Seoul, the flourishing capital of South Korea, was moulded way back in the 14th century during the Joseon dynasty. At first glance, it is a big, crowded, noisy mega city full of glass and concrete sky scrapers and traffic clogged multi lane highways. The sleek skyscrapers scattered throughout the city combines with the old palaces and shrines, leaving such a sight to behold. Seoul is by far the largest city in South Korea and the unquestioned economic, political and cultural hub of the country. An ever growing population of nearly 10 million people, making it the fifth largest city in the world.

Seoul is located in the northwest corner of the country. It border with North Korea is only about 40km from the city centre. Seoul was given its present name in 1945, and was chosen to be the capital of the Republic of Korea in 1948. Experiencing everything Korean, from the bawdy red light districts to the calm traditional teahouse any time of the day makes Seoul an adventure worth taking.

To experience the traditional culture of Korea while remaining in the heart of the city, try Insa dong. With art galleries, traditional craft stores, antique art dealers, traditional tea houses and traditional restaurants it is simply the place for tourists wanting to experience traditional Korea. The area is especially good for finding antiques in old paintings, ceramics, wooden vessels, and antique furniture can all be found in abundance at Insa dong. The 70 or so art galleries in the area also make Insa dong ideal as a cultural space.

Modern design and technology can be witnessed simultaneously in the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art which opened last October. Designed by a trio of daring western architects, it features a childrens museum by Rem Koolhaas, a contemporary art gallery by Jean Nouvel and Mario Bottos terracotta twin towers tamped to the brim with Buddhist relics. The museum will even lend you a palmtop computer to guide you round the childrens museum and entrance to the exhibitions is free.

Tags : Cultural, Economic, South Korea

The United Nations has put forth a resolution to prevent North Korea from firing long-range missiles and developing nuclear warheads and selling them to other nations. Now that North Korea has become a nuclear power and tested its first underground nuclear weapon one has to ask will such task on to nuclear fallout to occur. Remember of course that North Korea borders both China and South Korea. Currently, it is estimated by intelligence officials and the US Pentagon that North Korea has enough plutonium to make 5 Nuclear Bombs.

North Korea says this is only a defensive mechanism to prevent a US invasion of their country. They also claimed that they did these tests very scientifically and underground so that no radiation would escape and there would be no fallout to their neighbors. Even though China and Japan’s leaders had met and to both warned North Korea not to do these tests; North Korea did it anyway.

It looks as if six party talks have not worked and the United Nations has failed again. North Korean leaders have also met with Iran and are interested in exporting such weapons. This causes a huge problem in the world, as we all know that Iran has already promised to; Blow Israel off the Map. The proliferation of nuclear weapons in that region cannot be a good thing for the world and having a rogue nation like North Korea willing to sell these nuclear weapons to other nation states or even international terrorist is a very frightening thought. Perhaps we might consider all this in 2006.

Tags : North Korea, Nuclear Weapons