Navigating Seoul can be incredibly difficult if you have never used public transportation. As an American studying abroad here, it is forbidden for me to drive. I must use public transportation everywhere. My favorite public transportation system is the subway. The subway is fast, smooth and spacious. I do not like the buses as much as I like the subway. The buses are often a rough ride and do not always stop at every stop.
The most interesting place I visisted this week was the Gyeongbokgung Palace. The government has been working hard to restore the different palaces to look like they used to, before wars, weather and old-age. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace in all of Seoul. This means that the most important King and Queen used to live here. The palace, unlike those in Europe, is not one building. In South Korea, the palace is broken up into several separate building to make sure that the royals living there are safe. There are sections for the Queen to live and seperate sections for the King to live. Sadly, the entire palace is not completely rebuilt yet and it may be another 100 years before it is. However, the palace is still a very beautiful piece of history!
Public transportation in South Korea is incredibly cheap, compared to the United States. One bus ride can be as cheap as $1. However, taxis in Korea can be expensive and scary. Driving in Seoul is much scarier than driving in the majority of the United States. For instance, it is not uncommon for a taxi driver to run red lights and be aggressive on the road.
