Day 3 and 4

Day 3: Thursday May 22, 2025

Today we visited the CA Landscape Design Firm, one of the largest landscape architecture design firms in the city, responsible for many interesting and functional project designs like Gwanghwamun Square. We attended a presentation by the firm leader. that went through some of these projects and how they were completed. I found the interactive aspects the most interesting with these designs. We then met the CEO of CA Landscape, Dr. Yangkyo Chin.

We then visited the Cheonggyecheon Museum to learn about long history of the river in Seoul. We first went up to the rooftop, where a beautiful garden made for a lot of fun photos of the group. I was able to see far across the city and the river down below. It showed how integral the waterway is for the people and the natural environment of Seoul. We then ventured through the museum, learning about the uses of the river, especially after the Korean War as a place for people to live and work. We then took the subway to the start of the river, as the Cheonggyecheon has water pumped into it for water to flow. It was very interesting to see how the restoration has contributed to the modernization of the city as it not only acts as a natural water body that people can enjoy for recreational purposes. It also also as an integral part of the city’s flood water management system with special hidden gates to control water levels.

We then left the river to visit Gwanghwamun Square, where we were able to see the project done by CA Landscape. I was able to recall and point out elements from the presentation from earlier. I was excited to see these efforts in real life as it was difficult to see the significance of the impact from this project without viewing it in person. After visiting the square, we ended the day by venturing to a Jazz bar, where a jazz group played music for us.

Day 4: Friday May 23, 2025

Today, we began by visiting the Seoul Transportation Operation and Information Service (TPOIS). TOPIS is Seouls center for public transportation monitoring. We learned that most of the cameras around the city and on transportation are monitored by TOPIS for efficiency and safety. We were able to visit a large conference room, and learn how TOPIS operates day to day, looking at traffic, congestion areas, violations, etc. in order to keep the city running effectively.

We then ventured out for lunch, after which we toured the temple within the city. We then had some free time, and I found a book that I was able to bring back home with me. We then did a tour of City Hall where we visited the historic planning room for the city! After dinner we visited the Seoullo7017 bridge. This is a large walking bridge over a main highway in Seoul that is home to many species of native plants to South Korea. This was definitely one of my favorite stops on the trip so far.

Blog 3 Theme: Food origins

Much of the food I have seen served in restaurants and sold within the city seems to be locally sourced as it is often very fresh, leading me to believe that there are many farming operations within close proximity to the city. One restaurant that we visited that served pork cutlet even posted where they sourced the food from.

Having local food served within city’s is incredibly important for human health, economic growth, and sustainability. Local food is often much higher quality as it is fresher and does not need the same additives, which makes it much better for you. Supporting local farmers also helps to keep the practice alive in these urbanized areas by sustaining their livelihoods. This helps to boost the local economy. It’s also more sustainable as it has less distance to travel, which reduces carbon emissions, reduces the need for extra packaging, and prevents waste.