Demonstration at Gwanghwamun and Four Seasons Tour

Before and after our tour of the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, we got to witness democracy in action during a demonstration at Gwanghwamun Square.

Four Seasons Seoul Tour

Today I connected with another old friend from the early kitchen days. I first met Shaun Anthony as a young cook at Canoe many years ago. Since then he has been travelling the world building his skill set and resume while working at some of the industry’s top kitchens. Recently, he became the Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul. This afternoon, he gave us an extensive tour of the beautiful hotel and all of the restaurants and kitchens within. It takes a very special skill set to operate an organization of this size and complexity. I am in awe of my old kitchen comrade and proud to know him. Thanks and congratulations Shaun! Check out this fabulous hotel here: Four Seasons Hotel . I hope I can stay here one day.

A meeting of old friends at the Four Seasons hotel in Seoul
Canoe restaurant kitchen crew circa 2002
Shaun is seated on the left, I am in the middle. Circa 2002 at Canoe Restaurant.

Gwanghwamun Demonstration

Koreans have a long tradition of public protest. Almost any Saturday I have been near Gwanghwamun Square there is some type of demonstration happening. Today was a big one. Supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol, the recently impeached South Korean president, were out in the thousands. It was a peaceful demonstration but LOUD. Listen here:

demonstration at Gwanghwamun square 2025 showing US and Korean flags together
demonstration at Gwanghwamun Square in 2025 showing Korean and American flags together
Gwanghwamun Square demonstration with US and Korean flags waving
Woman cradles young boy at demonstration in Gwanghwamun Square 2025
Korean and American flags wave together at Gwanghwamun Square demonstration 2025
Old man on bicycle in front of Gwanghwamun demonstrators 2025
US and Korean flags in the air during protest at Gwanghwamun Square in 2025
Yi Sun Shin above the demonstration at Gwanghwamun Square 2025

The ruling on his impeachment is due as early as next week. I don’t think I want to be down here when that happens…well…maybe.

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