I started with Gyeongbokgung, one of the big palaces in Seoul.
When you go out of the subway to get there you end up in a big median facing a statue of King Sejong. He invented the Korean alphabet and is just generally really well liked here.
To my right was the American Embassy, which I think I maybe wasn't actually allowed to take a picture of. It's not a very pretty building but I guess it's good that I finally know where it is!
Then we discovered that there is a massive "Story of King Sejong" museum beneath his statue. I actually didn't figure out much of his story from the museum but I did get to write my name in hangeul (the Korean alphabet) on a piece of rice paper. Tourism!
Then you have to cross a massive road to go through Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the palace.
When we were there, there were many people in what I assume were traditional costumes doing something with flags. I think it was maybe something like a changing of the guards.
We showed up too late for me to dress up in Hanbok and take pictures so I had to settle for this picture of me as a guard.
The grounds were really pretty. I especially liked all of the carp in this reflecting pond.
Most of the buildings looked more or less the same to me but I do really like the colors in Korean traditional architecture.
Here I am with my zodiac statue.
More reflecting pond action.
I liked this pagoda or whatever it is.
Evidence that I am in Asia!
And some more.
So now I've done something cultural in Korea. Mostly, I just wish I had done all of this when the weather was better and the scenery greener but oh well.
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