Modern Seoul

July 22, 2018

I haven’t written for a few weeks. Partly because we spent more time traveling in the last couple of weeks (I will write more about what and where in subsequent posts) but partly because I seem to have lost steam again. Sometimes it is just hard to put words down. The feelings are intense and unrelenting and they leave no room for reflection or cohesive thought. So then all I can do is wait out this onslaught of emotion and pain.

On July 22 I found myself in Seoul, South Korea. Seoul is one of Asia’s most modern cities. The moment I stepped off the plane I could feel an instant dose of glamour injected into my surroundings. I had boarded the plane in Chengdu, China from a plain looking airport filled with the usual assortment of average dressed masses. In Incheon airport, Seoul things felt shinier all around. Impeccably dressed and perfectly made up skinny women, and dapper men. The cheekbones were impossibly high and the chins were long and shapely. I have heard that Seoul is one of The destinations for getting plastic surgery in the world. Not to discount the effort behind all this glamor, I am sure good looking folks there are products of a combination of things – little bit of plastic surgery (maybe), individual effort to dress up well and the skill to apply makeup perfectly.

Next I noticed a Cancer hospital and a Severance Hospital next to each other – an ironic play on words! I always seem to first notice cancer hospitals in any place these days. It is the lens that colors my world at this point in time.

Seoul is filled with luxury goods stores and modern glass buildings. I am not an avid shopper but I must confess that I needed a bit of that lift in the energy around me. I was there for two days. The weather was humid but cloudy – so got spared the blinding sun. The first day we went with a friend to Gyeongbokgung palace and then to a traditional Hanok place for some authentic Korean food. I forgot to note down the name but this restaurant is near the palace and I have attached a picture of its Korean sign below. Gyeongbokgung palace is painted with muted colors that are earthy versions of colors used in the palaces in China – one whispers, the other shouts. Both are impressive in their own way!

Next was walking around the Dongdaemun design plaza while carefully giving happy families with young kids a wide berth – not that I don’t like kids, I just wanted to spare myself some pain. The building is sculptural and beautiful. The exhibition of design stuff was mildly interesting. Then we headed over to the Seoul Tower. The views from the top of the Seoul tower were eye-opening. I couldn’t believe how far out Seoul extended in the valleys between the hills overlooking it. My favorite part however was the plaza at the base of the Seoul tower. With its numerous Gingko trees and magnificent views it must be a magical spot in Fall. I asked the lady at the information desk (who spoke excellent English, *what a relief!!*) for the directions to the metro to Gangnam street (Psi was popular some three years ago and Zubin loved to dance to Gangnam Style.) She was so friendly and grandma-like that I am sure if she had someone to leave the kiosk to, she would have taken me by the arm and personally delivered me to Gangnam. Most of the cab drivers, kiosk owners and other tourism workers in Seoul seemed older. The people were friendly and courteous. I loved Seoul! If you find yourselves there and are looking for things to do – I would highly recommend:

First of all go in Fall if you can. The colors of Gingko trees are likely to sweep you off your feet
Gyeongbokgung palace – It is bare around the buildings. So be prepared for searing heat if you venture there in summer
Dongdaemun design plaza – Just to see an impressive sculpture of a modern building near ancient palaces
Seoul tower – It is not super high but high enough to provide beautiful views
Namdaemun market – For little kiosks and open shops selling a wide variety of reasonable quality cheap goods.