the Travel Enthusiast
- 03 Apr
Adam in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTSSeoul With Its Last Palaces
One of Seoul’s Temples
A city with prime rank boosted after the devastation of the Korean War
What was mighty in Seoul suddenly disappeared, and what was little has become immense. An example is the Namdaeumun which is now the largest traditional market in Seoul. It was built with numerous grey cobble stones crowned by two big roofs which represents the glory and pride of the capital, being a road to the royal residence. Now this symbol is guarded by a fence, giving an impression that it’s an island in the middle of a crossroad. It’s a little construction compared to its skyscraper neighbors.
In only a few decades, Seoul developed with a tremendous rhythm like no other metropolis in Eastern Asia. From the ruins of the Korean War, between 1950 and 1951, the city transformed into a capital with a population of 10.5 million. About 25-30% of South Koreans work in Seoul. Despite its vast traffic, it’s a worthy destination, especially for its historical vestiges from the time of the monarchy.
At north and east, strings of hills protect the city from the cold winds, while the river Han facilitates water traffic to the Yellow Sea. In 1392, Seoul has become the residence of the Yi dynasty. The first royal residence, Kyongbokkung palace, was a victim of a devastating fire in 1592 but was quickly rebuilt, now, now being opened for the public.
Streets in Seoul ©Doug Sun Beams/flickr
The missionaries Deception
The Korean religious thinking was influenced by Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. The Faith in God, respect of nature, ancestors and colors is being evidenced by the decoration of temples and traditional costumes. thus being a way of life of traditional Korea.
The Yi dynasty tried to isolate the country to stop foreign influence. Although entering in the country without permission was harshly punished even by death, Christian missionaries made it to Seoul, being disguised as mourners at funerals and hide their face with a shaggy shock of hair.
Namdaemun ©Andrew ?/flickr
Today, Catholicism is the second confession which is widespread after Buddhism. (Today Catholicism is the second most common religion after Buddhism.) The country unfortunately suffered from constant influence and oppression by the Japanese, who occupied the land and ruled for 40 years at the beginning of the 20th century, transforming Seoul into one of Japan’s provincial capital.
Fairy Lights at Buddha’s anniversary
Seoul lost almost all of its monuments under the Japanese dominance, during the Korean War, and even the years of mussy reconstruction. However, all the jewels that remained were beautifully reconstructed like the palacesof Toksu-kung, Changgyongkung, and Changdok-kung, the last guarding the throne of the Yi Dynasty.The complexes are predominantly red and gold. It is built of wood with the roofs and walls being richly decorated.
Old houses, covered in black tiles, are situated on the old streets from Chongno-Gu district while at a little park at Insadong street there is a very beautiful and interesting Pagoda from the Koryo period (918-1392) which survived the eras of massive reconstructions. The Altar of Ancestors from Chongmyo temple is the central place of a magnificent ceremony which is held every Sunday from May, when the descendants of these ancestors are dressed in purple robes, commemorating the 26 emperors of the Yi Dynasty.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Also May, when Buddha was born, is celebrated with Fairy Lights in Buddhist temples like Chongyesa. For Christians, a place of worship is the Myongdonk Cathedral, a Neo Gothic style church.
Among the modern attractions of Seoul is the 36 floor skyscraper building of Dae-Han, an insurance building, situated on the banks of the river Han. Seoul Tower from the Namsan peak is also another important modern building.
Seoul is very proud with a certain exotic view, the reproduction of the Bavarian castle, Neuschwanstein. (Seoul is very proud of one of its exotic sites, the reproduction of the Bavarian Neuschwanstein Castle.) very near the Lotte fairy park. (Close to this you can find the Lotte World theme park.)
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