I went to Gwanghamun around middle of April which was when the cherry blossoms bloomed the most. ^__^ Arghh..I miss the spring weather in Seoul the most when Malaysia is unbelievably hot nowadays which is among the reasons why I don't want to be in Korea during summer season.
Gwanghamun (Hangul: 광화문; Hanja: 光化門) is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in Seoul, South Korea. As a landmark and symbol of Seoul's long history as the capital city during the Joseon Dynasty, the gate has gone through multiple periods of destruction and disrepair. Recent restoration work on the gate expected to be finished in October 2010. (Source: Wikipedia)
The main road in Gwanghamun area felt like I was in Shibuya; albeit a very tiny similarity between both of them. Yet, another place that I miss to visit again someday. The main road is so big with both the great King Sejong statue and Admiral Lee Sun Sin 이순신 in the middle of it.
The direction to Sejong road.
Take exit 5, Gwanghamun Station, Purple Line
I walked very slowly towards the area and passed
by a line of changing guards. They probably were
heading towards Gyeongbok Palace.
The mountain behind gave away a surreal effect to
the statues.I guess there might be some feng shui
belief there.
Admiral Lee Sun Sin (April 28, 1545 – December 16, 1598, Korean: 이순신, Hanja: 李舜臣) was a Korean naval commander noted for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598) in the Joseon Dynasty.(Source: Wikipedia)
I was here during weekdays so the crowd
was not so hectic.
They were tourists from China mostly. The great
King Sejong statue was just behind the Admiral
Lee Sun Sin statue.
Zarina (Anna) and the king..hehe. Could you
spot me?
The king up close.
Sejong the Great (May 7, 1397 – May 18, 1450, r. 1418 – 1450) was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. He is best remembered for creating the Korean alphabet Hangul, despite strong opposition from the scholars educated in hanja (Chinese script). Sejong is one of only two Korean rulers posthumously honored with the appellation "the Great," the other being Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo. (Source: Wikipedia)
King Sejong Memorial Hall which I decided not to
go. Why? Hmm..because someone will bring me to
Icheon to visit King Sejong's grave? Another post on
that one, I promise. ^_^
I stopped by at Haechi Madang. Haechi represents
Korea's mythical folktale character and one of the
symbols of Seoul, located under Gwanghwamun Plaza.
I couldn't figure out this Haechi Seoul. Could you?
This one was cute. A good souvenir to bring home.
1 Comments
welcome back home!!