다리의 매력

Banpo Bridge at the top and Jamsu Bridge at the bottom

Linking road to Cheongdam Bridge

Cheongdam Bridge

Seongsan Bridge

아시아 송 페스티벌

There are a few things I didn't quite know about the Asia Song Festival. First, ticket is not required for admission (except perhaps the VIP seat) because no one was actually checking. Second, entry into the stadium is not possible before 5:30pm even though it is stated that entry is possible from 3pm onwards. Third, the concert is more than 4 hours long.

The 6th Asia Song Festival was held at the World Cup Stadium on Sep 19 (Saturday). The show started formerly at about 6:30pm and dragged until 10:30pm. The stadium was almost two-thirds empty before the last song was sung. No climax was reached even though fireworks were released because most people left way before the end.

Anyway, I arrived at the stadium at about 4pm but was made to queue outside the North Entrance for the next 1.5 hours according to seat area. I found out later, ticket or no ticket, seat area or no seat area, nothing actually matters. When the gates opened, all hell broke lose. People pushed very hard to get through the gates which almost certainly could result in a stampede any time. Then, once inside the stadium, it was perfectly alright to sit anywhere (except VIP seat) you like because no one was checking the ticket. In other words, it was like free seating regardless what seat area you were previously allocated.

Also quite unfortunately, the atmosphere inside the stadium didn't get very high because the event was made into something quite formal. The MCs spoke in very formal tone and the show was 'interrupted' several times as VIPs were called upon, as part of protocol, to give away award to performing artistes. I mean giving award is fine but when the show get too lengthy, the award-giving could well become an 'interruption'. Last but not least, mics malfunctioned when members of SNSD and SJ were singing 'The Seoul Song'. The Seoul Song is presumably a new song written to promote Seoul's tourism. It was kept under wrap until the very end but only to reach 'anti-climax' marred by malfunctioning mics.

While areas for improvement are aplenty, I am still glad that there is such a regional song festival. The show was good although I could only watch it clearly through big LED screens. Let's hope that in the near future, we can all get to see this event being broadcast 'live' to the whole of Asia.

초가을의 서울광장

빛나는 벽

The Seoul Museum of Art is having a light show titled 'Light Wall' every night from 8-10pm (except Sun and Mon) until Sep 19. I believe such light show is not uncommon (N Seoul Tower also has it) but it is the first time I am seeing it. It is quite amazing to see projected images matching nicely with the facade of the building. I was wondering in my mind how they do it. Its so spectacular. There is a Christmas theme in the show which I thought would be quite nice when shown during winter. A full light show lasted only 20 minutes with 10 minutes interval between shows.

재즈 페스티벌

My Friday and Saturday evening was spent at the National Museum of Korea. I was not there to visit the exhibits but to attend the 2-day Jazz Festival.

Date: AUG 7 (FRIDAY)

Before Concert

I have been looking up the sky recently because I am waiting for the clear blue sky of Autumn. Friday's sky was still very much cloudy.

The stage is located at the open space between the East and West Wing of the museum. The backdrop is the sky, Namsan and N Seoul Tower.

Exhilarating view of the sky from my seat.

Hong Soon Dal Quintet

This native Korean band gives traditional Bebop Jazz a contemporary spin. Their music is quite appealing to the ears.


Peter Solo & Kakarako

This international band mixes pop and reggae with traditional Southern African music. Their music is highly energetic which reminds me of Gipsy Kings' music.


After Concert

Most of the people have left after the concert ended. The lighted sign read "Theater YONG". It is currently running a children musical - "The Pharaoh is still alive", which the big banner below the sign is all about.

The N Seoul Tower at Namsan looks nearer than it should be from the museum due to the combination of optical and digital zoom.

The National Museum of Korea is the largest of its kind in Asia and the sixth largest museum in the world. I can spend a whole day there if I am to take my time walking through the exhibits. The building is inspired by Korean fortress and it is so long that I cannot cover the whole building in one photo.

Date: AUG 8 (SATURDAY)

Before Concert

I am still looking up the sky. The sky looks less cloudy today probably because Morakot is moving closer to Taiwan and away from the Korea peninsula. The exposed structure is a lamppost found at the museum.

wHOOL

This group combines western music with Korean traditional music producing a rather colourful form of alternative music. Their music is definitely not Jazz. At times, they sound like heavy metal and samulnori playing side by side. Lot of energy, punchy and very loud as well.


Dominic Miller & Band

Dominic Miller is more popularly known as the guitarist who plays for Sting. Their music is mellow and soothing to the ear. They play like craftsman of music, shaping music into a beautiful piece of artwork.


Yun Hee-jung & CEOJ Band

It is back to Jazz again with this band. Yun Hee-jung is the name of the female vocalist. She has been performing continuously for the past 14 years. Besides singing, she is also good at conversing with the audience and cracking a joke or two from time to time.


Night Out at the Museum