비원을 구함

[dedalusj]

This weekend I visited ㅈ in 서울.  The original plan was to go to 비원 (the secret garden.) However, though I knew about where it was (duh, 종로) I did not know exactly where it was.  Nevertheless, I did know where a giant park-esque area was so ㅈ and I went there (sidenote: despite being Korean, ㅈ has no idea where anything is in 서울.  Moreover, even if

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[samedi]

Was the large park you found on the first day 탑골 공원? Perhaps oddly, 종묘 is probably the only major tourist attraction in 종로 / around City Hall that I haven't seen, although I would like to visit at some point. I'm glad you were finally able to find 비원 though! On my first visit to Korea six years ago I went to 창덕궁 with a Korean friend and they wouldn't let me in with the Korean-language tour despite my friend's protests that she would be there to help with everything. We had to wait for the English tour. They did have large white rabbits in 비원 that first time which I haven't seen since.

On the subject of King Yeongjo (英祖王), the whole story about his killing his son is captured in his daughter-in-law's memoirs. "The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong" in English, I believe there are two Korean titles (한중록 is one of them but I can't recall the other) and I would definitely recommend reading the collection if you come across a copy. I would like to learn more about Korean history, so if you come across any good reference materials - or

[dedalusj]

The park was not 탑골. I have been there many times. I used to go to Korean class at the YBM building across the street so I know that park well. The park we went through is past the 종로-3가 station. There is always a lot of old people there. I don't know the name.

I knew about the widow's memior but I have not looked into it at all. I have found that Wikipedia is a decent start but there is, of course, a lot missing. I am still trying to get a feel for what, generally happened and get everything straight in my head and then start filling in holes. I am going to check the uni library tomorrow (and I will definatly look for the memior there) but I think if I really want to study this my Korean needs to get much better because I am not sure how much there is in English, especially compared to the plethora that exists in Korean.

[ihatebibimbap]

This brings back memories! When I went there though it was pretty empty.

[pisica_habibi]

종묘? I tried to visit there when I was an exchange student in 06. Unfortunately, I ran into some kind of ajoshi park and never made it. Ran into a drunk pervert who wanted to feel me up, then a group of singing Christians who wanted me to join them, an asshole and possibly a pimp (the only other woman there, besides me), and a guy who wanted to talk about the American soldiers he met during the Korean War.

I know it sounds bad, but I haven't been back since. Parts of me wants to go, with someone (instead of by myself, which was probably stupid), but at the same time, I'm too wary of that creepy park.

I don't know much about Korean history...but the little I've read it's so fascinating and awesome (both in the good and bad way)!

[dedalusj]

You should have introduced the 아저씨 to the Christians. He could fill them up with his "thing" and then they could fill him up with the love of Jesus. Fair trade.

You can also get there through the back and not go through the park. Go to Anguk station and get out at the exit near the Japanese Embassy (Exit 3?). Walk straight until you see 청덕궁 on your left. In front of you there is a street between two walls (the street cuts 종묘 is half--it's a Japanese thing). Follow that street to the first intersection and take a left. Enter the first massive, huge, pre-burned-Nam-dae-moon-looking gate you see. That is the park behind 종묘 (It'll cost 1000원). It would be best to go with a Korean because you'll probably have questions. It kinda doesn't make sense at first, because it is very Korean, but most Koreans can explain it.

[pisica_habibi]

Sweet! Thanks for the directions! When I went I had been here about 2months and still didn't know shit...and was a bit nervous about going back. Anyway, I'll rope in a friend to doing this soon!