The Korean peninsula is 1000 km long and 175 km wide. It is divided at the 38th parallel into the Democratic Republic of Korea in the south and communist North Korea. One fourth of Korea's 48 million people live in Seoul, the hub of politics, economics and culture. (Gael Chardon, Wikimedia Commons)
 

Situated on the Han River, the history of Seoul goes back 2000 years. The 24 neighborhoods of Seoul each have a unique flavor, with combinations of skyscrapers, royal palaces, temples, night markets and shops.
 

Gangnam is the busy economic centre. Korean corporations include Hyundai and Kia motors, Samsung and LG electronics and household goods,  and FILA athletic wear.

Seoul has 5 Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The largest is Gyeongbokgung complex with 330 buildings and 5800  rooms. (photo courtesy of Korea.net/Korea Culture and Information Service)
 

Seoul has 10 major museums including the National Museum, the Leeum Museum or Art and the War Memorial of Korea pictured here.

The hop-on hop-off tour bus was an excellent way to get an overview of the city and to identify landmarks.

Namsam Peak is the highest point. It features a large garden and the Nansam telecommunications and observation Tower.  (Jessica Gardner, Wikimedia Commons)

Night markets, like this one at Namdaemon are the centre of night life with kiosks selling everything imaginable and street barbeques creating delectable meals.

Large suburban areas such as Itaewon-dong and Ichon feature high-rise apartment complexes and central built up areas of offices, restaurants and public gardens.
 

Throughout the city various restaurants display their specialties including kimchi, bulgogi, and rice cakes.
 

Insa-dong is the traditional heart of Seoul with numerous tea houses and antique and art galleries. At a tiny family-run tea house we sat on the floor and ate an inexpensive sumptuous meal.
 

Carol was in Korea with fellow educators from Calgary to learn about the educational system. The Seoul Metropolitan Board of Education was a wonderful host escorting us to a variety of school settings such as this Kindergarten class.
 

We visited classrooms, were presented with cultural performances, and joined staff and students for lunch to chat in English.

A fascinating side trip was to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). We were guests of the United Nations and escorted by the American military. The two mile wide region is a unique political and ecological zone.   
 

The demilitarized zone (DMZ)  marks the 155 mile cease-fire line ending the Korean War. The heavily guarded premises of Panmunjeom are located in the middle of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and remain reserved strictly for political engagements.

Unification Park and other museums provide information about reunification efforts.
 

The Dora Observatory is the only place in South Korea where visitors can catch glimpses of North Korea.