Yes! Seoul has a fortress and a great wall which snakes around the Northern part of Seoul for about 18kms. It was built in 1396 by King Tajeo of the Joseon dynasty to keep the Mongol and Chinese invaders at bay. Though this wall was torn down, it was rebuilt and fortified during the reign of King Sejong. It was again reinforced during King Sukjong's period when precise-cut rectangular slabs were used. It is said that the wall was so perfect that even a piece of paper couldnot fit through the stones. Then again, it was demolished and the wall has been restored by the Korean Government. Korea too suffers a long a tough history of struggle for Independence.
Our aim was to trek from the Eastern gate of Donuimun, up North to Changuimun Gate. It is a 2 hour climb on Mount Ingwangsan. On that beautiful Sunday morning, i could see droves of people taking up the difficult climb with such vigor and enthusiasm, including a 3 year old, accompanied by her parents, dawdling happily up the steps and also really old people, adroitly climbing up the umpteen number of steps and rocks! Walking seems to be Korea's National pastime!
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| The Great Wall of Seoul on top of Mount Ingwangsan |
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| Fortress wall winding through the city |
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| Well laid tracks, beautiful climate and the promise of wonderful views |
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| Few acres of free space in Seoul is in the Gwanghwamun Palace |
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| Blue House of the Korean President nestled under the mountain |
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| Machine guns and a lot of casual-attired-but-vigilant military personnel are constant companions throughout the trek |
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| Han River from the Mountain |
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| The all important Patel photo on reaching the top point in the trek |
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| On top of the top of the mountain! |
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| You better believe it, we were there, i have the coordinates to prove it ;) |
Skywatch Friday
This is new to me.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures of the place.
Woww meoww :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wall and what a fabulous view from there.
Thanks for sharing this us :)
Regards
Jay
http://road-to-sanitarium.blogspot.in/
Yep, it was a wonderful sight. I must mention that the place is open in the nights too and night view must be glorious!
DeleteGood Information, great pictures... 좋은 정보, 좋은 사진
ReplyDelete감사합니다
DeleteAwesome pictures Meoww
ReplyDeleteWonderrful shots from your exciting trip.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images and interesting commentary
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful, grand post!
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe that all I did on my day in Seoul was go to a bulgogi restaurant!
ReplyDeleteThere is always another time and then, you will be prepared :)
DeleteAwesome views on the cityscape and winding wall across the city! Great knowing about this wall and amazing how it built perfectly even a paper could not fit.
ReplyDeleteawesome !!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to go here. Amazing place and pictures :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures, and glad you all had a great time!
ReplyDeleteWow! nice to know about the wall and that Koreans love walking. And yes, that is a good pathway. Does it run along the wall the whole way?
ReplyDeleteThere are comfy path with steps all through and for the more adventurous, there are numerous trails through the mountains all the way to the top too!
DeleteCaptivating pics, Meoww with wonderful details!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views and pictures :-) Dropping by from Color Connection :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, I never got to see that! I did not know that there is a Great Wall in Korea either, beautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for linking up to Color Connection last week, come and join us again this week. The linky is up now.
I wouldnot have know it too, but thanks to my Korean friends, who took me up there and provided some nice snacks too :)
DeleteI love this - whenever I will plan to visit Seoul this thing has to be there on my list. It is so beautiful and as you said M sure the night scene would be more wonderful!
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