I’ve also updated the Cities at Night gallery with a few photos of Tokyo and Seoul. When I return from India I’ll add Nicaragua and will update India as well.
This was taken in Seoul Plaza next to City Hall. Events and performances are often held outdoors on the plaza. I don’t know what this installation was for and can only imagine how many were tempted to climb it.
Beautiful mountains frame Seoul’s sprawling skyline.
In Taipei, Taipei 101 towers above all else.
The concrete, glass and steel canyons of Tokyo’s Shinjuku has one of the most iconic modern skylines in the world.
Hong Kong’s skyline sparkles at night.
Shanghai has two skylines. The Bund and the more recent Pudong pictured here.
It’s no coincidence that the cities featured above are in Asia. That part of the world has some of the most dynamic and constantly updated skylines on earth. But I couldn’t leave you without a shot of my own city. Look closely and you’ll see the shadow of the Empire State Building.
It was the perfect way to spend a beautiful autumn afternoon.
Built in the 1400s Changdeokgung became Seoul’s main palace when Gyeongbokgung was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in the late 1500s. It kept this status until the late 1890s and descendants of royalty lived here as recently as 20 years ago.
The palace complex is spread out and takes hours to explore, time well spent. Hilly paved paths will lead you to various ornate structures, including throne halls and living quarters, as well as forests and even a secret garden. 
Pictured above from top to bottom: Donhwamun Gate, Main Throne Hall, Secret Garden and Main Palace
You could probably find most everything you need at the market. This traditional “food court” would be a good place to fuel up in between purchases and sample some Korean cuisine.
Built by the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo, in the 1500s it was burnt to the ground when the Japanese invaded later in that century. It wasn’t until 300 years later that the palace was rebuilt by the father of King Gojong. No royalty lives here today and the palace is open to the public every day except Tuesday.
If you time it right you can catch the changing of the guards where soldiers decked out in Josen-era garb put on a regal procession.
Some of the highlights of the sprawling complex include Geunjeongjeon, the main palace pavillion, the Gyeonghoeru pavillion and the Royal gardens. 
Pictured above from top to bottom: Changing of the Guards, Geunjeongjeon, Gyeonghoeru, Royal Gardens
But the best view is from the tower itself from which you can see a full panorama of the city.
To reach Seoul Tower you can hike up Mount Namsan, take a bus or cable car. For a fee you can enter several indoor observation decks. The best time of day to visit is around sunset so you can see the city during daylight and after it is lit up at night.
Dressed as Joseon era soldiers this crew was spotted on their way to Deoksugung, the Palace of Virtuous Longevity.
Among the standard pens, key chains and tee shirts are framed pieces of barbed wire from the demilitarized zone, or DMZ, the no man’s land separating North and South Korea. A commemorative souvenir it was issued in recognition of the 50-year anniversary of the Korean War. It reminds me of the pieces of the Berlin Wall that are sought out as souvenirs. Perhaps one day the barbed wire that separates North and South Korea will also come down and a country reunited.
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Bushels of ginseng, native to Korea, are piled high. Stalls with bark, roots, berries, fungi and teas for remedies curing ailments of all sorts are stacked in expert arrangements. Some of the medicinal ingredients are rare and there were many I did not recognize.
With more than 1,000 shops and stalls you could easily spend a few hours walking around taking in the aromas and sites. But unless you speak the language it can be difficult to purchase something for what ails you.
Gyeongdong Market is open 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. To reach there take the metro line 1 to Jegi-dong, exit 2.
