Korea Update 2018
 
KoreaMosaic Home
Photos Home
Country photos
Korea

Photos © John Holstein

jfholstein@yahoo.com
 
 
 
My generous optometrist gave me great discounts for 50 years. His shop is one of the two shops remaining since I arrived in MyeongRyun-dong. He was a grandfather in those days too. (This photo was taken in 2015, but he was still coming to his shop the last time I dropped by, in 2018.) Check out more denizens of Seoul here.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Major 6- and 8-lane streets are lined with modern high rises, but the market lanes connecting to residences haven't changed much in spirit. Here are some more views of markets.
 
 
 
 
 
A fortune teller's tent
 
 
 
 
 
"But you've been telling me the same thing for twenty years. Now, where is he?"
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The subway stairs are great for keeping in condition. Fortunately, senior citizens can take the elevator.
 
 
 
 
 
A side street leading to high-rise apartments.
 
 
 
 
 
Myeong Ryun Dang, part of Sungkyunkwan University's campus. Check out more views here and here.
 
 
 
 
 
This neighborhood is called Seochon (west village), with many traditional homes and shops, quite popular among Koreans. It borders the main palace Gyeongbokgung, in city center. I can't figure out why these old homes and shops are still here, on this prime real estate. You can see more photos of Seochon here.
 
 
 
 
 
A traditional meal prepared by friend Jin.
 
 
 
 
 
I used this walkway leading to my apartment through a side gate at SungGyunGwan University.
 
 
 
 
 
Storm brewing, but I'm safe and snug in my bedroom.
 
 
 
 
 
The lanes are very steep in many parts of Seoul. This is in MyeongRyun-dong, on the slope of Mt. Waryong. You can see more photos of my favorite dongnae here.
 
 
 
 
 
Seoul's fortress wall. Except for a few interruptions, you can follow the wall all around the older part of the city. You will find more photos of and from the wall here.
 
 
 
 
 
A neighborhood of single family homes. These neighborhoods are disappearing, being replace by the monsters in the next photo. (That's Seoul's fortress wall on the right.)
 
 
 
 
 
I don't like these apartment cities, but Koreans do like them. They're more comfortable, easier to maintain, and more secure than a home in a traditional neighborhood.
 
 
 
 
 
That thing that looks like a beached whale with moss growing on it is the Dongdaemun History and Culture Center, replacing the old baseball stadium. Check out a few shots of the inside.
 
 
 
 
 
The Korean palaces have been restored in a way that stole their former (as recently as 30 years ago) feeling of antiquity and Korean spirit. Everything big, bright and exact to the milimeter.
 
 
 
 
 
The neighborhoods are Seoul's most interesting aspect for tourists. Don't let the Korea Tourism Organization get to them. This is part of Ihwa-dong, and you can see more photos here.
 
 
 
 
 
The squatters village Cheongsujang is a great place to explore. Check out some more photos here.
 
 
 
 
 
This is Beopju Temple. It is in beautiful Mt. Songni. Get a better look here.
 
 
 
 
 
The visual clutter makes walking more interesting without your knowing it.
 
That's all for this update. Check out the photos from previous years if you haven't already.
 
 
Top