Colorful lotus lanterns were displayed at Seokguram Grotto in honor of Buddha's birthday.
Photo Gallery
Geobukseon, or Turtle Ships, were used for sea battles against the Japanese fleet from the 15th -19th centuries. The ships employed various weapon systems and the armored deck protected the crew from enemy fire. This is a replica located at the Korean War Memorial Museum in Seoul.
Bulgogi is a common Korean dish of cooked marinated meat. Slices of marinated beef, chicken, or pork are grilled or pan-cooked with garlic, onions, mushrooms, and green peppers. Side dishes consisting of lettuce or other leafy vegetable are used to wrap a slice of cooked meat, with a touch of ssamjang or other side dishes.
Bunhwangsa temple complex dates from the Silla era and is located in Gyeongju, South Korea. Constructed in the style of those in Tang China, Silla architects used stones cut like brick. Only three tiers of the pagoda remain, however ancient records state the pagoda stood nine stories tall. Lanterns in honor Buddha's birthday hang in the background.
A ROK soldier stands facing North Korea at the JSA of the DMZ.
South Koreans visit Imjinkak and adorn the barbed wire fence with ribbons to honor their ancestors and relatives in North Korea.
Jogyesa Temple, Seoul, is the main temple of Zen Buddhism in South Korea.
Entrance to Changdeok Palace, built during the 15th century.
Table at Sanchon Restaurant in the Insadong neighborhood of Seoul, South Korea. Sanchon is famous for its traditional temple meals.
Rooftop view of Bukchon Hanok Village with modern Seoul in the horizon.
Bukchon is a neighborhood that has preserved traditional Korean housing. This neighborhood was once the residential area for high-ranking government officials and royal families.
Statues of scholar and military officers were usually erected in front of the tombs of important figures in order to spiritually guard them. The scholar statue represents civilian literati, and that of the military officers wears armor and holds a sword, symbolizing the soldier. These statues were introduced to royal tombs in Korea from the 8th century C.E.
King Sejong (r.1418-1450) was the fourth King of the Joseon Dynasty, and is famous for reinforcing Confucian policies, numerous technological advancements, and for the creation of the Korean alphabet, Hangul.
Korean Military Police (MP) check the bus and documentation of passengers to ensure that all those entering the base are authorized. These are the same MP's that guard the front lines against North Korea. This is how we knew we were entering a war zone.
This is the sign for Camp Bonifas, the UN instillation at the 38 parrallel that seperates North and South Korea. This secured military site is considered still to be an active war zone and disclaimers are signed by all visitors. This is the only area in which the North and South are not seperated by minefields or barbwires, just narrow stretch of concrete.
Namdaemun was built originally in 1398 as part of the gates for Seoul. Although there are several gates such as this around Seoul, this is by in large the largest gate, made primarily out of wood. Open to the public and surrounded by a more urban landscape, it shows the way that Korea has evolved into a modern society while holding their heritage and roots. Unfortunatley in 2008 a case of arson burnt much of the gate and was considered a total loss. Having such historic and cultural significance, efforts were made to restor the site private donations. Estimated completion is in 2012.
Pictured is the campus of Minjok Leadership Academy is a private boarding high school, located east of Seoul in a more rural area. This school was built with funds from a philathropist who wanted to create a learning institution to grow the next geneartion of leaders for South Korea. One of their goals is to produce the first Korean Nobelariiat. This exclusive boarding school combines modern and traditional overtones to create such a student. Students dress in pastel color Hamboks for uniform, taking classes such as archery or kumdo. These same students are also put to a strict "English Only Policy" where students communicate and are taught in English, not only in the classroom but in conversation among students. They graduate numerous students to the IVY leagues as well as elite universities around the world.
In the area of Isadong in Seoul, a rule states that all signs on this particular street must be in Korean, and keeping with the rule Starbucks created their first non-english starbucks signs. Traditionally the brand of starbucks has been to label it in English, however to accomodate this local rule, this starbucks has become a tourist attraction for many to see the bright green Korean starbucks sign.
THe picture depicts the "Blue House" which is the residence of the President of South Korea. Aptly named due to the blue color of the tiles, it takes on the name in comparison to the White House here in the U.S. The occupants of the "Blue House" are limited to one term, so unlike in the United States, the turnover is more frequent. Access to the Blue House is difficult to attain, keeping in mind the status of conflict with North Korea and an assasination attempt in 1968 through a raid of the Blue House.
The picture shows Nam San "South Mountain" which can be seen in Seoul, In the middle of the pictureis Seoul Tower, where many take a trolly up or a bus to go up and look at Seoul forming a great vista.
Korean diet and meals center around rice and side dishes called "ban-chan." The dishes have no commonality in ingrident, although the use of vegetables including roots and seaweed are not uncommon. Typically ban-chan are cold, since most of Korean cuisine in centered around pickleing or "fermintating" such as in the case of Kimchi. The center bowls present the most typical warm "chigae" which can be most closely related with a type of soup or stew. As seem by the spoons, Korean culture shares many of the dishes and yes double dipping is allowed.
The use of bamboos to cook and present rice for serving is unusual, however, very in tune with the idea of utilizing nature to cook and present. The rice was cooked with barley and beans, and has chestnuts in the center. Though the dish is not typical, the rice and ingridents are very typical of Korean cooking.
This is a washer and dryer. Realizing the importance of space in such a densly populated country as South Korea, LG has created a washer and dryer that are 2 in 1. No need to move your clothes from the wather to the dryer in this machine. Although some non-urban areas still practice the use of a washboard and a rope for a dryer, this shows botht he modernization of South Korea as well as the cultural impact that LG takes into effect when creating for domestic use.
This is a picture of a kitchen in a studio where the visiting educators stayed. View the compact area, and the modern looking surfaces of the refrigerator on the left. As well as the minimalist theme used to create this area.