Furono
Jan-03-2008, 05:29 AM
I visited Korea for 4 days starting from December 25th, 2007. I departed from my home town in Nagoya, Japan on Christmas day. It only takes 1 1/2 hours by plane. I went with my wife and daughter. I wanted to take more and better pictures but it was really difficult. I took along my picture tracking GPS device for the first time so most of my pictures have locations attached.
When we arrived I was surprised that Korea was so crowded since the 25th isn't a holiday in Japan. In Korea it's a holiday and they spend it downtown where our bus to the hotel had to traverse. It was a big bus and we got stuck 2 times because of cars parked in the wrong places. I get car sick and a migraine sitting in the bus in traffic for 4 hours. After the second time the bus got stuck we packed up and started walking for the hotel leaving our bags behind to be delivered.
I did the all day tour of the DMZ on my third day. They restrict pictures unless your in a designated area. The tour guide said if the solders catch you they can cancel all the tours for the day so I did as they asked.
The DMZ was my favorite part of Korea for this trip. I read all the history behind the border and separation of North and South beforehand. I recommend that everyone read about it as it is very interesting and sad.
The separation of the same people who speak the same language but on two different sides secretly egg d on by 2 super powers is what exactly reminds me of Berlin. Having been to the Berlin Wall before and after it came down I can see the many similarities between the two.
Reunification is the big hope for South Korea and I bet for the North Koreans when they finally figure it out. As you can see in my pictures the railway and roads to North Korea are being used for trade between the North and South. North Korea is opening up a tiny bit to trade and giving momentum to the Reunification movement.
I didn't do too much else during my stay because the last day was spent having food poisoning. I was really really sick and almost had to be hospitalized. Make sure you get travel insurance even if only 1 1/2 hours away by plane from home!
In Seoul I did manage to visit some temples but not much. We unfortunately took the Japanese tours and they love to send you a bunch of times to all the Duty Free shops that sell the same Channel, etc etc.
Seoul, first day, front of the bus view of the Christmas crowd. Keep in mind we are in a huge bus!
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237800849-M.jpg
After the bus got stuck for the second time we walk to the hotel. I snap some pictures on the way.
And what do I need right about now you ask??????
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237803011-M.jpg
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/238197115-M.jpg
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237809896-M.jpg
I barely manage to get this one off of the Sungnyemun - Seoul's Historic South Gate while making sure my 3 year old daughter isn't ran over.
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237805587-M.jpg
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237797051-M.jpg
When in a new country I always sample the products. Milkis is a copy of the famous Japanese Copis drink.
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237801840-M.jpg
Whats for breakfast at 8am in Korea??
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/239118068-M.jpg
Continued on in next post.................
When we arrived I was surprised that Korea was so crowded since the 25th isn't a holiday in Japan. In Korea it's a holiday and they spend it downtown where our bus to the hotel had to traverse. It was a big bus and we got stuck 2 times because of cars parked in the wrong places. I get car sick and a migraine sitting in the bus in traffic for 4 hours. After the second time the bus got stuck we packed up and started walking for the hotel leaving our bags behind to be delivered.
I did the all day tour of the DMZ on my third day. They restrict pictures unless your in a designated area. The tour guide said if the solders catch you they can cancel all the tours for the day so I did as they asked.
The DMZ was my favorite part of Korea for this trip. I read all the history behind the border and separation of North and South beforehand. I recommend that everyone read about it as it is very interesting and sad.
The separation of the same people who speak the same language but on two different sides secretly egg d on by 2 super powers is what exactly reminds me of Berlin. Having been to the Berlin Wall before and after it came down I can see the many similarities between the two.
Reunification is the big hope for South Korea and I bet for the North Koreans when they finally figure it out. As you can see in my pictures the railway and roads to North Korea are being used for trade between the North and South. North Korea is opening up a tiny bit to trade and giving momentum to the Reunification movement.
I didn't do too much else during my stay because the last day was spent having food poisoning. I was really really sick and almost had to be hospitalized. Make sure you get travel insurance even if only 1 1/2 hours away by plane from home!
In Seoul I did manage to visit some temples but not much. We unfortunately took the Japanese tours and they love to send you a bunch of times to all the Duty Free shops that sell the same Channel, etc etc.
Seoul, first day, front of the bus view of the Christmas crowd. Keep in mind we are in a huge bus!
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237800849-M.jpg
After the bus got stuck for the second time we walk to the hotel. I snap some pictures on the way.
And what do I need right about now you ask??????
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237803011-M.jpg
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/238197115-M.jpg
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237809896-M.jpg
I barely manage to get this one off of the Sungnyemun - Seoul's Historic South Gate while making sure my 3 year old daughter isn't ran over.
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237805587-M.jpg
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237797051-M.jpg
When in a new country I always sample the products. Milkis is a copy of the famous Japanese Copis drink.
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/237801840-M.jpg
Whats for breakfast at 8am in Korea??
http://amizdad.smugmug.com/photos/239118068-M.jpg
Continued on in next post.................