the misty city: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Winter Jasmine in Hangang River park

March 22, 2014

I found Winter Jasmine on my walk along the Hangang River(한강 in Korean). While taking a walk in the Jamsil District of the Hangang Park, I found these tiny yellow flowers. It is said their flowering period extends over the winter months, but I have never seen them in winter. They are just another sign of spring coming to life to me.

I also met pansy and viola, some of which are already planted and others in each pot lined up to be planted. There were not many spring flowers around the park yet. I had pleasure of seeing light purple phlox subulata, dandelion, and the yellow flowers of Cornelian cherry trees with some unknown(to me) flowers, though.

@Hangang Park, Seoul

↑ Jasminum nudiflorum or winter jasmine

↑ Pansy

↑ Phlox subulata

↑ Dandelion

↑ Cornelian cherry

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Spring magic in Gwanghwamun Square

March 26, 2014

Gwanghwamun Square(광화문광장 in Korean) is an area in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, a door to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 2009, it is a good place to take a short walk for office workers in the neighborhood. It is a popular tourist destination as it is close to Cheonggyecheon Stream catty-corner from the square, Dongwha Duty Free Shop as well as Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Now it has turned more colorful as Spring plays its magic. Flowers keep me company with their lovely figures and sweet smell. It would also be pretty good to read books or just watch the world go by.

@Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul

How to get to Gwanghwamun Square

Address

172, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea

http://plaza.seoul.go.kr/gwanghwamun

Transportation

The nearest subway station is Gwanghwamun on line #5.

Use the exit # 4, 7, and 9 there.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

My dimorphotheca

March 2014

Dimorphotheca, also called African daisy, or Cape marigold, is easily found on the streets of Seoul when spring arrives in March. The flowers are planted for landscaping with many other kinds of flowers in the city. At first, I thought they are daisies. Anyway I liked their color and shape, so I bought a flowerpot from a street flower vendor. It was around 2,500~3,000 won for a pot.

I have been waiting for the buds to open, and some finally did. It is interesting the shape of petals when they begin to unfold is quite different from the matured ones. I got the feeling that the color changes day and night. Dimorphotheca needs full hot sun, so I put the pot next to the window.

@My home, Seoul

March 24

A bud began to open three days after I bought the pot.

March 25

Two more buds came up to bloom.

March 25

The color of the older one turned thick like deep purple.

March 27

A few more came up and bloomed to show their pretty faces.

March 27

March 28

The color is a bit different from yesterday's. Well, is it my camera that caused it to look different?

March 28

To be continued..

Friday, March 28, 2014

Pink and yellow March in Deoksugung Palace

March 26, 2014

The last Wednesday each month is designated 'Culture Day' to promote cultural activities. As part of the program, it is free to visit royal palaces in Seoul on that day.

I happily went to Deoksugung Palace(덕수궁 in Korean) at sunset after work. I took a walk for an hour inside the place.

The palace of March was all pink and yellow. Azaleas showed their pretty faces in pink. Forsythias were in full bloom. The setting sun made these flowers and the landscape look more beautiful and calmed me down.

Next month, it is finally a month of cherry blossoms. I am excited to see the spring revealing its bright and colorful beauty.

(For those interested in Deoksugung Palace in autumn and winter:

Deoksugung Palace in autumn

Deoksugung Palace in winter)

@Deoksugung Palace, Seoul