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RE: Lost history in Seoul and Sorry to the History

in #travel7 years ago

a wistful post, @slowwalker.

So much of what is charming in a city depends on nostalgia and vestiges of the past.

When I was growing up in Toronto there were tubs on busy street corners that were used to water horses. Of course, horse-drawn wagons began being phased out in the 1950's and within two decades there was no longer a use for these tubs.

The Pimatgol falls into this category. It has become irrelevant to modern Seoul and has no place in its future.

I do agree with you that some aspects of traditional architecture and culture should be maintained by a city for the sake of its heritage, and they can also serve to promote tourism.

But inevitably, anything that's no longer relevant will eventually be lost. Even cursive writing in schools is no longer being taught.

The world of the future will be no place for old men, lol.

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The thing is; I think that it still IS relevant in Korea, as you still see streets like this prosper in smaller towns. The problem lies with the western obsessionism, and the the cultural aspect of "face." The government, especially in cities like Seoul, want to promote being "modern" (western) as for them, it makes them feel like they are a leading nation, and wealthy. There have been A LOT of changes in this regard with the upcoming hosting of the Olympics.
Seoul is the least returned to place for tourism in the world (last time I checked), and it's because people don't actually feel like they travelled anywhere. It's Starbucks in a concrete jungle.
Seoul is not Korea, imo.

Right. I agree with you.
They need to recreate not to immitate

that's very insightful, @imlikett - thank you for providing your experience - what you say makes sense

Yes, I understand the situations.
But I was just feeling sorry about something I had experienced