I would be remiss if I didn’t link to my first trip to the Olympic Park area or the second trip more recently.
As mentioned before, Olympic Park is one area where the 1988 Seoul Olympics were held. It’s also a huge park offering everything: wide open spaces, hills to climb, a fortress, an art museum, and more than enough other stuff to keep you coming back for more.
On this particular day, I decided to break out the rollerblades that had been sitting idle in the shoe closet for far too long. Yes, Yeouido Park and the Yeouinaru area are also good for rollerblading, but neither is as smooth or large (and Olympic Park is a little closer to where I live).
The timeless Olympic logo, surrounded by a blue sky that actually cooperated with the camera. I know, I was surprised too!
The eternal flame burning just below previously stated Olympic logo.
Just past the logo and flames is a wonderful view of the flags for all the countries that participated in the ’88 Olympics. It’s important to note that while countries have formed, reformed, or no longer exist, the flags will continue to exist in their 1988 form for posterity.
My major discovery this time around was the Olympic Museum. It’s here where you take the blades off, throw on some shoes, and take a look around inside.
Hand or foot prints of Korean athletes – some of the athletes immortalized in bronze go back to competitions from several decades ago.
Enter the main hall – complete with the expected Olympic logo and the outpouring of art.
Two meters in diameter and weighing 480kg, this 용고 (Yonggo) was used to open the Olympic Games on 17 Sept 1988.
A pretty typical display of Olympic history – not just from Seoul’s Olympics, but from every event in the modern Olympic era.
No idea how much these things would be worth today, but I’m sure they’ll make a collector salivate.
Aaaaahhh, watch out! The athletes are coming out of the plaster!!
Created by Han Te Van Macumara of the USSR, this… thing… had only a Korean description. The title (“순교자”) translates to “Martyrs”, so that’s a clue…
A hall celebrating Seoul’s Olympic Games specifically. Although it’s not quite a time warp back to 1988…
This certainly stood out amongst the background.
A nice model of the area with a top-down look.
Even though the Seoul Olympics happened over 20 years ago, they’re keeping up with all the Olympic Games – this Beijing exhibit was nicely put together.
Even the third time out, Olympic Park had something new and interesting to see. I’ll definitely be back for a fourth time, even if only to rollerblade!
Directions to Olympic Park: Take line 5 of the Seoul subway station (towards Macheon) and get off at the Olympic Park station. Take exit 3 to street level. You can also take line 8 to the Mongchontoseong station.
Great photos. I've done a lot of places in Seoul, but still haven't made the trek to Olympic Park. I think I probably will next time. Thanks for the encouragement.