28 Mar 2010, Posted by Matt in Seoul, Shopping, Video, 2 Comments

Sinchon’s Playground for Youth

The name “Sinchon” means “new village,” yet this home to several of Seoul’s best-known universities is actually one of the city’s older neighborhoods.

19 Jun 2009, Posted by Matt in Festivals & Holidays, Seoul, Video, 12 Comments

Queer Seoul

On Saturday, an estimated 1,500 people marched along the Cheonggyecheon (청계천) stream in downtown Seoul. The main event of the 10th annual Korea Queer Culture Festival (KQCF) marked South Korea’s largest-ever celebration of homosexuality. The procession was led by a troupe of pungmul folk musicians and three trucks outfitted with rainbow flags, dance platforms and speakers playing Korean pop. Locals wearing “God made Queer” buttons marched with foreign English teachers and teen boys donning mouse ears and pleated skirts.

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11 Jun 2009, Posted by Matt in Buddhist Temples, Festivals & Holidays, Seoul, UNESCO Sites, Video, 0 Comments

Bongwonsa Temple

In 889, Bongwonsa Temple was founded by the great master Doseon. The west Seoul temple is famous for its Yeongsanjae ceremony, an elaborate and beautiful performance that was recognized by UNESCO in 2009.

18 Mar 2009, Posted by Matt in Buddhist Temples, Nature, Seoul, Shopping, 13 Comments

Youth Culture in Seoul’s Edae Neighborhood

The Edae neighborhood’s shopping alleys at night (click here for larger).

Periodically, we explore places to see in the big city. This time around we’ll head to a vibrant neighborhood that’s often overlooked on Seoul itineraries. That neighborhood is Edae (이대), which along with the neighborhoods of Sinchon and Hongdae, are perhaps Seoul’s most famous areas for college students. Sure, Sinchon and Hongdae are very well-known for their youthful exuberance, but Edae has its own distinct character that shouldn’t be missed.

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