Changdeokgung Palace

A maze of colour and texture Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. Construction began in 1405, and was completed in 1412. The palace was burned down by an angry mob in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. It was reconstructed in 1609 by King Seonjo and King Gwanghaegun however burnt back down in 1623 because of political Revolt by King Injo. The palace was also attacked by the Manchu Qing but throughout its history of reconstruction and repair has remained faithful to its original design. It was heavily damaged during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) and, only about 30% of the pre-Japanese structures survive. Seoul, Korea

Korean War Monument

Ominous skies above the Korean War Monument, located outside the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan-dong, Seoul, South Korea. From 1950 to 1953 the Korean War was fought between North and South Korea. The war involved a United Nations force led by the USA fighting for the the South against a Chinese and Soviet Union backed North. Fighting ended on 27 July 1953, when an armistice was signed. The agreement created the Korean Demilitarized Zone, 55km North of Seoul, to separate North and South Korea. No peace treaty was subsequently signed, and the two Koreas are technically still at war. Periodic clashes, many of which have resulted in casualties, continue to this day.

ROKAF Insignia

An insignia on a Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-5 jet fighter. The Northrop F-5A "Freedom Fighter" was a Supersonic fighter used by South Korea in the 1960's to counter the North Korean MiG-19 Supersonic fighter. Seoul, South Korea

Bravery or Futility

Bravery or Futility? A small section of a stone memorial with all the names of the South Korean lives lost in the Korean War (1950-1953). South Korea lost over 137,899 soldiers with a further 450,742 wounded. In comparison the US lost 36,574 deaths and 103,284 wounded, while the North suffered a staggering loss of life estimated to be between 350,000 to 700,000 people. It is often called "The Forgotten War" or "The Unknown War" because of the lack of public attention it received both during and after the war, and in relation to the global scale of World War II, which preceded it, and the subsequent angst of the Vietnam War, which succeeded it. Seoul, South Korea

Changdeokgung Reflection

A lady sits in quiet reflection outside of Changdeokgung Palace. Initially constructed in 1405 the palace was burned down by an angry mob in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. It was reconstructed in 1609 by King Seonjo and King Gwanghaegun however burnt back down in 1623 because of political Revolt by King Injo. The palace was also attacked by the Manchu Qing but throughout its history of reconstruction and repair has remained faithful to its original design. It was heavily damaged during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) and, only about 30% of the pre-Japanese structures survive. Seoul, Korea