Historical note: This is our first blog post.
Traveling throughout South Korea was not what I expected. I lived in the Philippines for a couple years, and I knew that its Spanish roots would be quite different than the rest of Asia. I was excited to get into some deeper Asian culture.
Korea has tried very hard to preserve its cultural history. Unfortunately, because this country has been the mid-point of so many major conflicts, most of its original palaces and structures have been destroyed, in most cases by the Japanese during occupation. What you can see in Korea are well researched and constructed replicas like the palace gate pictured below. I was sad to find out there aren’t many ancient structures left standing.
(click for a larger view)
The people are doing fairly well in continuing some of the traditions as well. In an artsy area of Seoul called Insadong, you can find all the traditional Korean crafts done by those who are trying to protect the old ways. I decided to get a name stamp carved in a dusty old shop with framed yellowed newspaper articles featuring its owner as a traditional master carver.
In Korea most people have name stamps to use on official documents in addition to their signature– makes it harder to forge I guess. When consulting the secret book of Chinese characters, it turns out that my name, “Charles” happens to mean “good photographer”. If someone out there can verify that is what’s actually carved here, let me know 
We witnessed a few reenactments–very cool. The costumes struck me as artificially colorful. I wonder at what point they perfected the inks to get these neon blues and reds.
The large number of monks living in various temples throughout Korea seem to have the right idea. All of their outfits are color-less and I like their style. I can only imagine the deep conversation taking place here on current world problems–or maybe they are discussing fashion and what color will be the “new” grey.
