Seoul Searchin'

So the weather has gone from nice to hotter than hell in this last month, but we have decided to finally venture out and see what Seoul has to offer.  It's a good thing we got out while we could, because monsoon season has just hit.  Rain is in the forecast for the next 10 days (and maybe longer but I can only see as far as 10 days)!

We have hit all the main tourist spots in preparation for my parents' visit in July.  Seoul is not a real "touristy" city, so we really had to search to find some things worth seeing.  Here's what we found:

Nami Island
We went to Nami Island with our coworks one Saturday afternoon.  It's located just outside of Seoul, and it's an island on a river.  Nobody lives on the island, it is mostly a tourist spot.  We spent the day lounging around on the grass, while the boys played football and soccer.

 A group of Koreans approached us and wanted us to join in on some of their games.  The girls played tug-of-war (we lost) and Jeff participated in a Foreigner vs. Korean relay. Foreigners won!

 They brought us beer for participating.  And of course, we had a to take a friendly soju shot as well.

Koreans and foreigners

Nasty ostriches on the island.  They used to let the ostriches roam the island, but they recently had to keep them in a fenced in area because they were violent...duh!

The entrance to the island.

Delicious chicken babreque!  Best I've had!

Gyeongbuk Palace

 We arrived just in time for changing of the guards.

 Entrance to the palace.

Like his glued on facial hair!

Yeouido Park

We went to park and had a picnic to enjoy the weather before it got too hot, and rainy.

Seodaemun Prison

This prison is where the Japanese tortured and executed Korean followers of the Independence Movement.  It was some of the worst torture in world history.  The prison was open and occupied until 1987.

 Watchtower

 Records of the prisoners

 Torture room-they would use those wooden sticks and stick them under the prisoners fingernails to get them to spill the beans!  Ouch!

 Torture box...They would put you in it then shake the box.

 This box came in different sizes according to your height.  You couldn't comfortably stand up or sit down.  Talk about a leg workout!

 Looks just like in the movies.

 I thought about leaving him here for the night.

 Tunnel used to secretly remove the dead bodies.  It was discovered in the 90's.

 Independence Park

Seoul Tower

We had to make the trip up to Seoul Tower to see what it was all about.  You can see a 360 degree view of the entire city.  

I can't figure out how to rotate this...

That's all for now.  We are getting excited because my parents will be arriving in 17 short days!  We will get to show them around the city and then we are off to BALI!!!  Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July!  Miss you!