I formed a dream to travel around the world before I die, so I made a plan to visit at least one new place each year. According to Chinese traveling ten-thousand miles is equivalent to reading ten-thousand books. Traveling is a process of learning new things and uncovering previous unknowns, especially through my camera lenses. … Continue reading Then and Now
Just before I departed for Seoul, Korea, I visited the owner of one of the local Korean restaurants. I asked him what kinds of Korean traditional foods I should try, without hesitation he told me "street foods". During our stay at Seoul we were moving around on feet most time. Going through Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Gamcheon … Continue reading Korea Trip #10 (Final) – Street and Table Foods
Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many … Continue reading Korea Trip #9 – Bukchon Hanok Village
During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guards were responsible for guarding and patrolling the gates of the capital city and the royal palaces. The royal palace guards, who were known as the "Wanggung Sumunjang", had the very important duty of protecting the king by guarding the entrance gates of the primary royal palace where the … Continue reading Korea Trip #8 – Changing of the Guards
During the week we were at Seoul, we spent two nights outside to see the nightscape at Seoul. Dongaemun: It's official name is Heunginjimun Gate, but due to its position on the east side of the outer wall of Seoul Fortress, it is also commonly referred to as Dongdaemun Gate. The gate also leads to … Continue reading Korea Trip #7 – Nights at Seoul
"Today is your birthday, my dear motherland. In the morning breeze I send a white pigeon to bring you an olive leaf together with my best wishes......" We walked toward this familiar melody, to find out there was a China Day going on in the middle of Seoul Downtown. Those young women in bright red … Continue reading Korea Trip #6 – Seoul China Day
The Hanyangdoseong, or the Seoul City Wall is a series of walls made of stone, wood and other materials, built to protect the city of Seoul against invaders. The wall was first built in 1396 to defend and show the boundaries of the city, surrounding Hanyang in the Joseon Dynasty. Along the Seoul City Wall, … Continue reading Korea Trip #5 – Seoul City Wall
The Han River is a major river in South Korea and the fourth longest river on the Korean peninsula after the Amnok, Tuman, and Nakdong rivers. The river begins as two smaller rivers in the eastern mountains of the Korean peninsula, which then converge near Seoul, the capital of the country. The Banpo Bridge is … Continue reading Korea Trip #4 – Sunset at Han River
Any trips to Busan will not complete without visiting its Jagalchi Fish Market. When we were there smell of fishes was floating in the air. Walking around only to surprisingly notice the market was huge! It was full of all kinds of fishes, every species I can or can't image. Colorful ones, skinny ones, fat … Continue reading Korea Trip #3 – Fish Market
Busan, a second largest city in South Korea, is known for its combination of beaches, mountains and temples. Somebody calls is as San Francisco of South Korea. We went there on a pleasant day with mild temperature and sunshine, by chance we noticed there was a Busan International Movie Festival. Even though we didn't see any … Continue reading Korea Trip #2 – Vibrant Busan
From Hiding to Blogging 