Memories – Page 2 – By the River

The city of Seoul, South Korea, is one of the most-populated cities in the world comprising of just under 10-million inhabitants within 600 square kilometres. Its metro area contains over 24-million residents.

Seoul is significantly more densely-populated than Toronto which is Canada’s most-populated city. Toronto occupies 620 square kilometres but only contains 2.9-million residents. Its metropolitan area contains just under 6-million residents. Interestingly, both Toronto and Seoul occupy roughly the same area both in city and metropolitan areas.

Seoul contains mountains and a large river called the Han River which bisects the city in two along an east-west axis. The entire city is very modern but also contains a lot of historical areas, most situated on the north side of the Han River.

Seoul is a city of mountains and high rise apartments. It contains huge apartment complexes some with over 40 buildings! It is a very busy, bustling, and interesting city.

If you ever find yourself in Seoul and in need of a break from the wonderful hustle and bustle of city life, look no further than the stunningly beautiful Seoul Forest park located right in the city.

Seoul Forest is a wonderful, peaceful oasis in the middle of one of the busiest cities on Earth. During my most recent visit, I encountered a new friend. A lovely cat who was enjoying his/her own little zen experience in the park.

Zen Kitty at Seoul Forest.
© 2018 Charles Dunlevy

When I am in Seoul, I thoroughly enjoy the busy city life, but also take time out to relax at my favourite quite spot, the Han River Park. On my last visit to Seoul, I went to the Seoul Forest for the first time. I now consider both parks my peace and tranquility zones.

Maybe one day I will buy one of the beautiful residential condominiums that recently sprung up across from Seoul Forest. I love that in the city of Seoul one can enjoy the excitement of big city life and peace and quiet without having to leave town.

Horse race sculptures at Seoul Forest
© 2018 Charles Dunlevy

Next time you visit Seoul, make sure to stop by the Seoul Forest Park. The park is located at 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

For more information, visit http://seoulforest.or.kr/

While power-walking through my childhood neighborhood, it became clear to me that soon there will be very little of the original community remaining. This is one of the last remaining 1960s era apartment buildings in the area. This block used to contain dozens of low-rise buildings. Most were removed during the 1980s to build a couple of low-rise office buildings and some high rise residential condominiums. Only three buildings remain. The above photo is one of the three remaining buildings. All three are now undergoing demolition to be replaced by high rise residential condominium buildings.

The houses in the community were originally a mix of small, post-war bungalows, and other styles built during the 1950s through 1960s. By the late 1970s, large homes started popping up. Throughout the 80s and 90s, even larger homes came along. By the 2010s, I would say that two-thirds of the original houses have now been replaced by 6,000 square-foot monster homes. Even the monster homes from the 1980s are starting to be replaced.

The community is no longer one where the middle class can afford to live. Thanks to the influx of over-sized houses and overpriced condominium apartments, the character of the community has changed forever.

One positive that I see is the massive increase in retail. Prior to the major redevelopment, there were shops lining the main street, three open-air strip plazas, and one indoor shopping centre. The main street was not vibrant. On Sundays most stores were closed and hardly anybody could be seen along the main street.

Today, the plazas are gone, but there is far more retail located at the base of the condominiums. There are more restaurants, cafes, and bars than ever before.

There are still many pockets of the big city where virtually no change has occurred. Most of those areas still retain their original charm and memories, but lack street life as there are no vibrant strips of retail and entertainment.

While I lament the loss of my community’s original character, I do enjoy the new vibrancy of our main street. I still enjoy walking and running along the tree-lined side streets reminiscing about the old days. Houses and apartments may be destroyed, but memories last forever.

Category: Memories

Peaceful Oasis in Seoul

End of an Era