South Korea: WHERE THE PAST MEETS THE FUTURE

There’s never enough time to explore this land of the morning calm. From history to culture, South Korea is welcoming and it pulsates with energy and vibrancy. LORRAINE CHAI lays out some of her favourite photo-taking spots in the country that never sleeps.

- LORRAINE CHAI

What you seriously have to take into consideration before planning a trip during the winter is the harsh and freezing weather. Nevertheless, if yours is a household with school-age family members – like mine – you know the year-end is the only time the family is able to go on a trip.

My sister was the first to suggest South Korea for our next holiday destination, spurred on by her enthusiasm for all things K-pop. South Korea, Seoul in particular, is not a city that I’m unfamiliar with as I’d been there three years before as an exchange student. That said, my previous visit was more of a cultural experience. Hence, it was an opportunity for me to finally check out all these touristy spots during this trip while also fulfilling my passion for architectural photography.

THE JOSEON DYNASTY

Not your usual urban expanse, Seoul is a concrete jungle, but one with large swathes of historical sites to visit. If I were to say which part of Seoul is my favourite, it has to be the country’s most famous historical landmark, with Mount Bugak as its backdrop. The first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted about five centuries, Gyeongbok Palace is the best iteration of traditional Korean architecture – after restoration. I was overcome with awe by the painstakingly restored intricate details, such the blue-green ornate roofs.