Van Gogh~Seoul Station!~Kang Woo-kyu~ ..... and a Night Wanderer

First time ever ...being able to see the old Seoul station at night when no one's around. Apart from that, I also learned that this station-museum had Van Gogh's works on display.

The night vista of the old station really warmed me up on my way to the nearest bus stop where I got to catch the 심야버스 or night bus. I just realized that this kind of bus is not allowed to operate around the station since lots of taxis are there...queuing up...waiting for the passengers.

Some snaps I took while walking aimlessly..at first. Shivering in minus 4 Celsius. 

One particular wonder I noticed was..the brightest start at night..shining down on the earth. ㅋㅋㅋ

And then...I also learned about the bronze statue erected (in 2011) at the center of Seoul station plaza. This is a statue of Kang Woo-kyu (강우규), dubbed to be one of Korea martyrs who fought against Japanese colonialism in Korea. 

Daehan Empire History Museum at Night

The Daehan Empire History Museum...

..is the restored palace of the Korean Empire 1897~1910.

It's one place to go to learn about the lives of Korean imperial family as well as their culture during its heyday 

This building is actually named Sekjojeon 석조전 with a Neoclassical architecture.

It caters the wholly needs of the families...in terms of grand dining hall private library...

The current feature is the result of massive restoration since 2009...and opened for public in October 2014.

...so..it's practically a new place to hang out with Korean modern history.

Oh...it's a three floored palace where Emperor Gojong....along with his...

..families...staffs...lived under one roof.

I managed to see the back of it...and wow...it looked cool...yet..I didn't see many people there...which was quite an advantage, actually 

I bet it's due to the rain...and...that not many people decided to go to the palace at night.

...but...for those wanting to experience something different...

...with only 1,000 won or not even $1...

We could savor the different side of Korean history...in style.

선유도이야기 Story of Seonyudo Island

We're inside the museum of Seonyudo island which used to be a water installation plant for Seoul city. Lots of people came to make the best use of its dilapidated machines and walls..for photographing.

There's a piano at the entrance of the museum. Anyone can use it...

...and of course Freya couldn't let the chance slip.away. 

Inside...there's a huge machine used as the water pump in its heyday. We're taking a rest on a bench in the museum...

..and I explored in details...the interior and the exhibits...

...wow...넘 신기하네요.

With her red jacket, Eyra was visibly in contrast with the surroundings.

Highlights of my Night Trip to....

National Museum of Korea

I love the dome.

The main facade

It's so breathtakingly huge.

Sunset from.atop the venue.

From.inside the building 

We've been blessed to see this.

Seoul Tower from.afar.in sunset.

Cheonan Museum (천안 박물관 - part 2)

We stepped into the 3-story building and found some cool activities to do. 

Trying out the old antique car as if we're transported back to the early 20th Century Korea. 

Or...taking part in the interactive learning about the history. 

Scrapping or coloring some pictures from which we learned one or two about Cheonan history. 

Taking a rest at a nearby deserted cafe-like rest area. 

or..bumped into this 체험관 or interactive hall where kids could choose numerous activities they wanted to do during an average of 40 minute-activity.

Eyra decided to make an aquarium. It cost 5,000 Won. 

She meticulously put each sea creatures into a small plastic box before pouring some paraffin into it.... 

paraffin will make it look like the sea creatures were alive in the water! 

Yes..the first stage of paraffin and then we got to wait for it to dry up. 

This is how the paraffin was poured into the aquarium-to-be.

Eyra, of course, was attentively paying attention to every bit of details being exposed right in front of her eyes. 

The empty aquarium ...with no paraffin. 

And..this is how Eyra looked when she found out that..she could choose from various activities to do. 

What a treat, right, dear?

As for their Mom, she's trying to put on some masks. 

and as for Freya, she preferred to having a lantern decorated. 

Just like what she wanted it. 

Once they finished making their handicraft, they're putting on some of their favorite masks. 

and ..of course, the cats. 

and played along with them. 

Apparently, I was intrigued, too. 

Then, off we went out of the museum.... 

and ready to go back to Seoul.

And..one last picture at the gate of Cheonan Museum.

Did you have a great time, kids?

without question!