Monday, April 26, 2010

Sejongno, Seoul

A famous street in the heart of Seoul


Sejongno (also Sejong-ro or 세종로/世宗路) is one of the famous streets (although it looks like a square) in the historic center of Seoul. Although the part you see on the photos is new, but the location is very close to other famous spots in Seoul, some of which are: Gwanghwamun in the north (currently being restored) with the Gyeongbok palace (and the Korean National folk museum). There's also the American embassy nearby, which is heavily protected. Many government buildings are located here as well, so you can see a lot of police and military presence near and at Sejongno.

The street is named after the Korean King Sejong. A famous king, who invented the Korean alphabet hangul in the 15th century (this one -> 대한민국을 사랑합니다/사랑해요). So there's a big statue dedicated to king Sejong's honor. But there's another statue dedicated to a famous Korean admiral named Yi Sun-sin. He was a victorious naval commander of Korean forces against Japanese during the Japanese invasions of Korea between 1592-1598. It's said, that he never lost a battle and he participated in 23. No wonder he got such a prominent place in Seoul. Japan was historically the no 1 enemy of Korea. See my photos.

The majestic Yi Sun-sin above Sejogno.

He defended Korea against Japanese invaders in the late 16th century.

King Sejong the great, invented the Korean alphabet.

Is he the father of modern Korea? Most likely, I would say.

No comments here, thanks.

[My Korea][Photos by MKL, 2010][Wiki: Sejongno, King Sejong, Admiral Yi Sun-sin]

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