The 1988 Summer Olympics were held in Seoul. It followed two Olympics marred by boycotts (Los Angeles and Sarajevo) and nearly 8,500 athletes from 159 countries participated. It saw the return of tennis to the Olympics and the addition of table tennis and archery. Big winners included Ben Johnson (later DQd for drug use), Sergey Bubka (what a fun name!), Flo Jo, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
Seoul has transformed the Olympic Space into a beautiful, art-filled park.
One of the main entrance gates to the Olympic Park.The flags of the participating countries.A unique presentation of the Olympic Rings, also at the entrance area.
Art
Many of the art work exhibited noted the country of the artist. We’re not sure if artists from the participating countries were invited to contribute or if all of this was created after the Olympics.A sculpture at another entrance to the park.This seemed appropriately Olympian. The artist was from China.A contribution from Algeria.Another big head for Bob’s collectionWe’re counting this also. A unwater-filled fountain.The park itself is beautiful, but this one was called Love, so I couldn’t resist.A bit otherworldy
Some of the buildings themselves have been repurposed with an art museum, a cultural museum, and sporting centers, some of which are being used for concerts.
The Seoul Baekje Museum which houses artifacts from the ancient history of the Korean Peninsula.The Handball ArenaLook who was playing here! He was practicing as we walked by, Psy, Mr. Gangnam Style himself. By the way, Gangnam is one of the 25 local government districts which make up the city of Seoul. Gangnam literally means “South of the River.”The beautiful swimming facility.Another lovely park spaceThis is noted as the Lone Tree, and it is alone on a hill that you can walk up. It’s a 530 year old Gingko Biloba.
The area of Seoul that the Olympic Park is in is called Songpa. Much of the area around the park seems newly developed with a large mall right outside the subway station.
There was an observation floor in the tall building (pointy one in the middle) as well as a restaurant on one of the upper floors, but it was $27 dollars just to go to the observation floor and $37 to go to the restaurant floor (not sure if that included anything once you got to the restaurant). View of surrounding area from hill in Olympic Park.Another view of surrounding area from hill in Olympic Park
Peckish Travels 