Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Great wall of Seoul

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!
The great wall of Seoul
The Great Wall of Seoul on top of Mount Ingwangsan

Seoul wall showing the entire city of Seoul
Fortress wall winding through the city

Recontructed Seoul wall
Well laid tracks, beautiful climate and the promise of wonderful views
Gwanghwamun Palace as seen from the Mount Inwangsan
Few acres of free space in Seoul is in the Gwanghwamun Palace
President's Blue house in Seoul
Blue House of the Korean President nestled under the mountain
Machine Gun and security on Mount Inwangsan
Machine guns and a lot of casual-attired-but-vigilant military personnel are constant companions throughout the trek
Han river from Mount Inwangsan
Han River from the Mountain
Seoul wall
The all important Patel photo on reaching the top point in the trek
On the top of top of the mountain
On top of the top of the mountain!


Seoul wall
You better believe it, we were there, i have the coordinates to prove it ;)

Skywatch Friday

22 comments:

  1. This is new to me.
    Great captures of the place.

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  2. Woww meoww :)
    What a wall and what a fabulous view from there.
    Thanks for sharing this us :)

    Regards

    Jay
    http://road-to-sanitarium.blogspot.in/

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    Replies
    1. Yep, it was a wonderful sight. I must mention that the place is open in the nights too and night view must be glorious!

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  3. Good Information, great pictures... 좋은 정보, 좋은 사진

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  4. Wonderrful shots from your exciting trip.

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  5. Beautiful images and interesting commentary

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  6. I still can't believe that all I did on my day in Seoul was go to a bulgogi restaurant!

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    Replies
    1. There is always another time and then, you will be prepared :)

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  7. Awesome 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.

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  8. I would love to go here. Amazing place and pictures :)

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  9. Gorgeous pictures, and glad you all had a great time!

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  10. Wow! 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?

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    Replies
    1. There 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!

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  11. Captivating pics, Meoww with wonderful details!

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  12. Beautiful views and pictures :-) Dropping by from Color Connection :-)

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  13. Wow, I never got to see that! I did not know that there is a Great Wall in Korea either, beautiful shots.


    Thank you so much for linking up to Color Connection last week, come and join us again this week. The linky is up now.

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    1. I wouldnot have know it too, but thanks to my Korean friends, who took me up there and provided some nice snacks too :)

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  14. I 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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