Endowed with an impressive 1400 year history heralding the grandeurs of the Shilla and Joseon kingdoms, Seoul is undergoing breakneck transformation as it emerges revitalized from the embers of the Korean War to become the 2010 World Design Capital. The modern and the ancient, pagodas and skyscrapers blend seamlessly here, as finger licking, artery-clogging tasties co-exist with some of the fittest population in the world.
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| Our conference center at Kintex (picture by Marc Cahay) | Order and chaos (picture by Cahay) | Signboards splattered around in delicious disarray in a scene that defines much of commercial Asia |
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| Near Hongik University, one of 37 universities in Seoul (70% of the population is university educated!) |
Street food near Jongnak | The spectacular 33- storey Jongno tower boasts panoramic night views, great restaurants and the National Tax Office. |
A typical lunch consisted of boiling beef with assorted side plates including the ubiquitous Kimchi. Of course, there was more adventurous fare (blood and eels!) |
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| Like in Tokyo, restaurants display samples of their food recreated in colorful clay compositions |
Amusing warning signs on my toilet bowl |
Graphic descriptions describe the variety of ways to wash one's soiled bottom after using the toilet bowl. |
Signs, signs everywhere |
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| Street vendors at Namdaemun market | Souvenirs and other cultural artifacts on sale around Insadong |
