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Independence Hall of Korea
Independence Hall of Korea
Welcome to this very educational edition of my blog. You lucky bird you! Today I'm visiting the Independence Hall of Korea, a museum (mainly) dedicated to the history of Korean independence from the Japanese. But before I gt ahead of myself, it's important you receive a proper introduction to this place, like the one I had when I arrived at the Tower of the people. This thing is massive. According to Jo Jo's mom, it represents the (re)unification of north and south korea.
Past this goliath of a sculpture lies the largest exhibition facility in South Korea - and boy is it large. As we approached the museum steps, we passed by many groups of soldiers. Jo Jo says this is a very patriotic place for koreans; In Korea, all boys are enlisted in the military at 18, and required to serve before the age of 26. At the top of the stairs is a huge sculpture. As a point of reference, I was getting some Lincoln memorial vibes.
Past all of the grand sculptures, massive pillars and fountains was a quaint little coffee shop. Hey, I'm not complaining. Strangely, though, a very awkwardly positioned stuffed giraffe was placed in front of the door. Why am I including this in my blog? I don't know, why did they include a socially uncomfortable giraffe in front of their coffee shop... strange indeed. But I digress! One cup of coffee later, we're off to educate ourselves.
approaching the tower
The Tower of the people
Now that's how you make an entrance
Awkwardly placed giraffe
Awkwardly placed giraffe
The stone you see above you is very special indeed. It rocks. It rolls. But most importantly, it helps to decipher ancient languages. Jo Jo's mom calls it the Rosetta stone of Asia. Over 2000 years old, it's very surreal to stand at the base of this historical rock. Of course, after the fact, I was told that it's a replica, and the original is being kept somewhere in china. BUT BEFORE I was told that, I was really having a moment.
Welcome to the Museum
Welcome to the Museum
The first exhibit of the museum is dedicated to the (pre)history of the korean people, with many examples of the tools they used, and the food they ate. One I found particularly interesting explained how they constructed stone tombs for their dead.
Full size recreation of a prehistoric tomb
Along with a diorama explaining how it was constructed
The making of tools
These are the King's shoes. Which King? I dunno, but I do know he probably had bad foot pain
The King's footrest. The existence of this artifact supports my theory
I'd hate to run into one of these soldiers
Dad, in his previous life
Above is (a recreation of) the inside of an ancient tomb
As time passed, the building got much more elaborate
Incredible to think of how much work went into these buildings of the past
I think this guy is looking at me crooked
Even modern korean homes have electrically heated floors
Back in the day they used stone and firewood for the same purpose
I call this section: the part dad will think is cool. Alternate title: The cool part.
The bloody history of Korean Independence is a long and tragic one. I'd be lying if I said I knew all of the specifics (hey, I was busy taking photos okay?) but for the television watching audience, here are some highlights.
Harrowing depiction of battle
War ignited
IMG_2820.MP4
WARNING! The images below depict torture and graphic imagery
At Last... Peace
At Last... Peace
You didn't think it was all going to be doom and gloom did you? The last exhibits we visited at many fun activities to do! First, we sat down to have our pictures taken, and I realized I was better off born in this century...
Lastly, we found an activities room where you could draw your own picture, and scan it into the projected scenery in real time! suffice it to say we had fun with this. (make sure to watch it until the end!).
Cool coloring stations
IMG_2806.MP4Hi Mom!
Back to home we go, after a grand adventure
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