Seoul Dream Forest Revisited

A compilation of snapshots I took.during.the.visit.

One of the must-visit places within the complex during the winter season is the unmistakably warm cafe....affectionately called "La Foresta"

....or....sinking ourselves into the chairs while enjoying the arts on display at the library/art center.

A Night View of A Library/Art Center @ Seoul Dream Forest

No one was visible. Gee...the winter ..cold snap...really refrained lots of people from going out, especially at night like this. It's so darn cold, alright. 

The night was bright...starless. The lights in the library were lit on, for sure..since it opens until 9 pm as usual. But, then again...I didn't find or see any single soul. The positive sight" it's giving me a creepy feeling, yet a feel-good notion that this was probably a new thing to see at this usually-crowded library in summer.

Again....with the starless night as its backdrop, the library and the observation deck (beyond) were like a solitary building ..where one could even meditate.ㅋㅋㅋ

Free access. Lots of facilities to pamper anyone enjoying this public space. What's more to expect from this venue..a perfect one for family or group outing? 

*But, not during this particular weather, apparently. 

The plus side? the whole place was all-MINE. I could freely take pictures and pictures..without anyone passing me by....^^

The observation deck and the library.

Cafe. La Foresta....named after the place where it is located. A seemingly cozy and warm place to hang out and to chill out.

Seoul Dream Forest's gate....with its blaring sign.

Hazy Part of Seoul from Observation Deck @ Seoul Dream Forest

Finally....I made it....reaching the top floor at the observation deck after taking a 45-degree-slanted elevator. It wasn't that much, though. It's just a bit eerie considering no other person was at the deck. It's an evening ...winter night.

Seoul...the northeastern part of Seoul was visible from here. What's visible from there? hmm what else but apartments? yup, the quintessential part of Seoul is apartment..apartment and apartment complex. ...which sprawling across the city everywhere we lay our eyes onto.^^

I love this particular picture simply because I saw one particular red-and-white chimney protruding behind a hill.^^ Loved it.

The hill. The forest. The city. The night lights....in one frame.

IRIS? yep...this particular place was the location of a Korean TV drama titled "IRIS"

These were actually chairs....I found on the observation deck.

Deliberately put them in a row and then let my camera saw the city right through them. And..this is what I got from there.

The night's getting merrier. Though no other visitors were coming..and boy..it's creepy inside...but boy...the view outside was okay, though.

But, too bad..the glass on the deck was a bit dirty. I couldn't get a clearer picture of the night view. I wished they'd cleaned them up, though.

But..all in all...for a glimpse look of what Seoul may look like...okay-lah.

Of course, it cannot beat the view we'd see from Seoul N Tower which gives us 360-degree of the whole Seoul, but this is ...after all...a free view!

Yup..going up onto the observation deck at Seoul Dream Forest is completely FREE. 

A Night View of Dream Forest: An Observation Deck

It's about 7 pm and no one's visible from where I was standing. Yup, the library at the Dream Forest was open. As usual, it opens until 9 pm. Yet, I didn't see a single soul within. Guess, the chilling winter might've played its checkmate. But, that's not where I was going...I was about to go to the observation deck...beyond.

Anyway..to reach the top, I got to take the 45-degree-slanted-elevator.

The last time I was here, it took about 15 minutes to wait in line. But...today..I didn't find anyone else. So, it was a hassle-free ride ..up and down..if I ever wanted to.^^

This is it. An observation deck which turned out to be the place where a spy-drama was shot. This place got its fame...thanks to this particular drama, as well....so I learned.

I was a bit scared of height at first...since the idea of being on the deck where nothing seemed to be suspend its very existence really 'perturbed' and 'twisted' my brain. 

Of course, I was just being delirious. 

An empty forest. An empty park.....except me....a crazy person who walked onto the park..in the middle of the night.....in the midst of this chilling winter^^

...but at least..I burned up my calories....walking up the hills,,,,,going up and down the park....in Seoul Dream Forest. After all..this is just a 10-minute bus-drive from home.

Frozen Han River (part 6): Frozen in Styles

As usual, I made a compilation of pictures taken during today's crazy trip to the the Floating island at Banpo bridge in Han River. Who would've thought that an impromptu short trip would be this cool and cold^^. Going straight after work! Instead of going home, why not satisfy the curiosity of what Han river would look like.....in the stillness of white surface.

Frozen Han River (part 5): Keep On Swimming or Strolling

Han river could be so inviting for some..to plunge themselves into..especially during summer...and that's why..this particular lifebuoy was set up in the designated places...where accidents such as drownings are prone to occur.

Okay..I kept on strolling along the riverbank...and found some dried tall grasses...dancing to the incoming winds..../ It's not much..but at least..this was the vegetation I could see along the road...

See? No one's there. I was a bit ...well...confused myself..as to why I ended up being there. Not that I didn't remember it, it's just that I was thinking of going home instead of wandering further away from the spot where I came from. That means...I had to walk..much farther..to reach the bus stop. But, they..that's a part of the journey...of exploring Han river during winter.

Some apartments are being constructed. I just simply cannot imagine how much they'd cost. I mean..just look at them, they are all facing the river..which according to Fengshui..it's one of the ways to blend harmoniously with nature...to get some luck in return. *oh, well.

again...a self portrait..of my shadow...

...Got enough of freezing myself to the bones...and it's time for me to go home.....by bus. Not by subway..since the latter would require me to walk...and walk...before reaching the station.

So, the only possible way for me to go home faster..was by taking a bus from UNDER the bridge. Yep...the brigde has an elevated road and the one beneath it. It's Banpo bridge....

Saw this read ball....frozen in time...and snow..

Banpo Bridge...reflected onto the surface of the river. Oh, I spotted some ducks live under the bridge..and that's pretty amazing considering the cold weather and freezing water they live at. gee....but, that's the mystery of nature. 

*been a great 2-hour journey to the river bank near Banpo bridge*