Seoul, South Korea

Even though the chain tried to insinuate itself into Korean culture by transliterating its name into the Hangul script, Hardee's did not last long in the ROK. The first store opened in 1990 and the last store closed in 2004. Now, if we could just get CKE brands to withdraw from Russia, where it operates 15 Carl's Jr. restaurants. [2000]

Seoul, South Korea

February is all about the number two, and 2/22 is a palindrome too! Geographically Yours has complained repeatedly about any world globe that is not tilted 23½° on its axis, but here is a unique instance of one tilted too much. Perhaps it is so people on the street can see Korea. Be sure to see tomorrow's post. [2016]

Seoul, South Korea

When Subway came to South Korea in 1992, it had to appeal to a new market, one that did not speak English. To fit in, Subway looked to the Hangul alphabet for signage. Of course, they also had to adapt to at least some different gustatory preferences: You can order a Korea BBQ or a Beef Bulgogi sub.  [2000]

Seoul, South Korea

When Dunkin' Donuts came to Korea in 1992, it had to appeal to a new market, one that did not speak English. To fit in, DD looked to the Hangul alphabet for signage. It must have worked because Korea has been one of the chain's largest international markets. In orange: Deon-Kin. In pink: Do-Neo-Cheu. [2000]

Seoul, South Korea

People of Seoul: It's fried something on a stick, just one of the many different kinds of street food you find all over Korea. Cities of Asia have so many more choices for fressing than American cities. [2016]

Seoul, South Korea

People of Seoul: Why do people all over the world find aesthetic value in water as a component of landscape? Here on the Cheonggyecheon, photographers devise multiple opportunities to capture the spirit of place by freezing a very special urban spring. They do it by adjusting lenses rather than regulating temperatures. [2012]

Seoul, South Korea

People of Seoul: Koreans have many ways to keep their traditional culture alive. One is by making it chic for women (and children) to wear hanbok for special occasions. Men have their own hanbok. [2012]

Seoul, South Korea

It is like a little mountain brook flowing through the heart of Seoul. Its name is Cheonggyecheon, and it used to be buried beneath the surface. Now, it has become the queen of Seoul's pathway parks, somewhat akin to New York City's High Line. It shows its true colors during the Lantern Festival, which celebrates both folk and popular culture. [2012]

Seoul, South Korea

Maps on the Landscape ~ Local Scale: If you live in Seoul, maybe a map will inspire you to make the journey to Busan, Korea's second largest city, to run across the Gwang-an Bridge. You have heard the views are spectacular, and you know it is only rarely turned over to pedestrians. [2016]

Seoul, South Korea

Today marks the second Sunday of Advent, which means that Christians all over the world are getting ready for Christmas. In Seoul, they are preparing their souls for Christ's birth. [2016]

Seoul, South Korea

In Korea,and everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, it's the first day of summer. The seas should now be calm enough for the resumption of visitor trips to Dokdo Island in the East Sea. Images of Dokdo are all over Korea, but why? Here's a clue: The island appears as Takeshima on some maps. [2016]

Seoul, South Korea

Bukhansan demarcates the northern border of old Seoul. At its foot stands the Presidential Palace, which is widely known as the Blue House but officially dubbed Cheong Wa Dae. The site has auspicious wind-water-earth properties according to pungsu-jiri-seol, the Korean version of feng shui. [2016]

Seoul, South Korea

What could be better than one computer at your fingertips? Four computers, each one the size of a cell phone. In fact, they are cell phones, and they help him make his deliveries each day in the Yongsan electronics district of Seoul. Think they are made by (a) Apple or (b) Samsung? [2016]

Joint Security Area, Demilitarized Zone, South Korea

The Bridge of No Return crosses the Sachong River and also the boundary between North and South Korea. In the wake of the 1953 cease fire, over 100,000 captured soldiers from both sides were exchanged across this bridge. In 1976, after the axe-murder incident, it was abandoned. [2016]

Joint Security Area, Demilitarized Zone, South Korea

South Korean soldiers stand guard at the border between North and South in the Demilitarized Zone. The Combined Forces Command (US + ROK) stands ready to respond should North Korea attack. The armistice between the two Koreas was signed in 1953, but the Korean War is still not over. [2016]

Joint Security Area, Demilitarized Zone, South Korea

The JSA is where the North and South stand face to face. Several buildings straddle the international boundary. The division is marked by the curb that bisects the dark pavement. The blue buildings are occupied by the ROK and are under the administration of the United Nations. That's why they are blue. Up the steps is North Korea's administration building. [2016]

Seoul, South Korea

Mud masks are the best for improving skin health. Makes sense, right? Deep clean your pores by smearing mud on your face. Or, have someone else do it for you. In Korea, it seems to work for men as well as women. [2016]

Seoul, South Korea

The Gyeongbokgung, or Northern Palace, was originally built in 1395 just a few years after the founding of the Joseun Dynasty. Within the palace, drums were a part of every ceremony and ritual. This one is a double-headed barrel drum in a cradle. [2016]

Seoul, South Korea

Namdaemun Market, named after the old city's "Great Southern Gate," is the largest in Seoul. Koreans and visitors surge through its main thoroughfares and narrow streets to shop and eat. When they are hungry, hotteok is a popular choice. [2016]

Seoul, South Korea

The hanbok, or traditional Korean clothing, is not worn for everyday events, but women (and some men) still wear it on special occasions and sometimes for weekend walks in the older parts of Seoul even when there is nothing special going on. If anything, the hanbok is experiencing a revival, especially among the young! [2016]