So for the last couple of days the weather here has been surprisingly warm. Aside from the occasional windy afternoons, the day has been...beautiful. The couple that owns the apartment building we are renting has their own place right across the parking lot. The yard is meticulously kept by both the husband and wife. Since the weather has been warming the couple has been busy planting and getting ready for the coming spring.

The area where I take Lily out back has two small trees, both blooming with beautiful colored flowers. One looks like it's cherry blossoms and the other...well I'm not exactly sure what kind of plant it is, but it's so beautiful.

 

The Map of the Independence Hall

 

The smiling Totem Poles




The Starburst Sculpture (the towers peeking through the top is the Monument of the Nation)



Another picture of the monument

The Unification Bell, etched on the bell are beautiful artwork representing the land and the peninsula of Korea.


A more detailed and close up look of the craftsmanship of the bell. The Dragons hold the top of the bell above the clouds and earth.

The Reunification Monument, inside the monument is the Unification Bell.


The view from the bottom of the Reunification Monument where the point converges right on top of the Unification Bell.


Just a shot of the stairs leading to the Reunification Monument. (There is more leading down towards the right top corner of the picture....)


Audrey in front of the stairs to the Reunification Monument.

These bricks were all over the walls that surround the outer area of the Reunification Monument. When you walk on the walkway you will see them against the walls. I'm not quiet sure what they say, but some of the bricks had logos of local companies and different pictures of flowers and so on. I'm guessing it is the wishes of the Korean Nationals for a peaceful resolution in the near future. Some of the bricks are sticking out giving the wall a very interesting texture.

While we were searching for the bathroom facility, we stumbled
across the Exhibition of Japanese Government - General Building Remains. In which we found it quiet perplexing because we could not imagine how the whole General Building would have been erected before it was destroyed. As in the pictures, the setup looked to be a set up where the center of the building was underground and the main building is what collapsed (or destroyed) where we now stand. It would have helped had the information tablet had an architectural drawing of the layout of the building or a picture of what it would have looked like. Since it was the building which housed the very culture to which imprisoned their country. It's very interesting to be walking through these exhibitions and learn more about the country to which we are living in. It's very interesting to learn about the different ways the country had lived and the different difficulties they had faced.

The center of the Japanese Government Building


This is the background to the ruins.


The steps leading to the Japanese building ruins. This looked to be the main gate and wall that bordered the building before it was destroyed.


This must have been part of the courtyard before it was destroyed.


This is another view of the "courtyard" in the above picture.

    The next area we visited was the Grand Hall of the Nation which is housed in a very big building which showcased an enormous statue called the Statue of Indomitable Koreans. The statue is said to be made of 274 stones and only weigh between 3-4 tons. Standing at the bottom of the statue one would argue that the statue would be more than 3-4 tons, but rather 34 tons! The statue is said to symbolize "the perseverance and indomitable spirit of Koreans who have maintained their 5,000 year history." (Another Memorial in Asian History: Independence Hall of Korea brochure/map) The open building which houses the statue overlooks a very big and open courtyard. In the courtyard leading to the Grand Hall of the Nation, there are Korean Flags flying proudly on both sides of the wide walkway.

This is the Grand Hall of the Nation. It is only a side view from across the street. You can just imagine how big the building is up close.


The Statue of Indomitable Koreans
(left side view)



The Statue of Indomitable Koreans
(right side view)


Impression on the walls above our heads bordering the Statue of Indomitable Koreans (right side)


Impression on the walls above our heads bordering the Statue of Indomitable Koreans (left side)


The view from the Gran Hall of the Nation. Looking at the main walkway towards the Monument to the Nation.

    The last exhibition we visited was the 7th Exhibition Hall: The Korean Provisional Government. The exhibition featured exhibition of the Korean's journey to freedom, the road to establishment, action, ordeal, reunion, upheaval, and Road to Reunification. The exhibition hall featured wax figures of what the daily life had been for Koreans during the Japanese rule, their journey to freedom, and even featured figures of what looked to be their final defiance against the Japanese government. The exhibit was very interesting and it has showed me the injustices other people face who were not so lucky as I to be living in a country with which I enjoy so many freedoms. Though I know that during the times which the wax figurines depicts is of long ago, for those who has lived during those times, it was something they would not forget or should forget. Their history should be passed down to the generations after generations of Koreans which reminds them of their history and the road the country has taken to freedom and hopefully reunification as one country.

The first exhibit showcasing the overview of Korean history to independence.


The other side of the display.



This was the walkway leading up to the main exhibit showcasing models of government buildings.



A model of Korean building.



One way to travel across the river.


A different model of another building.



The road to freedom. Portrays the journey the Korean soldiers took.



An exhibit showing an example of a provisional government room.

 


The work conditions (as portrayed in wax figurines).


Firing squad killing freedom fighters (as portrayed in wax figurines).



Another picture of the work conditions (as portrayed in wax figurines).


Families ushered into the trains (as portrayed in wax figurines).


Koreans worked until they could no longer stand straight (as portrayed in wax figurines).


A model of how the streets looked like. There were soldiers patrolling.


The newspaper collection.

    
 Artifacts...


Embroidery and other artifacts.

      Another part of the Independence Hall that is not shown on the map is the models and exhibitions which shows the different types of tortures techniques and devices the Japanese used on the Korean freedom fighters. The exhibitions is rather gruesome, and some of the torture device are displayed where children could play with. Children should really be discouraged from playing with the devices or even seeing the display, but I guess learning about the past is what the main focus of this hall.

A miniature model of the battle ground.


a closer picture of the model.


The statue in the middle of the exhibit


A closer look shows hardship endured by the Korean people.

full size model of firing squad.


The commander ordering the troops to fire.

We have not been able to visit Exhibitions 1 - 6 and the Patriots Memorial. However, we do still have time to come back and visit.