This year for Mother's Day, I went to the War Museum. Korea is currently in one of its longest stretches without war on its own soil in its history. There has been an incredible amount of war here in the past few thousand years, usually through invasions by stronger countries, militarily and economically. It's amazing that the two Koreas are not part of either China or Japan at this point.
They consider the Korean war of 1950-1953 to be the big one of their history, most likely because its the closest of the most devastating ones in their memory. And there have been quite a few devastating ones... as far as the museum demonstrates. I felt that many displays were a tad nationalistic and propagandistic though, so the stories might be a little skewed, but that's all I'll say about that.
The statue of the two brothers. The older, stronger, victorious brother is from the South. The weaker younger, loser brother is from the North. Reunited on the battle field.
Canada's contribution to 1950-1953.
a few kiddie-poos playing on the monument. Grief and despair in behind their innocent faces. It was cool.
The main part of the monument in front of the Museum is a traditional Korean sword cut in half surrounding the "Tree of Life." It's rather large.
The building itself is also nice and big and good.
Seoul Tower overlooks the Museum. That's Christina's head I'm cutting off. I was trying to cut her out completely.
The countries that participated in 1950-1953.
The Canadian exhibit
A miniature figure of the Canadian Memorial Monument in Incheon
These are the collected dog tags of those that died in battle during the Korean War, shaped into a tear drop with the UN logo above.
The outside of the Castle. It was more like a compound than a castle, but this is a traditional Korean castle.
This place was like stepping back through time. This is the ground where soldiers would practice their martial arts in for generals just like in movies of the Forbidden City.
This type of chisel work was all over the place.
The rooves all over the country in the traditional style are pretty cool, but this was a cut above the rest.
Chimneys. I'm not sure as to their purpose, being outside buildings, or how they would be able to transfer heat inside, but they're cool looking. They line the compound.
It turns out what Ian MacIsaac has been saying all these years is correct. "Jonny, you're a rat." ... Zodiacally, of course.
This is the picture on the back of the 10 000 dollar bill in Korea. Its where the kings and queens used to sup with the special guests of the Joseon kingdom.
