The Sunday after we went to the DMZ, Katie and I took a taxi to the area near Seoul Tower. Seoul Tower is a 777-foot-tall communications tower that was built in the late sixties. Though it has that sixties Asian tech look, and is arguably not the most attractive member of the "tower" set (Space Needle, Reunion Tower, Eiffel Tower, et al.), it is an object of great pride for Koreans everywhere and is even an official member of the World Federation of Great Towers.
Fall is in the air here in Korea, and the morning air was crisp. The walk up the mountain to the base of the tower was surprisingly beautiful. We could have almost believed we were back in the mountains of Colorado.
Upon reaching the base, we paid a very reasonable entrance fee and took an elevator up to the observation deck.
Though there was some haze, the sun was shining brightly. Compared to our prior experience in Seoul back in March, the view crystal clear.
Denver seemed a mere stone's throw away at only 9,927.10 kilometers.
After spending some time at the observation deck, we descended in order to view a quirky phenomenon for which the tower is famous.
It has become a Seoul tradition for lovers to write their names on a padlock, attach it to the chain link fence at the base of the tower, and throw the key off the mountain.
Over time, literally thousands of locks have accumulated on the fence.
While we were there, this group of historical reenactors passed us, beating drums and marching regally. They were dressed as 16th century Korean soldiers.
Of course, things have lightened up a lot here in Korea since the 16th century. When having your picture taken, flashing a peace sign has become as natural as saying "cheese".
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