We’ll Take You to Your Seoul!

That title was from a phrase an college friend would always say when talking about their dream of visiting South Korea. It’s only fitting and proper that I label my final travel blog with it.

Seoul, (which actually isn’t pronouced ‘soul’ but ‘se-uul’) is a bubbling metropolitan sprinkled with art establishments, food and fun. With tons of museums, landmarks and theaters, there was no shortage of things to do. Here’s what we fell into:

A scribe writing my name in Hangeul, the Korean language.

If you ever visit the capital of a country, check to see if they have a visitor’s center. Unplanned, we sauntered into South Korea’s main visitor’s center and not only got discounted tickets for a show (score!) but interacted with a professional scribe who writes people’s names on posters and fans. We also had the chance to unofficially become kings and queens and dress up in royal Hanbok, the traditional clothing of the Korean people.

I’m surprised Shayne joined me in the clothing escapades but that’s just another reason why he’s so awesome!

The clothing of a Korean queen (Hanbok).

You are my heart, even across the world!

We then strolled through the streets to head to museums and ran into this beautiful art piece called, ‘Spring’. The idea for the exterior spiral was inspired from a shell rising upward like a pagoda. The vertical shape created a dynamic atmosphere which represented the restored vitality and cultural aspect of Seoul’s urban development. Looking inside, two colorful ribbons, one blue and the other peony red, were inspired from the Korean traditional dress for women. They noted how this expressed the unity of opposites in nature and the human spirit.

‘Spring’

The War Museum of Korea was next on my list. Since one of my goals on this trip was to observe how arts is used to communicate culture and history, I knew this would be a powerful experience.

Two soldiers – two brothers – with a war splitting them. One is from the south and the younger one from the north.

This was a small segment of a larger mural. The piece was made up of small square stones.

The use of ratio and perspective were profound in this sculpture. Shayne is rather short when standing beside it!

Enough said!

How does this art piece represent the Korean War?

Since Seoul is the heartbeat of the arts for South Korea, pumping out major performances in their arts district, we were happy to score discounted tickets to ‘MISO’, a traditional satirical play with wonderful traditional music and dance.

‘Miso’ – amazing theatrical production

At the end of the show, all the actors come out to take pictures!

Afterwards, we went out for TRUE Korean BBQ! Quite the experience.