The Two Towers

From the top you’ll see what’s in every brochure worthy of the name Busan: the world’s fifth largest container port, the country’s second largest fish market, and the layer cake of nature’s simplest ingredients of land, sea and sky. You’re in Busan Tower. Since 1973 it’s been here, guarding the southeastern tip of Korea’s Gyeongsangnam…

Bukhansan

After supporting the demands of the 12th largest economy, Koreans look to the weekend to recharge, or gallop. There are choices – wining, dining, singing and supra malls – but a purer escape is enjoyed by millions each year. It promotes itself just by being.  Bukhansan National Park is a shared distraction, overlapping both Seoul…

Korean Sports Bars (2010)

With the cold still snapping at our heels there’s little motivation to exercise, we know. Better to sit with a pint and leave it to the professionals. The question is where to find a stooltop without the same old deja view? Here are a few suggestions to get you through the thaw. Rocky Mountain Tavern…

Salsa Burns the Korean Capital (2010)

There’s a certain amount of fear. That’s understandable. For a novice on the dance floor, drops of self-esteem can fall away with the sweat. Take salsa for example. Depending on the dancer, it’s either an energetic way to shed a humble skin or turn it to scar tissue. It helps to be in good hands. …

War Memorial of Korea (2010)

Since 1993, the War Memorial of Korea has sat hulked beside the U.S. army garrison in Yongsan-dong, Seoul. At 3,000 won per adult head, it’s less than a latte with slightly more value.  Outside, exhibits make grand statements by grand design. Patton and K-1 tanks. A lone B-52. Korean test-pilot vehicles with frozen propellers, some…