The US Embassy building was first constructed in 1962, based on a design by famous architect Kim Swoo-geun. Back then it was one of Seoul's most modern and tallest buildings. But soon after, the Americans outgrew the building, and have been trying to plan to move out since 1980.

When Trump took office in January, he fired all US ambassadors abroad. Ambassador Mark Lippert was sent home after a very eventful time here. Seriously, the guy early in his duty had his face sliced open by a nutbag. He won the hearts of the Korean people and ended up giving his son and daughter, both born here, Korean middle names.

Since he left, the US Embassy has been empty.

1. The cops had their hands full with a large-scale protest, so I took the opportunity to attempt entry.


2. The protest isn't against the US Embassy, so I only had to sidestep to get past. The flag is at full mast and the thing is surrounded by riot police, but no one's home. A couple foreigners wandered past, and I heard one of them say "See that prison-looking building?"


3. From the other side, conscripts try not to make eye contact.


4. Whoops, these buses aren't quite bumper to bumper...


5. As I entered, I almost tripped over this damn thing. Good thing the Americans never had an embssy fire.


6. Ah, the traditional American hot dog stand.


7. I slipped in through the back.


8. There were holes in the back of the building you can't see from the street.


9. Thanks for the welcome, Mr Snowman.


10. I found one office where it looked like they were still in the midst of packing up.


11. Yeah, they have the best equipment here.


12. The next office was more thoroughly vacated.


13.


14. You can tell how old this building really is by the signs.


15. The washroom, not so nice.


16. I kept going, looking for the lobby.


17. I think this may have originally been the lobby. Did not step into that.


18.


19. A little easier to move this way.


20. Ugh, they really let some rooms deteriorate.


21. A little nicer here.


22. Nice wallpaper. When's the last time they renovated, the 1980s?



23. Even worse, the wiring.


24. Imagine if this was your office.


25.


26.


27.


28. Even the US Embassy skips the fourth floor.


29. Now I see why I couldn't use the elevator.


30. Someone left their cellphone.


31. This room looked a little more comfortable.


32. Nice stereo.


33. Huh, a call room. What would this have been used for?


34. The national sport of America.


35. I headed higher.


36. Didn't want to stay on the roof very long, in case someone sees me.


37. I took another way down.


38. Down to the bottom level, and I'm out.


39. Back out in the crowd, I spot a US soldier walking past.

Guess no one knows what to make of this and is afraid the make an idiot of themselves....Well, We all know MisUnderstood will dive in head first... lol. Lets see what Steed has gotten to explore now....Goodness, what a hideous washroom/mens room ...not even a sink to wash your hands...nasty! What a Giant phone...Cracks Me Up! I think the last time these were used was down in the trenches during the war...No wonder they needed a call center. lol

Ah I missed this one.
Pretty impressive sidestep and explore. Your accompanying stories always help with the feel.

Posted by MisUnderstood! Guess no one knows what to make of this and is afraid the make an idiot of themselves....Well, We all know MisUnderstood will dive in head first... lol. Lets see what Steed has gotten to explore now....Goodness, what a hideous washroom/mens room ...not even a sink to wash your hands...nasty! What a Giant phone...Cracks Me Up! I think the last time these were used was down in the trenches during the war...No wonder they needed a call center. lol

Thanks...you realised this one was also for the holiday right? The embassy is still open and there is an interim acting ambassador for the next several months.

Posted by Steed Thanks...you realised this one was also for the holiday right? The embassy is still open and there is an interim acting ambassador for the next several months.

HAHAHA! YES! This one i DID GET! I was trying to be funny back at ya about the cellphone. lol, You are something else. Looks like Whatever place this was you explored had been bombed.

Nude golf.

Posted by MisUnderstood! HAHAHA! YES! This one i DID GET! I was trying to be funny back at ya about the cellphone. lol, You are something else. Looks like Whatever place this was you explored had been bombed.

The pictures are from numerous places. The office with the lights on is my office on the night we moved out to a new one. The really trashed rooms (17 and 18) are a radio station I used to work for. Most of the exteriors are of what they say they are (1, 2, 39, and 36 was taken from the roof next door).

Posted by Steed The pictures are from numerous places. The office with the lights on is my office on the night we moved out to a new one. The really trashed rooms (17 and 18) are a radio station I used to work for. Most of the exteriors are of what they say they are (1, 2, 39, and 36 was taken from the roof next door).

Hey! Thanks for the info. Thats cool you have so many interesting places to photograph. Awesome you use to work for a Radio Station. Keep up the Great work, The History lessons, and your generally crazy behavior jumping from rooftops to street life. Everyone loves it!

Wow, what an amazing opportunity and a sad story. The building really is straight out of the 80s. To think they still used this place and left it looking the way it does is crazy. What an opportunity, glad it got documented.
MidSouth

26 n 38 are cool

Posted by randomesquephoto Nude golf.

Just one of a litany of installments in the "Sexual Sport Series", including Nude Javelin, Nude Croquet, and perennial fan-favorite Nude Luge.

The "Man" sign is one of the best signs ever posted here.