<In the City> Namsan.

Namsan Tower is an undeniable icon of Seoul and seemingly omnipresent. This city-central tower embodies that nostalgic flare of Korean dramas and lures in tourists, families, and lovers alike. 

When you're commuting back home from work, take a moment to look up from the road or your cellphone; you might discover Namsan staring back at you. Its presence provides a kind of reassurance that as much as this city has changed, changes, and will change, some things will remain as is. 

Below are random snapshots taken at random moments at random times of the year. 

 

Can you spot the tower?

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> Oedo Botania: 외도 보타니아

Located about 10-20 minutes away from Geoje-do by a ferry boat, Oedo is an island brimming with well-trimmed and lush colors of nature.  While the word 'blue' is associated with the word 'water' by default, traveling often makes me realize that such generalization just won't do. Even with a slightly different angle of sunlight, the water dons a whole different outfit. The vivid colors of the world always tug at my heart. Traveling becomes essentially irresistible, and I forever long to be a carefree globe-wanderer.

As the entire island is essentially one, giant garden embraced by the vibrant hues of water, be sure to bring your best smiles and a well-charged camera.

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> 27.

While breathing for 27 years on this Earth, momentous changes occurred to my perspective of everything. When I pause mid-step, take a deep breath, put both feet solidly on the ground, and take a look over my shoulders, I can see that I have jumped oceans and Mount Everests.

Good or bad, sweet or bitter, proud or embarrassing, what minuscule footmarks I have made in this world are mine alone and here to stay. So many words floats around, but you are your sole life-long guide to the future of the better and the brighter.

What has been on your mind recently?

<photos by Rob Lee>

<Out of the City> 2015.

Unknowingly, 2014 has slipped through our fingers, and I have caught myself entering the door of 2015 impromptu. The faint scent of 2014 still lingers as I don't feel ready to embrace the new year, but it is here anyway. The memories still twirl around in my mind as nostalgia fills the air like a cup of freshly brewed coffee inside a cozy cafe.

Nevertheless, 2015 is here, so welcome, we will become fast friends yet.

This photo was taken at my recent trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
<photo by me>

<In the City> Spring Spell.

With the onset of spring in Seoul, the city is slowly draping and donning various colors and hues. In the meanwhile, I have officially lived another year in this world and blew out 26 candles. Nothing tangible has changed, and my days have been divided between a blur of work and a wish for spring mode.

Beauty can be found in everything, but nothing like the spring spell mesmerizes one's soul. The enchantment exuded by the theatrical arrangement of vibrant nature is, needless to say, captivating.

What has caught your fancy lately?

<photo by me>

<Out of the City> Tokyo, Japan: Two.

In contrast to the vividly dynamic and uniquely eclectic glitz of Tokyo, the city also embraces areas of simple serenity that are absolutely beautiful. I found the soothing spirits of these places quite indelible.

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> Tokyo, Japan: One.

Tokyo is like a facsimile of Seoul in more ways than one. In many other ways, the two cities wear completely different faces. Japan has been known to be very culturally similar to Korea, possibly due to the two countries' long, intertwined history.

What I find most charming about major Asian cities are their multitudes of layers.  It's as if you're gleefully pulling out an endless number of colorful sheets from a box. That and a million other reasons make traveling so irresistible.

So you are in Tokyo.  With the will of a tenacious tourist, you take that next step forward with your aching feet that even a pair of Nike cannot aid. Then, in a quick moment, you suck in a wisp of air and tilt your head ever-so-slightly. The glittering skyscrapers peel back to reveal the everyday lives of Japan. The backdrop paints a melted concoction of lights, people, and personality. As you wander around the city all day, you are constantly lost in various cultures and decades of time.

A collection of random shots of Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, and Shinjuku.

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> YangPyeong: 양평.

This past weekend, my friends and I drove out to Yangpyeong, a city located about an hour to the east of Seoul. It was a spontaneous trip that was all about relaxation. 

We stayed at a quaint place called Maple House. Staying true to its name, maple trees encapsulated the house, showcasing their autumn uniforms of reds, oranges, and yellows in a picturesque parade.

The morning after our finger-lickin' good barbecue fiesta, we took a stroll up the hill located in front of the house.

The weekend is like that first sip of your aromatic morning coffee. It leaves you feeling recharged and ready to face the big, bad world (well, almost).

In the meanwhile, I would like to ask you: 

When was the last time you took a look out of your window?

<photos by me>

<In the City> Autumn Swoons.

Easily my favorite time of the entire year, autumn is warm-colored foliage, chick-flick romance, an endless array of scarves, and tantalizingly crisp air. 

While this wonderful season is near drawing its curtains closed, I have managed to run around (and nearby) the city and catch snippets of autumn before its grand finale. 

 

Winter should really behave itself and stop making its moves.

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> Jeju Island.

Only an hour flight from either the small Gimpo Airport or the well-renowned Incheon International Airport, Jeju is the biggest island of South Korea and a current winner of the New7Wonders of Nature campaign.

A 'must-have' meal in Jeju is the black pig (흑돼지) barbecue. When I think of pigs, I think of Babe. Maybe I will visit a black pig farm on my next Jeju trip.

This savory, fruity broth-based cold noodle dish was quite different from any variations of Korean noodles I have ever tasted. Verdict: delectable.



There are countless touristy destinations in Jeju, but because life sucks and makes us hold jobs to earn money, we did not have time to visit everywhere. Nevertheless, here are some highlights from our trip:

<Cheon-Ji-Yeon Falls>

<OSulloc Tea Museum>

 <Seopjikoji 섭지코지>

While traversing around the island, you are bound to see some wind turbines.

It was an immense fun frolicking in the refreshingly vivid world of Jeju. I'm curious how it would look in the winter time, but for now, I leave you with this final sunset picture.

<photos by me>