Seoul

Changes

Wow is all I can say.  This is NOT the Korea that I knew and loved.  In some ways it is still the same place, but in others it is completely different.  The first thing that we noticed was how expensive everything has gotten.  On average I would say things are 5-10 TIMES as expensive as when we were he last .  A cheap meal has gone from 800 Won to about 7,000 Won.  Most meals are now 15,000 to 45,000 won for simple Bulkogi.

Another thing that is different is transportation.  The subway system is great, and widely expanded since we were here last.  Also the roadway system has greatly improved with nice wide lanes and lots of cars.  The cars here are also very different.  It used to be only Korean cars were available here, now it is everything under the sun.  BMW's, Mercedes, Fords and Chevrolets are as common as Hyundai's. You also see many exotics, Ferraris, Mazerati etc.

Sightseeing

Yesterday we went to a bunch of the palaces and a local shrine.  The main palace that we went to was Gyeongbokgung Palace.  This is the major place here in Seoul, although there are many smaller palaces around the area.  At Deoksugung we were able to see the changing of the guard ceremony that was very cool in addition to the palace itself.  Today we went to a traditional Korean folk village and all of the homes there were built in the traditional Korean style with a courtyard surrounded by a wall and then the home inside.  Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment.  Tomorrow we begin the journey home, wish us luck!