By: Julia Escaño
Asia, Travel, , , , ,

Postcards from South Korea

Just like Japan, and most other developed countries, I love how South Korea could straddle both their history and their progress while letting both sides of their identity shine. During my visit, I was able to see many chapters of their story as well as the different personalities they took on over time.

These photos display South Korea’s strengths in war at the War Memorial of Korea, their resilience over dispute at the De-Militarized Zone with the North, the subtlety and intricacy of their heritage at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, and even their whimsical and playful side in Nami Island.

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The War Memorial’s facade proudly displays the flags of all the countries that sent their support.
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Back when we were a prosperous country, we can afford to trail only the UK and the US in sending aid to whoever needed it. Seeing my country honored here (when it’s so rarely honored at home) is a proud moment for me.
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The Philippine flag between France and Thailand
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a fallen soldier’s helmet
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Listed on these pillars are the names of all who fought and fell during the Korean War.

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All the red spots mark the bullet holes this ship sustained during an encounter with a North Korean ship. 
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The line dividing North and South at the DMZ.
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View of North Korea’s side from the south-side of the DMZ. South Korean soldiers must face the other way when tourists are around to maintain constant surveillance.
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Northern territory

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The outer wall of the Gyeongbokgung Palace contrasted against Seoul’s modern buildings.

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facing one way
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facing another way
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the past looking out

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palace guards

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gorgeous architectural detail

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pond frozen over

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I love these ceramic wall tiles all over the palace grounds!

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Officially known as Naminara Republic of Korea, Nami Island is a privately owned theme park just off of Seoul.
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A Filipino snow person
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They were insistent on calling these sculptures “snow people” to keep things PC. It was pretty cute.

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Giant ants and butterflies are among Nami Island’s residents, according to their guide book.

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Winter landscapes
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We threw rocks here trying to break the ice – we failed.

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