Gyeongbokgung

Perhaps the most famous of all of Korea’s palaces is Gyeongbokgung. It was the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It was first built in the late 1300's, but then it was destroyed in a war near the end of the 16th century and abandoned for two centuries. Then it was restored in the 1800's, only to be destroyed again by Imperial Japan. But now it has been rebuilt to its original glory and is preserved by the South Korean government. 

outside the main entrance

here you can see some mountains in the background of the main entrance

guards in traditional dress outside the main entrance

a drum that is played during the changing of the guard ceremony 

one of the palace's inner entrances

 proof that I was there

a frozen lake within the palace

the band that played during the changing of the guard ceremony

me with one of the guards

Namsan

Namsan is a mountain located within Seoul. The area has a lot of history in the country. Nowadays the area has been turned into a park, but the most notable aspect of this park is at the peak. On the apex of Namsan, NSeoul Tower sits. This tower has become the landmark of Seoul and is a beacon in the night, especially for tourists like myself who are not familiar with the area.

the tower lit up at night. sometimes the color varies. this night it was purple, but I also saw it green and blue. not sure if there is a pattern though

the tower from afar

the geographical center of Seoul on top of Namsan

another view of the tower from near the Korean War Memorial

Korean Food

Korean food comes in many varieties. I had an opportunity to try many new foods while I was in the country. I expected cuisine similar to Chinese due to the proximity of the two nations, however they are quite different. Before I landed in Seoul I had a chance to eat at a Korean restaurant in Indianapolis. I had some of the same foods in Seoul that I did in Indy, but for the most part everything was a new experience for me.

street vendors sell a variety of rice cakes

markets sell pre packaged seafood and snacks

more pre packaged seafood

a spicy bone in pork stew with multiple side dishes

Korean meals always come with multiple side dishes. and if you run out you can always ask for more for free

another street vendor selling a honey flavored pastry

Korean Won

The name of the currency in South Korea is the Korean Won. Currently 1 USD is about 1,087 Won.

Macau and its Money

Macau is a semi-autonomous region of China, consisting of only about 30 square kilometers. Macau was originally a Portuguese colony so there is a lot of European influence here.

The currency in Macau is the Macanese Pataca. The current exchange rate is about 1 USD to 8 Pataca. The Pataca can only be used in Macau.

the Pataca

The Ruins of St. Paul's. This was a church built when Macau was first colonized. Now only the front facade remains. The structure has become a landmark of Macau

A fully operational church located in the city center

Hong Kong Dollar

The Hong Kong Dollar is the currency in Hong Kong. The current exchange rate is about 1 USD to 7.5 HKD.

Chinese Yuan

The name of the currency in China is the Chinese Yuan. The current exchange rate is about 1 USD to 6 Yuan.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China stretches for hundreds of miles in northern China. It was first built in order to keep the fierce and barbaric Mongols out of China. It is incredible how it was built on top of mountains before modern cranes and other building mechanisms were invented.

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, or more officially, the Imperial Palace, is the site where the Emperors of China ruled. The palace was built in the early 1400's and was used until the last emperor of China was overthrown in 1912. Nowadays it is simply a tourist attraction, however the palace is absolutely worth visiting.

the portrait of Chairman Mao on display outside of the palace

one of the many buildings in the complex

a dragon, a symbol of China

the intricacy of some of the woodcarvings thanks to Dongyang

outside the Forbidden City at night

Bird's Nest Stadium

The Bird's Nest Stadium was the main stadium for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The opening and closing ceremonies were held here. Nowadays the stadium is not used that frequently, it is mostly just used as a landmark.

Hengdian World Studios

Hengdian World Studios is the largest film studio in the world. It is 27 times larger than Paramount and Universal combined. Many period dramas about Ancient Chinese dynasties are filmed here. One of Jet Li's famous films, Hero was filmed here. Also, the first movie where the two legends of Chinese cinema met on screen together for the first time, The Forbidden Kingdom with Jet Li and Jackie Chan was shot here. Below are scenes from various sets.