Seoul is a study in contrasts.  It’s far more Westernized that I had ever imagined — and yes I heard of the Korean War.  The most wonderful part of our trip was learning that there is a large, clean, and cheap public transportation system — including a subway.  That has made getting around Seoul very easy.  The hardest part, as I imagined is the lack of street addresses.  Seoul’s layout is reminiscent of London with lots of tiny little cobblestone streets and alleys — but without a priceless London A to Z type book, getting from the subway station to sights is difficult.  Unfortunately, great guide books on Seoul aren’t yet popular, so we’re getting lost a bit.

Now I can see — since buildings are stationary — that a city could survive without addresses, per se — but it makes you wonder — how would a phone book work?

Anyway, the other interesting phenomenon is that there are video advertisements in the trains.  There’s one ad in particular — for make-up of all things, that manages to capture the attention of most men, young and old, whenever it’s played.  Click here to see the ad.

The good news is that I’ve managed to eat a number of my favorites including bi bim bap and kimchi fried rice.  Tomorrow, I’ll be looking for pa jun and possibly soon do bu chigae (I know it as soon tofu soup).

I must say this is the first really homogeneous society I’ve ever seen.  It’s really fascinating.  I have more to say, but must ruminate on it a bit.

Today’s pics are mostly from Dongnimmum where Buddhist temples and shaminist shrines proliferate.

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