Seoul

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Visited Seoul again last week. 

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Apparently, the folks there are used to the ranting and raving of the "Dear Leader to the North". It doesn't seem to bother them, at least not outwardly. 

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

They just continue their usual hustle and bustle, the sidewalks are full of people heading to and from work, and as always, the streets are full of cars.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Here's a nighttime view of the hilltop park, across the street from my hotel. 

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

We took a hike at dawn, up to the top of the hill...
...up to about twice the height of our 20-story hotel.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Cool park, along the remains of an ancient castle wall...

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

...with great views of the city.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

A bit of haze this morning, expected I suppose, in a city as large as Seoul.



Had a cool visit to another mountain-top castle on my previous trip (earlier in March),
a 16th century fortification built to keep out the invading Chinese.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

So, the North Korean leader is not the only difficulty the Korean people have had to concern themselves with over time.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Iron plank armor on the exterior of one of the gates in the perimeter wall.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

 

Interesting photos, along the courtyard wall, taken in the early 1900's.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

 

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Modern day castles.

I definitely recommend Seoul for vacation travel...
...but, maybe after the "Dear Leader" settles down.

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

 

Photo by Mark W. Laughlin

Take care.

- Mark W. Laughlin