Even though I’ve gone to Olympic Park before, there’s a lot more to see than one trip will allow. This time around I went around a different way – although there’s plenty more forest and park to see…

Compared to the prime weekend of fall colors, it looks a little drab during the winter. April hasn’t yet had enough warm days to see spring in full effect, but wait for it…

A little warmer – and a little color correction to accurately represent the scene.

A little water near one of the north gates into the park – not pictured are a couple of more professional looking Koreans snapping away with their near-foot-long lenses.

Up the hill and around the flowers…

…to an overlook with some art in the lake.

The cherry blossoms are alive and well – although they never last for long.

A Pit Hut site (closed by the time I got there)

Now I’m just having fun with the silhouettes…

An unusual sight around the velodrome (bike racing track) in Olympic Park – hundreds of Korean men, making their bets on bike racing. As far as I could understand, one could place bets on bike racing just as one does on horse racing – complete with odds for single racers as well predicting the top two or three finishers. Bets ranged from 1 백원 (100 won) to 10 만원 (100,000 won), though you’d have to read the Korean program to have a clue about what’s going on. I didn’t look too closely for a way to watch the race live, although most men seems satisfied with being outside of the stadium (and closer to the betting booths).

Once again, Olympic Park was worth the time and effort – and there’s still far more to see. It’s a huge place, although after two visits I’m pretty sure most of the art and touristy type places have been covered.

To get to Olympic Park, take line 5 of the Seoul subway system to the Olympic Park station. Take exit 3 to street level, and begin walking around. Pick up a map at one of the information booths and begin exploring =)

Part 1‘s back here, while part 3‘s straight ahead!