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Tapgol Park: A Respite In Seoul’s Historical District
There’s a park at the southern end of the popular street in Insadong that features a gorgeous pavilion and other historical artifacts. Tapgol Park (탑골공원) is a popular place for older Koreans to gather, chat, and play games and tourists meander in from time to time as well. This is also where the bus picks up to take tourists out to Nami Island so it’s a good spot to know the location of in downtown Seoul. More than that though, it’s an important historical stop to learn about the independence movement in South Korea. Learn more about Tapgol Park in Seoul: (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive…
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The Flower That Doesn’t Wilt: I’m The Evidence
This month at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul there is an added exhibition titled The Flower That Doesn’t Wilt: I’m the Evidence. The exhibit is a collection of comics by 14 different artists that depicts different aspects of the lives of the comfort women from the past, the present and into the future and it is powerful. Learn more about the halmoni and the history of comfort women during the Korean War in Korea. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.) The artists did not hold back with…
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7 Places To Learn About War in Korea
Most people that spend any amount of time in Korea, visiting or living, will at some point hear references made to war, commonly the Korean War and WWII or any number of wars with Japan. Signs at historical sites will remind people that the historic site was burnt down during some Japanese invasion before being rebuilt and political turmoil between North and South Korea is a constant reminder of the Korean War. Before jumping headfirst into conversation with a Korean about said wars, it’s best to take the time to learn and get some perspective. Want to learn about the Korean War in Korea? Want to learn about the comfort…
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Seoul
Seoul Seoul is massive and so it seemed the best way to separate the information was by district when possible. To start though, here are guides to Seoul from the swimming pools to the art museums. Rounds ups, lists, and more. Get the basics here and then head down to go district by district. Check out the map of Seoul broken up into districts above to know where you’re headed… or where you want to head. More Helpful Articles About Seoul Explore Seoul By District Some districts of Seoul are more popular for tourists to head to and you’ll be able to tell below as some of the districts like…
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The War and Women’s Human Rights Museum: Learn About The Comfort Women In Seoul
Just over two years ago I headed to the House of Sharing in Seoul to learn more about the “comfort women” and their history and cause here in Korea. Hearing completely honest and horrific testimonies from the sex slaves during WWII left me wondering why these women are still not recognized in Japanese history. If you spend any time in Seoul, you should plan to make a visit to this museum. While you may learn about the Korean war and other wars on the peninsula, the comfort women is a topic that doesn’t get talked about as much as it should. Learn more now. Plan a trip to the War…
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Gyeonghuigung Palace: The Smallest Palace In Seoul
You can walk up Yulgok-ro and see three palaces in one day if you really wanted to here in Seoul, those being Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung. Or walk down Saejong Dae-ro from Gyeongbokgung passing Gwangwhamun and find your fourth palace, Deoksugung Palace. But there’s a fifth smaller and lesser known, and probably for that reason, free palace known as Gyeonghuigung (경희궁) in the vicinity as well. It’s not in the very touristy area as the others, but a lovely place to meander without the crowds too. Its name translates to Palace of Serene Harmony and it truly lives up to the name with so few visitors meandering around. Plan a…
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Bongwonsa Temple In Seoul: Less Touristy, More Buddhas
When beginning to build an itinerary for Seoul, there are usually a few things that people want to make sure are included. A palace, a traditional market, and often a stop at a local Korean Buddhist Temple. The Buddhist temples here are beautiful and while most are located on the mountainsides outside of Seoul, there are a few in central Seoul that are easy to access. Two temples have become the most popular on tourist itineraries, those being Jogyesa Temple and Bongeunsa Temple, but not too far away sits the beautiful Bongwonsa Temple. Generally quieter and without tourists, this Korean temple in Seoul Visit this beautiful Buddhist temple in the…
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The Mural Village In Seoul You Haven’t Heard About
There are hidden gems all over the city of Seoul and Gaemi Maeul (개미마을), or Ant Village, is one of them. This mural village in Seoul was painted by students in a similar fashion to the much more popular Ihwa Mural Village and also the murals in Mullae-dong. This mural village sits on the side of Mt Inwang, Inwangsan, which is popular with hikers in Seoul. And that’s probably the only people that find this mural village really. Get off the beaten path in Seoul and see something different… like the Ant Mural Village. This mural village in Seoul is hidden away. Find it if you can: (This post contains…