City Hall!
After this short stop at Seould Plaze and City Hall, we got back on "tour track", walked through the Namdaemun market and zig-zagged our way to the N'Seould Tower.
N. Seoul Tower - a view from the cable car on the way up! The tower is on the top of a very blush tree covered hill/mountain
Seoul Monument from the Joseon Dynasty:This smoke signal station on Mt. Namsan was the central station where signals from across the country were gathered. The beacon signal system used fire and smoke to send warnings to central and border fortresses, as well as to warn citizens of emergency situations developing on the borders.
The information collected here was compiled by the Minstry of Military Affairs and presented to the Royal Secretariat early each morning. The Secretariat would then report to the king. In times of emergency, these reports would be made even in the middle of the night. As part of the "Campaign to Restore Mt. Namsan to its Original Appearance", one of the first stations as restored here in 1993.
The N'Seoul Tower from its base.
A postcard that displays the various heights of towers around the world! Of course with the CNTower at the top of the list, I just had to buy this card!
CNTower: 553m
N'Seoul Tower: 479m
A trip to the top of the tower appealed to me more that my friend Jamie, so I took the ride up to the top solo and this self-portrait is my evidence! In the background, the "hill" the tower is on and the city of Seoul. Unfortunately it was a hazy day with limited visibility. I will make another trip up the tower on a clear day for more photos. I love the contrast of the "concrete city" and the plush green "forest" surrouning the tower!
After my trip up to the top of the tower I joined Jamie and we sat down for a rest when we were approached by a Korean man who said he was learning English and wondered if he could have 5 minutes of our time to speak with us. I had heard about this and was happy to oblige. He knew quite a bit about Canada and the US so conversation came easily.
After a fun-filled day we made our way back to the Subway and returned to Uijeongbu. We stopped in the market at an Indian food for dinner and made it an early night. We were obth exhausted after our 10 hour day. But what a great adventure! The next morning would be my first trip to the American Army Base for Church (of which I have already posted the details) so I wanted to be well rested.
Another fun day of playing tourist!!
