The Flickr Gabrielpaladinoibañez Image Generatr

Located in Wolmi Theme Park on Wolmido Island (Incheon, South Korea), the Wolmi Ferris Wheel was designed to be one of the tallest in the country and is visible from much of Incheon Bay.

While it may not have the international fame of wheels like the Yokohama Cosmo Clock or the London Eye, it’s a beloved local landmark and a popular tourist attraction.

The wheel stands about 115 meters tall, with a diameter of around 110 meters, and features approximately 40 enclosed gondolas, allowing for comfortable rides even in winter. Each cabin can hold 4 to 6 people, and a full rotation takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes.

From the top, riders enjoy sweeping 360-degree views, including the Yellow Sea, nearby islands like Wolmisan and Palmido, parts of Incheon city, the Incheondaegyo Bridge, and even Incheon International Airport on clear days.

It’s considered one of the best coastal viewpoints in Incheon, especially at sunset when both the sea and city are beautifully lit.

Wolmido Culture Street, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

• 직박구리
• Bulbul orejipardo, bulbul de orejas castañas
• Brown-eared bulbul

Scientific classification:
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Infraorder: Passerides
Family: Pycnonotidae
Genus: Hypsipetes
Species: H. amaurotis

Namsan Park, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Catacoeloceras is a genus of ammonite that lived during the Early Jurassic, specifically in the Toarcian stage, approximately 183 to 175 million years ago. Its fossils are characteristic of the marine deposits of Millau, in the Aveyron department of France, a classic European locality for Jurassic paleontology. These ammonites are key index fossils, used to identify and date the "Bifrons Zone" of the Toarcian.

The shell of Catacoeloceras is evolute, meaning the inner whorls are clearly visible. It has a distinctive subquadrate (almost square) whorl section and is adorned with strong, straight, and simple ribs that cross the entire flank. The key and most distinctive feature of the genus is the presence of two rows of tubercles or spines on the ventral region (the outer rim), which are separated by a smooth groove.

These cephalopods inhabited the shallow to moderately deep seas of the Tethys Ocean that covered much of present-day Europe. Their fossils in the Millau region are often found well-preserved in marly limestone nodules, sometimes retaining fine details of the shell structure.

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Subclass: Ammonoidea
Order: Ammonitida
Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
Family: Dactylioceratidae
Subfamily: Dactylioceratinae
Genus: Catacoeloceras
Species: Catacoeloceras sp.

Era: Mesozoic
Period: Jurassic (Toarcian, ~183–175 Ma)
Origin: Millau, Aveyron, Occitanie, France
Specimen diameter: 16 mm

The JUN STAR is a tugboat flying the South Korean flag and working in the busy port of Incheon, Jung-gu, Incheon. Built in 2014, it’s a solid, capable vessel — 37 meters long and 9.8 meters wide — designed specifically for docking maneuvers, assisting large ships, and handling general port logistics.

With a gross tonnage of 251 tons and deadweight around 192 tons, the JUN STAR is known for being reliable and robust when it comes to pushing, towing, and positioning work. Today, it remains an active and essential part of daily port operations in Incheon.

Incheon Port, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

The Korail Class 220000, operating under the service name ITX-Maum (ITX-마음), is a mid-speed electric multiple unit (EMU) manufactured by the South Korean company Dawonsys. Officially introduced on September 1, 2023, this train was specifically designed to modernize intercity services and progressively replace the aging Mugunghwa-ho class trains. It operates at a service speed of 150 km/h (with a design speed of 165 km/h), optimizing efficiency and comfort on South Korea's main conventional lines.

Named through a public contest, "Maum" (마음) translates to "heart" or "mind," symbolizing the train's mission to connect the people and regions of the country. Each set, available in 4 or 6-car formations with distributed traction, features a streamlined red-and-black aerodynamic design. The interior is equipped with modern passenger amenities, including onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets and USB ports at every seat, individual reading lights, and accessible spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, adhering to Korail's universal design standards.

Powered by AC traction motors with regenerative braking and equipped with ATP safety systems, the ITX-Maum serves an extensive network. Its key routes include the Gyeongbu, Honam, Jeolla, Jungang, Taebaek, and Donghae lines, among others. Its deployment marks a crucial step in the renewal of Korea's railway fleet, offering a faster, quieter, and more sustainable travel alternative on routes not served by the high-speed KTX trains.

Seoul Station, South Korea

Amaltheus gibbosus is a species of ammonite from the Early Jurassic, more precisely from the Pliensbachian stage, around 190 to 183 million years ago. Due to its rapid evolution and wide geographic distribution, it serves as an excellent index fossil, helping geologists date rock layers with high precision.

Its fossils are found in the marine deposits of Millau, in the Aveyron department of southern France, a region well known for its Jurassic outcrops. These ammonites lived in shallow seas that once covered much of what is now Europe, where they coexisted with other marine fauna such as belemnites, bivalves, and other cephalopods.

The species is recognizable by its compressed, involute shell, with outer whorls largely covering the inner ones. It likely exhibited sexual dimorphism, with larger macroconchs (inferred females) and smaller microconchs (inferred males). The ribs are strong and radial, sometimes ending in rounded tubercles near the ventrolateral area. One of the defining features is the sharp, often crenulated keel that runs along the venter—the outer edge of the shell—without any accompanying grooves. This keel gives the species a streamlined appearance, typical of many fast-moving, nektonic ammonites.

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Subclass: Ammonoidea
Order: Ammonitida
Superfamily: Amaltheoidea
Family: Amaltheidae
Genus: Amaltheus
Species: Amaltheus gibbosus

Era: Mesozoic
Period: Jurassic (Pliensbachian, Margaritatus Zone)
Origin: Millau, Aveyron, Occitanie, France
Specimen diameter: 35 mm

In Millau, fossils of A. gibbosus are typically found in marl and limestone layers. The preservation is often good enough to show the ribbing, the shape of the whorls, and the ventral keel. Specimens are usually collected from nodules or split bedding planes. While not all are complete, the key morphological traits remain easy to identify.

In various regions of Asia—especially Korea, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia—cats with short, curled tails have been a familiar sight in both urban and rural landscapes for centuries. These distinctive tails, often twisted like a spiral or loop, are the result of a natural genetic mutation that has persisted in local populations, particularly in isolated or inbred groups. In Korea, these cats are not an officially recognized breed, but they are common as both stray and domestic animals, and are often viewed fondly by locals.

The cat shown here—a calico female with a short, curled tail—is a beautiful example of this trait (although it is not clearly visible in the image). We found her at the harbor, keeping a vigilant eye on everything around her, full of curiosity and poise. After the photos were taken, she stayed close to us, gently asking for affection—clearly a lady of the port, confident and at ease in her domain. Her tricolor coat, typical of female calicos, adds symbolic value: in many Asian cultures, this pattern is associated with good luck and protection of the home.

Dongam Fishing Port Breakwater Lighthouse, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea

• European isopod / Blue powder isopod
• Cochinilla europea / Cochinilla polvo azul

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Superclass: Multicrustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Subclass: Eumalacostraca
Superorder: Peracarida
Order: Isopoda
Suborder: Oniscidea
Infraorder: Holoverticata
Zoosection: Crinocheta
Family: Porcellionidae
Genus: Porcellionides

Species complex:
Porcellionides pruinosus (P. floria / P. pruinosus)

Montevideo, Uruguay

South Korea's high-speed rail system is one of the most advanced in the world, operating under the Korea Train Express (KTX) brand. Since its launch in 2004, the country has developed several types of high-speed trains. The original KTX-I was based on French TGV technology and marked the beginning of high-speed travel between major cities like Seoul and Busan.

The KTX-I, also known as the first-generation KTX, was developed through a technology transfer agreement with the French company Alstom, manufacturer of the TGV. Capable of speeds up to 300 km/h, it was introduced as part of Korea's ambitious Gyeongbu High-Speed Rail Project, linking Seoul with the southeastern regions. Its launch revolutionized domestic travel, cutting travel times dramatically and setting a new standard for public transportation in the country.

With a design directly influenced by the TGV Réseau, the KTX-I features power cars at both ends and articulated passenger cars between them. While its core systems were initially manufactured in France, Korea gradually localized production and maintenance expertise, laying the groundwork for future domestic models. The train not only improved connectivity but also played a symbolic role in Korea’s emergence as a modern, tech-forward nation.

To this day, the KTX-I remains in active service and continues to be a reliable component of Korea's high-speed network, particularly on the Gyeongbu and Honam Lines. Its legacy is that of a trailblazer—bridging continents through technology and transforming how Koreans move across their country.

Ulsan Station, Samnam-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, South Korea

Trachyceras multituberculatum is an impressive ammonite from the Carnian stage of the Late Triassic, found mainly in the marine rocks of Guizhou Province, southern China. Most fossils are discovered in thin layers of limestone and shale, often as single shells or fragments. This species is important for paleontologists because it serves as an “index fossil,” helping to date and compare rock layers across different regions of the ancient Tethys Ocean. The best-known examples come from the Xiaowa Formation, especially the famous fossil sites of Guanling and Xingyi, though a few have turned up in neighboring Yunnan and Sichuan. Finding a complete and well-preserved specimen is quite rare—less than 5% of all finds—but even partial or internal molds are prized, especially when they show the unique bumps and ribs that set this species apart. Most Trachyceras fossils from Guizhou are preserved as shiny, pyritized molds, a sign of the oxygen-poor, deep-water conditions that existed over 230 million years ago.

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Subclass: Ammonoidea
Order: Ceratitida
Superfamily: Trachyceratoidea
Family: Trachyceratidae
Genus: Trachyceras
Species: Trachyceras multituberculatum

Era: Mesozoic
Period: Triassic (Carnian, ~237–227 Ma)
Origin: Guizhou Province, China
Diameter of the larger pictured specimen: 44 mm

The shell of Trachyceras multituberculatum is thick and disk-shaped, with a somewhat triangular cross-section, flat sides, and an angular edge. It’s easily recognized by its strong ribs and rows of spiny bumps (called tubercles), which make it stand out from other ammonites of the time. These ammonites lived in open marine environments alongside a rich variety of marine reptiles—like ichthyosaurs, thalattosaurs, placodonts, and early turtles—and many other ammonites.

Although the original shell material is gone, the fossils beautifully capture the characteristic ornamentation and fine details of the species. This type of preservation is the most common way Trachyceras fossils are found today—and such specimens remain highly valued, both for their scientific importance and for the unique glimpse they provide into the ancient marine world.

• Chinese snowball viburnum, Chinese snowball tree, Chinese snowball bush
• Viburno bola de nieve china, Árbol bola de nieve chino
• 차이니즈 스노우볼, 중국왕설구화

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Adoxaceae
Genus: Viburnum
Species: Viburnum macrocephalum

Ojukheon House, Gangneung, Gangwon, South Korea

• Black-tailed gull
• 괭이갈매기
• Gaviota japonesa

Scientific classification
Superdomain: Neomura
Domain: Eukaryota
(unranked): Opisthokonta
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Eumetazoa
(unranked): Bilateria
Superphylum: Deuterostomia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
Clade: Tetrapoda
Clade: Amniota
Clade: Diapsida
Clade: Archosauria
Class: Aves
Subclass: Neornithes
Infraclass: Neognathae
Clade: Neoaves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Genus: Larus
Species: L. crassirostris

Wolmido, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

A quiet moment in motion — the rhythm of city life seen through glass and steel.

About the train
This is a third-generation unit of the 311000 series, a familiar sight across South Korea’s metropolitan rail lines. Its nickname, "뱀눈이" (“Snake Eyes”), comes from the sleek, elongated headlights that define its striking front design.
Unit 311X67 was photographed at Suwon Station, one of the key railway junctions south of Seoul, where commuter and high-speed lines intersect. The train’s form and function capture the evolution of urban transit — efficient, modern, and unmistakably Korean.

Suwon Station, Suwon, Gyeonggi, South Korea

Pleuroceras is a genus of Early Jurassic ammonites (family Amaltheidae) known from the Pliensbachian (~190–183 Ma) of central Europe, particularly Bavaria, Germany.

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Subclass: Ammonoidea
Order: Ammonitida
Superfamily: Amaltheoidea
Family: Amaltheidae
Subfamily: Pleuroceratinae
Genus: Pleuroceras
Species: Pleuroceras sp.

Era: Mesozoic
Period: Jurassic (Pliensbachian, ~190–183 Ma)
Origin: Bavaria (Bayern), Germany
Specimen size: 45 mm diameter

Key species and localities:
• Pleuroceras spinatum (Bruguière, 1789) – Holzbachacker (Buttenheim, Oberfranken)
• Pleuroceras transiens Frentzen, 1937 – Staffelstein (Oberfranken)
• Pleuroceras quadratum – Reichenschwand Quarry (Mittelfranken)
• Pleuroceras solare Phillips, 1829 – various sites across Bavaria

The red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) inhabiting the pine forest trail of Yeongok Beach (연곡해변솔밭길) in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, are part of the eastern range of this species. In South Korea, these squirrels are typically classified as the subspecies S. v. coreae (also known as S. v. coreanus), which is adapted to the country’s temperate coniferous and mixed forests. In this area, they live among coastal pine trees, feeding primarily on pine seeds, buds, and fungi.

The forested area near the East Sea provides them with a stable habitat rich in vegetation, ideal for their diurnal activity and territorial behavior. They are often seen in the early mornings, moving swiftly through the trees—especially in autumn, when they gather food for the winter.

• 청서
• Corean red squirrel (subspecies), red squirrel, eurasian red squirrel
• Ardilla roja coreana (subespecie), ardilla común, ardilla roja

Scientific classification:
Domain:Eukaryota
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Rodentia
Family:Sciuridae
Genus:Sciurus
Species:S. vulgaris
Subspecies: S. v. coreae

연곡해변솔밭길 (Yeongok Beach Pine Forest Trail), Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea

The Seoul Metro 1000 series VVVF EMU (Korean: 서울교통공사 1000호대 VVVF 전동차) is a third-generation suburban commuter train introduced to replace the aging resistor-controlled 1000 series units on Line 1 of the Seoul Metro. Entering service between October 1998 and May 2002, it comprises ten 10-car sets (1-01–1-10), built in two batches—six sets by Hyundai Precision (1998–1999) and four by Hyundai Rotem (2002).

Equipped for dual-voltage operation (1,500 V DC / 25 kV AC 60 Hz), the series uses Mitsubishi GTO-based VVVF inverters in a 1C4M configuration driving Mitsubishi three-phase AC induction motors. It achieves a top speed of 110 km/h, an acceleration of 3.0 km/h/s, and combines regenerative braking with pneumatic brakes for efficient performance across both electrified sections.

Each set’s 10-car formation is Tc–M–M–T–M–T1–T–M–M–Tc, concentrating auxiliary equipment (SIV, compressors, batteries) in the Tc cars and pantographs/transformers on the motor cars. Interiors feature longitudinal bench seating, LED side- and end-destination displays, and originally installed LED route maps (later removed due to frequent line extensions). Second-batch sets (1-07–1-10) added wheelchair-call handles and refined interior fittings.

The train in your photo, number 1907, corresponds to set 1-07, one of the four Hyundai Rotem–built units delivered in 2002, reflecting the small interior upgrades introduced in that batch.

Suwon Station, Suwon, Gyeonggi, South Korea

• Doublefile Viburnum
• Viburno plisado

Scientific classification:
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Tracheophytes
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Clade:Asterids
Order:Dipsacales
Family:Adoxaceae
Genus:Viburnum
Species:V. plicatum

Jangchungdan Park (장충단공원), Jung-gu, Seoul

The Royal Guards of Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in Seoul’s Jongno District, are part of a ceremonial reenactment that brings to life the traditions of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). Historically known as "Sumunjang" (수문장), these guards were responsible for protecting the main palace gates, particularly Gwanghwamun, the palace’s most iconic entrance.

Today, the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a meticulously choreographed cultural performance held several times a day in front of Gwanghwamun Gate. The guards wear vibrant traditional uniforms, historical armor, and period hats, all crafted with impressive attention to detail. Each costume reflects specific ranks and roles, and includes authentic replicas of traditional weapons such as halberds and Korean swords (geom).

The ceremony blends traditional music, formal movements, and a solemn atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience a vivid glimpse of Korea’s past. Although the participants are not actual soldiers but trained performers and cultural staff, the commitment to historical accuracy is strict, offering an immersive portrayal of the palace's former security system.

Beyond its visual appeal, the ceremony stands as a symbolic reminder of Korea’s enduring cultural heritage and the central role Gyeongbokgung Palace once held as the seat of royal authority.

Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

The Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora) is a resilient tree native to East Asia, spanning Korea, Japan, China, and parts of Russia. It is easily identified by its reddish bark and long, slender needles.

In Korea, the pine tree—known as sonamu (소나무)—holds significant cultural importance. It symbolizes longevity and resilience, thriving despite harsh conditions such as cold winters, rocky terrain, and poor soils. Commonly found in mountainous regions, it is considered a vital element of Korea’s natural landscape.

At Seoul’s Jangchungdan Park, these pines offer shade and shelter to local wildlife, while also embodying the deep historical and cultural connection between Koreans and nature. They frequently appear in traditional art and literature, reflecting this bond.

Pine wood and needles are used in Korean crafts, ceremonies, and traditional practices, symbolizing strength and endurance.

• 소나무 (Sonamu)
• Japanese Red Pine
• Pino rojo japonés, Pino rojo de Corea
• 赤松 (Akamatsu)

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnosperms
Order: Pinales
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Pinus
Species: P. densiflora

Jangchungdan Park (장충단공원), Jung-gu, Seoul

South Korea's high-speed rail network is not limited to the KTX brand alone. Since 2016, the SRT (Super Rapid Train) has operated as a competitive alternative, managed by SR Corporation. Although it uses the same KTX-Sancheon-type trains developed by Hyundai Rotem, the SRT distinguishes itself through its departure point—Suseo Station in southern Seoul—providing convenient access for passengers in the Gangnam area. The SRT runs on key high-speed corridors such as the Gyeongbu and Honam lines, directly connecting Seoul to cities like Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, and Gwangju.

With speeds reaching up to 305 km/h, the SRT offers a premium travel experience marked by punctuality, modern interiors, and a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. Its operation under a separate company from KORAIL introduced healthy competition to the high-speed rail sector in Korea, driving innovation and service improvements across the board. The SRT has become a popular choice for business travelers and commuters seeking direct, efficient, and comfortable journeys. As part of Korea’s expanding rail ecosystem, the SRT highlights the country’s commitment to high-speed connectivity and diversified transportation options.

Ulsan Station, Samnam-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, South Korea