A World Class City
Less than 2 full days have passed since we arrive in Korea and already Alex and I cannot helped but to be overwhelmed by the scale, beauty, and kindness of Seoul. Beginning with the bus from the airport dropping us off in the middle of a crowded median (with 5 lanes of bustling traffic on either side), we had a hunch that Korea would be wholly unlike anything we had ever experience before. And sure enough when we saw someone casually ride past us on the sidewalk with a futuristic unicycle Solowheel (see video below), we knew our assumptions were correct. From its people to its design, Seoul is truly a unique city.
Samsung & Microsoft offices just behind the Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace
With the 4th largest metropolitan economy in the world (a GDP of $846 billion) and a population of 25.6 million, Seoul exists today as one of the great cities in Asia. Furthermore, with an urban public transportation system that is often considered one of the best on earth and a refreshing number of gorgeous parks scattered throughout the city, everything about the city speaks to how urban areas should be constructed. Constantly merging “old” Korea and “new” Korea in the layout of the city, the specialization of buildings tells a story of an old, rich culture that has emerged as a technology superpower.
The architecture of “new” Korea.
However, while I could rave for ages about how much I have enjoyed the urban design and structuring of Seoul, I would have to say that what has made our visit so special so far, are the people. Every person we have encountered in Seoul has been more friendly and hospitable than I could have ever imagined. From ordering food in restaurants to helping us navigate public transportation, everywhere we go people seem eager to help. By listening to our botched Korean and replying in the best English they can muster (which is often pretty good), the residents of Seoul lack the rudeness often associated with big cities residents of the US. Rather with kind smiles they eagerly try and help us, and for that we are extremely grateful.
The beauty of “old” Korea in Hanok Village.
Thus while Alex and I do not know what the rest of our week in Korea brings (with some travel things still being up in the air), the consensus remains that we love Korea and we can not wait to see what other surprises the busy streets of Seoul hold for us.
– Robert Yeagle