Luce Memorial Chapel, Taichung

One of Taiwan's architectural masterpieces

The Luce Memorial Chapel (路思義教堂) in Taichung is one of the most beautiful places of worship I have ever seen and experienced. I've been to many churches and temples before, but I've never felt so welcome and so relaxed like in this amazing structure. Those who read my blog know, that I don't particularly like Taichung City, but seeing this building slightly changed my perception for the better, as I am a big architecture buff. The church is located at the Tunghai University (東海大學), amid a very beautiful park. I was very surprised, when I've read, that the church dates back to 1963, because it looked like it was built just recently. The design is timeless.

What impressed me most was how the roof literally connects the sky with the ground, figuratively connecting heaven and earth, God and his worshipers. And not only that, the roof is at the same time the wall, maybe the symbol of God as the protector? There are so many things one can think about, when you sit near this beautiful chapel and admire its design and the location. The park is beautiful as well. But you need to go inside to experience something even even more overwhelming.

The Luce Memorial Chapel from the outside.

The chapel is attracting a lot of passionate Taiwanese photographers.

The reflection of the afternoon sun.

The cross on top of the roof is very modest.

And then we went inside. The interior is very simple, but genius. You have the feeling, that the chapel will collapse any time, but some higher power is keeping it intact. There was a group of Christians singing songs, that were so beautiful, that even an atheist like me was moved by them. My wife and I sat there on the bench, drank water and listened. Outside was very hot and humid, inside it felt peaceful and soothing. This was probably the first time, that I really felt something positive connected with the Church, because in my home country that institution doesn't have a good reputation. But this experience was like something completely different, I saw the cross and I thought of Christianity, but without all the cultural and historical baggage attached to it. Seeing that sun coming inside the church and completely outshining the altar and the performance of the choir, I felt very small and humbled in that moment. It was a surreal experience, but one that I truly enjoyed.

The sun as the part of the chapel's interior design.

The lonesome ROC flag. It felt very small in that corner.

I think the best way to let you experience a glimpse of this chapel's magical atmosphere is the video below, which I took with my mobile device. The quality is not the best, but at least you will get an idea, what you can see and experience in this wonderful piece of modern architecture.

If you want to visit the chapel, you will find it on this map. The Tunghai University campus is located outside the city proper, best is you take a cab. Once you arrive at the campus, you will need to walk for about 15 minutes, but it's truly worth it, as the area is very green, with trees, bushes and a small creek. There are maps, you won't get lost. I don't think Taichung has a lot to offer to a spoiled European tourist like me, but this one is an exception and definitely won't leave you unimpressed.

All information taken from taiwan.gov, read more>>

[My TAICHUNG page][My ARCHITECTURE page][Photos and video by MKL, 2011]

Tuntex Sky Tower, Kaohsiung's landmark skyscraper

Taiwan's second tallest building

The Tuntex Sky Tower also known as 85 SKYTOWER (or 高雄85大樓 in Chinese), located in Kaohsiung, is the former tallest building of Taiwan (between 1997-2004) and currently (2010) it's Taiwan's number two skyscraper. It's definitely one of Taiwan's landmark buildings and the landmark building of Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second biggest city and main port, located in the south of the country. I always dreamed of seeing this unique skyscraper in real and now I had the chance to see. It was one of the best moments of my Taiwan 2010 adventure. Thank you so much, Lily, for bringing me here.

The top with the antenna and the roof.

I had the privilege to see this skyscraper in real and I tell you, I wasn't disappointed. I admired this extraordinary piece of modern architecture way before I ever dreamed of living in Taiwan, so it's really like a dream come true for me, when I finally saw it in real. Believe me, I took like 200 photos of the building from all directions and positions. I just couldn't stop, because skyscrapers are one of my passions.

The Tuntex Sky Tower is seen from almost every corner of Kaohsiung and not just within the city, but also from very far away. It's 378m tall with the help of the antenna. The roof tops out at 347,5m, the top floor is at 341m. The building has 85 floors, which is noted in its Chinese name. Let me show you some photos:

The massive hole in the middle. The Tuntex Sky Tower is supposed to resemble the character "gao" 高 (high), which is also the first part of the name Kaohsiung.

The Tuntex Sky Tower close-up from the eastern part.

In its full glory from the southern part.

There's a shopping mall inside, as well as apartments and a hotel.

The bottom part with its entrances is massive.

A nice little fountain on the south side.

Another shot from the eastern part. It was around 9 am that day.

On the right: Asia-Pacific Financial Plaza, 169.8m, nearby.

There are many buildings nearby, especially near the eastern part of the tower.

View on Tuntex Sky Tower from the Zhonghua road.

A bigger photo from the same position. The building is almost as massive as Taipei 101.

In the scorching morning sun.

See my Tuntex Sky Tower hi-def photos here>>

Taken from Sanduo road, the east side of the building.

My KAOHSIUNG Tour - NEXT: From Tuntex to Love River>>

[KAOHSIUNG][TAIWAN][Info][Homepage][SKYSCRAPERS][All photos by MKL, 2010]

Jongno Tower, Seoul

Seoul's modern architecture at its best

Jongno Tower in its full glory. Stop staring at the girls!

The top floor is amazing. There's a restaurant there with a great view.

Jongno Tower from bottom up. It's one of Seoul's landmark buildings.

The area at the main entrance looks huge. The Jongno Tower is wide and it's 132m tall (source). On the other side of the street is another famous historic sight named Bosingak, the bell tower. The whole area is very pleasant to walk. If you have time, go and have a look around.

[Skyscrapers][My Seoul][Jongno Tower at night][All photos by MKL, 2010]

Namsan and N Seoul Tower

Seoul's city mountain and its landmark tower

Let me introduce you another awesome spot in the amazing South Korean city of Seoul. It's called Namsan mountain [남산 lit. "Southern Mountain"]. Namsan sounds similar like Chinese 南山 (Nanshan), because it originates from the same root. The name comes from its location, which needs to be put in the historic context. Namsan is now somewhere in the middle of Seoul, but in the old times, it was south from the historic city of Seoul. Namsan's name used to be Mongmyeok [목멱산 lt. "Wood-seeking Mountain"] or 木覓山 in Chinese (source).

Today people don't only go on top of Namsan because of the amazing nature and breath-taking view of Seoul below, they also want to see Seoul's landmark building - the N Seoul Tower [엔 서울타워]. It was completed in 1980 (we're same age!) and the strucure is nearly 237m tall, but if we include the mountain, it tops up at nearly 480m (source), standing out as Seoul's number one landmark building. Let me show you some of my photos of Namsan:

I took the train to Dongguk University station (Orange Line 3) and then took a bus (see small pic on the left) at a station. The bus was also orange color. I used my SMRT card and the ride cost less than 1000Won one way (0.60€)! There's also a Namsan cable car that can bring you up to the top, but I was advised by the hostel owner Danny not to take it, it's too expensive. I researched and a round trip costs 7500Won (5€), which is nearly 4 times more expensive (the price as in April 2010). If you want to save, better take the bus.

The road up to Namsan is winding, but not long. I reached on top in 10-15min.

A convenience store with souvenirs and beverages.

The N Seoul Tower seen from just below the peak of Namsan mountain.

The top area of Namsan mountain with groups of people everywhere.

N Seoul Tower on te left and the lattice transmission tower on the right.

Many pupils with teachers visit Namsan. While passing by, they were greeting me.

A nice pavilion on the northern side of the area.

The N Seoul Tower in it's full glory. Below is the observation deck.

See more of my photos of the N Seoul Tower>>

Namsan love padlocks: Couples put various locks on the rail (or fence) of the observation deck and profess their love for each other or write wovs on small notes. Then they throw the key over the rail and hope that the promises they gave to each other, will last forever. I wonder how many regret doing this, hehehe. Anyway, the idea is not original, love padlocks can be found in Tokyo and also in Taiwan, in Fengyuan (豐原).

Namsan love padlocks close-up.

Can you see how many there is? The whole fence is full of them. Koreans are romantic!

So am I, haha. I didn't have a padlock, but I did commemorate the special moment.

If you happen to go to Namsan, please check, if my message is still readable :-P

Here's the spot, where you can find it. I think it won't last long, I used a simple pen.

The N Seoul Tower from below.

See my huge N Seoul Tower photo here>>

The lattice transmission (or communication) tower nearby.

See more photos of the lattice transmission tower here>>

The view on south-western Seoul. Can you spot the thin and tall Building 63?

View from the other side, the north-eastern Seoul.

Beautiful, isn't it? I love this city.

I soon headed downward, took a bus and continued my amazing Seoul-tour.

Next time I want to see Seoul at night! (Photo taken from http://www.nseoultower.net)

How do you like Namsan and my photos?
HanCook restaurant: Seoul Yongsan-gu Yongsan-dong 2-ga San 1-3 N Seoul Tower F1
[My N SEOUL TOWER post][Huge N Seoul Tower photo][Transmission Tower]

[Main SEOUL page][Namsan Info Brochure][All pics by MKL, 2010]