Bank of Korea

The main building of the Bank of Korea (Historic Site No. 280) in Namdaemunno, Jung-gu, Seoul.

We went out for a walk today--just for exercise. Decided to forego the 'natural' areas of Namsan and focus, instead, on the hustling & bustling city streets. We headed toward Seoul Station, then through (meandering all the way) Namdaemun Market and eventually over in the direction of Myeong-dong. We happened upon this very 'Western' looking historical building. It's the Bank of Korea building which was originally built during the Japanese Occupation in the 1920s. It was recently renovated and this particular building of the complex has been turned into a banking/financial museum. I was struck by how much it resembled a European castle. Something I never would have expected in Korea! I especially like the symbolism with the old historical building taking center stage, surrounded by sleek modern highrises. Of course, a 1920s era building is nothing compared to many of the ancient structures that still forcibly remain in this region. I've just got a soft spot for interesting buildings!