TRAVEL
December 17, 2000 | KRISTIN L. JOHANNSEN, Kristin L. Johannsen is a freelance writer who lives in Berea, Ky
Behind this city's ultramodern facade, beyond the endless concrete walls and drab, boxy buildings that line the downtown streets, hides a unique, traditional culture where rare treasures like the kaleidoscope-painted palaces of Korean kings can be found. Seek them out and you'll find other surprises, like busy herbal medicine markets, colorful folk villages and tranquil teahouses.
NEWS
May 17, 1988 | KARL SCHOENBERGER and SAM JAMESON, Times Staff Writers
The Olympic clock is ticking: On small digital displays in hotels and government offices and on a huge scoreboard mounted above the plaza in front of City Hall, South Koreans are counting the days until the Olympic Games begin Sept. 17. But it is early August that many observers of North Korea, worried about terrorist attacks, are anxiously awaiting.
NEWS
October 3, 1988 | RANDY HARVEY, Times Staff Writer
According to eyewitnesses, an American was robbed here Sunday. But there was some consolation. People of Seoul stopped Americans on the street near the city's sports complex to apologize for the decision that cost boxer Roy Jones of Pensacola, Fla., a gold medal. There were similar reactions from Korean Broadcasting System commentators who criticized as unfair the 3-2 decision by non-Korean judges that Jones, 19, had lost to Korean boxer Park Si Hun in the 156-pound class.
NEWS
June 30, 1987 | MARK FINEMAN, Times Staff Writer
Roh Yoon Soo has sat in his tiny newsstand kiosk in the heart of downtown Seoul six days a week for the past 15 years, and never before has he sold as many newspapers as he did on Monday. "I sold 10 times the papers today that I do in an ordinary day," said the ruddy-faced Roh, 55, his wide grin showing a few silver teeth and a personal joy that went far beyond his profits. "All of the Korean people are very happy today," he said. "From today, I think, we will all begin to live well."
NEWS
June 27, 1987 | NICK B. WILLIAMS Jr., Times Staff Writer
In a country purged of normal politics by an authoritarian government, national issues are often taken to the streets. Since the anti-government protests broke out June 10, student leaders have put more than 100,000 followers into street demonstrations. Word was passed on Seoul's more than 20 college campuses, and for Friday night's demonstrations leaflets were distributed downtown asking for support and designating assembly points.
SPORTS
September 18, 1987 | Associated Press
Dancers beating drums and twirling streamers cavorted to the beat of rock bands and trumpet fanfares Thursday as the one-year countdown to the Seoul Olympics began. Hundreds of musicians, dancers and drum majorettes celebrated in the large square in front of Seoul city hall as large crowds watched. Hundreds of police ringed the square to prevent anti-government protests, but no incidents were reported. The Games are scheduled to run from Sept. 17 to Oct. 2 next year in the Korean capital.