Meandering Cheonggyecheon River Park

Seoul knows how to reclaim an urban river. Where once there was a dirty channel under a highway, now there's a bucolic stream with green spaces, stepping stones, and an urban oasis park along its banks. Inviting.

Heading in. Entrances and exits are at most street intersections.

Funky art compliments the park. Stepping along. Creative stonework and pretty overpasses.

Relaxing. Grab a step in the shade and enjoy the babble of your friend droning on and on and the nice sound of the flowing water.

More features. Playful stepping stones, lush landscaping.

Your outdoor spa is waiting. Lucky Seoul.

Deoksugung Palace

King Seonjo first used the digs, after Prince Wolsan. Then, Prince Gwanghae moved in. Next came Gojong until his death in 1919. Deoksugung Palace has seen a lot of leaders, a lot of history and plenty of expansion, remodeling. It's a sprawling complex and a great example of Korean palatial, royal architecture. Stroll through the grounds and imagine you rule a country.

The grandest, most perfect building, Junmyeongdang Hall.

Details. Under an expansive roof eave and the side of the hall. Painted to full, colorful glory.

Inside, the lonely throne. "Can we get a few big screens over there?"

Some of the other halls have clever panel designs for closing doors, windows.

Contrasting the fancy Junmyeongdang Hall, the understated, mono chromatic Seogeodang Hall.