Good for the Seoul: Korea

Background Back in comprehensive school, I became friends with a Korean student who lived in my hometown for 5 years called Ellen. Unfortunately after we parted ways to go to University, we lost contact.But through the power of the internet, Ellen came across me again, so I decided to fly over to Japan's neighbour, Korea, to catch up during my August Vacation. Ellen is currently working on her graphic design Masters.

Language Barrier When I first arrived at the airport, I soon found out that my mobile phone didn't work in Korea, despite the fact my friend's had in the past and many of the passengers' phones did. Perhaps a 'roaming' contract. Anyway, I quickly felt uneasy, and proceeded to McDonalds and managed to communicate in English with many gestures that I wanted change for my Won note to use a payphone to contact Ellen to meet up. I knew absolutely zero Korean.. I really empathised at that time with how it felt to be Cara and Laura visiting Japan..  I was totally helpless and although I had downloaded some Korean mp3s and memorised the Korean script, I just panicked when I was in a shop and couldn't even utter 'thank you' (kamsahamnida)!!!

A Divided Country One Wedn 11th August, I got up early to take a tour to Panmunjom and the border. The border is only 50km north of Seoul.

Dorasan Station is a full-functioning modern station waiting for the unification of the North and South. Until then, it's a tourist spot and nothing short of a ghost town.

Peongyang to the left.

South Korean men are required to fulfil 2.5 years of military service. The officers here were mucking around, and laughing and joking a lot as they didn't choose to be there!

(Click to enlarge) Can you see the world's tallest flagpole in the North Korean village?

The DMZ: The Demilitarized Zone is a 4km wide stretch along the border where no weapons are permitted. Here I entered the underground 3rd tunnel, a failed invasion plot by the North Koreans

Next to an Amusement Park close to the border,  this altar could be found. On Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, South Koreans pray here for the safety of their separated family members trapped in the North

Taking a photo from an observatory

Freedom Bridge, across which ~13,000 POWs were released back to South Korea in the 50s

A bullet-ridden train literally stopped in its tracks in the 50s

After a long talk about safety and signing a UN contract agreeing to the danger ahead, we visited Panmunjom.
We couldn't speak, nor make any hand gestures. We were put into lines and our movements were controlled. A North Korean soldier was standing between these two buildings when we first arrived, but he hid from sight before we were permitted to take a couple of photos.

In this room, where UN talks are held, I could step into North Korea! This is a South Korean soldier holding the Tae Kwon Do agressive stance. The atmosphere was tense, and again we had to keep quiet.

Heart and Seoul

Some graffiti I came across. Video gaming is extremely popular in Korea.

Sightseeing- Deoksu Palace

The President's Home

Seoul: Both traditional and modern

Verdict: Technology: Definitely more developed than Tokyo or London. iPhone touchscreens in the station allowed you to check the news, weather and Google maps. Fast internet, and mobile phone signal on the underground. Samsung and LG have overtaken Sony and Panasonic's sales.
Weather: Very hot on Wedn, but a typhoon brought a lot of rain and (relieving) cold winds
People: Speak a little English, the women were pretty (plasic surgery is popular in Seoul).
Value for Money: Very cheap!!
Food: Spicy and tasty! I loved the grilled pork, and authentic kimchi and bulgogi!

I had a great and memorable time, and I'm glad I could catch up with Ellen after all these years! She (and I) had changed sooo much!!