A few nights before this tour, my roommates and I talked about the social and political issues in Korea over dinner. Hyeri, my Korean roommate explained the protests going on against their president, Park Geun-Hye.

I felt her strong sentiments and wished I could witness the rallies that were going on that time.

Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장)

Days later, there I was! 🙂

After touring the Gyeongbokgung Palace, we passed by the Gwanghwamun Square before heading for lunch.

It was noon time so there was no demonstration going on. The protesters only assembled during the nights and their tents were left on the plaza during the day.

This made me smile, because if this was in the Philippines, all these unguarded tents would vanish in thin air. Sad but true.

This public open space on Sejongno, Jongno-gu in Seoul features the statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin of the Joseon Dynasty and King Sejong the Great of Joseon. Below the square is the underground museum of these great leaders.

Though no protest was happening, I got to see some interesting art…

On 9 December 2016, Park was impeached by the National Assembly on charges related to influence peddling by a top aide. The impeachment was upheld by the Constitutional Court on 10 March 2017, ending Park’s presidency and forcing her out of office.

No nation is exempt from political issues. Politics in my country today is depressing and intriguing, partly entertaining and most of the time disgusting.

I have a very strong political outlook but I tend not to overshare. If someone asks me personally, I would speak out, especially if the issues invade moral situations. But as a citizen, I take responsibility by less talk and more work. I try to help in ways that I can like taking part in community work, teaching values to children and giving motivational talks to the youth.

I wish our generation strive more to be solutions and not causes of problems.

Words in italics are not mine.

MY HAB KOREA EXPERIENCE

National Folk Museum of Korea	Korean Folk Village – The Experience
Gyeongbokgung Palace	Korean Folk Village – Performances
3 Tips to enjoy Gyeongbokgung Palace	Korean Folk Village – Joseon Torture
King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun Shin	Korean Folk Village – Drama Locations
Gwanghamun Square	Korean Folk Village – 3 Tips to Enjoy
Korea Ginseng Chicken Soup	Review of HaB Korea Tours

HABKOREA.NET
FACEBOOK.COM/HAB.KOREA

VISIT GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE