Author Archives: Diego

Field Report: National Museum of Korea, Seoul, South Korea (27 September 2015)

I had a great time at Namsangol Hanok Village, but with the sun high in the sky and the air getting a wee bit too warm for comfort, I took refuge in one of Seoul’s largest indoor attractions … deliciously air-conditioned, of course. Oh, and did I mention that it’s free?

Field Report: Namsangol Hanok Village, Seoul, South Korea (27 September 2015)

The clear blue skies and bright sunny weather lasted all throughout this fine Chuseok Sunday – perfect conditions for exploring even more of Seoul’s many outdoor and indoor attractions. Next on our itinerary: a traditional Korean village right in the heart of this modern city.

Field Report: Gyeongbokgung, Seoul, South Korea (27 September 2015)

As the largest of Seoul’s five royal palaces, it’s no wonder that Gyeongbokgung was once equipped with kitchens that could feed an army. Newly restored a century after its destruction, this former nerve centre of Joseon court cuisine invites visitors to imagine what it must have been like – and how difficult it must haveContinue reading “Field Report: Gyeongbokgung, Seoul, South Korea (27 September 2015)”

Field Report: Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung, Seoul, South Korea (26 September 2015)

The grand old palace of Changdeokgung, like the city of Seoul itself, might be likened to an old friend. Having conversed with them a couple of times, and having eased into a comfortable familiarity, one begins to think that there are no more secrets between the two of you … until they spring a massiveContinue reading “Field Report: Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung, Seoul, South Korea (26 September 2015)”

Home from Korea, a wee bit of admin stuff … and a special announcement

Let’s take things in order, gentle readers. First: I’ve just returned from a quick 4-day holiday in lovely Seoul, Korea. All too short, as the usual post-trip complaint goes, but this ties in neatly with the third point (which we’ll get to later). Second: I shall put the current series of posts about my DecemberContinue reading “Home from Korea, a wee bit of admin stuff … and a special announcement”

Field Report: Gyeonghuigung and Seoul Museum of History, Seoul, South Korea (12 December 2014)

Whilst sharing many architectural features and elements of design, Seoul’s palaces aren’t just cookie-cutter replicas of each other. Every royal residence has its own unique charm, its own particular beauty … and its own long – often painful – history.

Field Report: Sungnyemun (Namdaemun), Old Seoul Station and Donuimun, Seoul, South Korea (12 December 2014)

After my morning visit to City Hall and Deoksugung, I headed south towards one of the Korean capital’s ancient gates – a prominent relic of the long centuries that Seoul spent nestled behind the protection of its formidable walls.

Field Report: Seoul City Hall and Deoksugung, Seoul, South Korea (12 December 2014)

On a cold but lovely Friday morning in Seoul, blessed with clear skies and bright winter sunshine, Diego sets off on a long stroll through the historic centre of the Korean capital.

Field Report: Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Paju, South Korea (11 December 2014) – Part 1/2

On a freezing winter’s day late in 2014, I briefly traded the dazzling wealth and modernity of Seoul for a no-man’s land of guns, mines, and hundreds of kilometres of barbed wire … a place where the Korean War drags on even now in a strange, almost surreal state of suspended animation. Welcome to theContinue reading “Field Report: Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Paju, South Korea (11 December 2014) – Part 1/2”