One of the most unusual things to do in the Seoul area, is a trip to Dongnimmun Park and Seodaemun Prison. I say unusual simply because you wouldn’t think of a former prison as a recommended travel destination in Korea, but I recommend this park and prison simply because of the historical and psychological significance they have to the Korean people. If you have ever wondered why Koreans are so ultra-nationalistic this park and prison will give you an idea why.
When you arrive at Dongnimmun Park the first thing you will see is this large arch that towers over the park:
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I guess if they can’t concrete over it, they will at least concrete under it. From the Marmot’s Hole:
In a telephone conversation with Yonhap, a government official revealed that the government is considering building a mall complex—complete with shops, restaurants and movie theaters—under what is now the U.S. garrison at Yongsan, which is supposed to be returned to Korea in late 2008.
Plans to turn the land above ground into a huge citizen park remain unchanged, however.
Seoul City is not happy about this—it feels that the plan doesn’t fit with the spirit or ecology of the planned park, and it’s particularly worried that the government may later use its prerogative to develop above ground as well.
And to think I was under the impression that U.S. base land was so toxic it was burning holes to California. Who knew?
I am going to continue to maintain that by the time it is all said and done, the top of Yongsan is going to see plenty of concrete as well.
Seoul’s Cheongyecheon stream restoration will air on the Discovery Channel:
Seoul City’s restoration of the Cheonggye stream will be broadcast by the Discovery Channel, the global documentary broadcaster, to 53 countries, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced yesterday.
The hour-long documentary, titled “Man-Made Marvels, Seoul Searching,” has been under production since December of last year with the support of Seoul city, according to the city government. The documentary, which includes historical research and computer -generated images to illustrate the process of the project, will be broadcast from Nov. 6 to 16. In Korea, it will air at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Oct. 26 and 6 p.m. on Oct. 30.
It is good to see Seoul and Korea air on international TV for something other than North Korea and anti-American protesters. Hopefully this will help improve the image of the city and the country.
Speaking of Cheongyecheon I went down to Seoul recently to take a few night shots of the stream and to see if the cleanliness of the stream is being maintained.
This is a shot of the stream looking North towards the start of the creek.
I’m happy to report that the stream is still immaculately maintained and clean. I didn’t see soju bottles, trash, or cigarette butts all over the place, at least not yet. We’ll see if this level of cleanliness is maintained over the long term. For now enjoy this additional picture I took:
This picture of the stream is looking towards the South with a full moon in the background hovering over the city.
