I found a tip on Instagram of urban renewal moving forward on a residential zone in western Seoul. Knowing the area, having scouted it years in advance, I'd written this project off, only to show up and find out that it's now underway.

1. First I reached a normal-looking mixed residential-commercial area where these red flags were hanging from every household and business. Best I can tell, they're a sign of protest.



2. This one is different though, as the red and white flags signify the home of a mudang, a shaman who is possessed by spirits and offers various medium/clairvoyant/exorcism rituals.


3. I reached this imposing staircase, where I could see signs of urban renewal way up at the top. I ditched the scooter and ascended.





4. This is basically what I saw. The area is over 50% gone now.



5. There are remaining buildings further uphill.





6. Looking downhill.




7. I had a good view of the jumbotron on the side of MBC headquarters, one of Korea's largest networks. It was a filming location for Avengers Age of Ultron.





8. For background, there's one scene in the Avengers trailer in which a jet flies through the building arch, with the Dr Manhattan statues prominent. (Hey, we never get Hollywood movies filmed here.)





9. Anyway, here's a cute mural of porcine cops showing their love for the area.





10.





11. Now time for a closer look at this mess.





12. Someone on Facebook told me I should've taken a video, to which I explained that the video would be even more static, just me breathing heavily looking at a building frozen in collapse.





13. Anyway, time to see if I can find where I parked.

That was some stellar shite, broski.

Posted by Radical_Ed That was some stellar shite, broski.

Bump that. Incredible+
The culture there just floors me.
What's the meaning of the red swastika on the shaman's house? Sun power?

That project look tedious and huge.
Junbotron? Damn that's outrageous

Posted by blackhawk Bump that. Incredible+ The culture there just floors me. What's the meaning of the red swastika on the shaman's house? Sun power? That project look tedious and huge. Junbotron? Damn that's outrageous

Swastikas were actually a positive religious symbol before the Nazis hijacked them. If they turn to the right then they're a holy symbol. If they turn to the left then they symbolize that the owner is a dick. ;) Haha

Posted by Little Sister Swastikas were actually a positive religious symbol before the Nazis hijacked them. If they turn to the right then they're a holy symbol. If they turn to the left then they symbolize that the owner is a dick. ;) Haha

It is an ancient symbol that has more than one meaning and use. What is it's meaning in that context there is what I'm curious about...

ALWAYS enjoy your photos of Seoul. Thank You for your latest report

Swastikas in the Korean context are a Buddhist symbol, but they also have connections with shamans, whose influence bleeds over into all religions here (except Protestantism).

Posted by Steed Swastikas in the Korean context are a Buddhist symbol, but they also have connections with shamans, whose influence bleeds over into all religions here (except Protestantism).

Never realized it was that deeply rooted in Buddhism. http://www.religio.../swastika/buddhism

It's a strange culture. It must be mind bending at first to live there. The flag thing is interesting too.
Those murals creep me out...

I really enjoy these posts from you of S. Korea They are fascinating.