Driving along the Han River from Seoul toward the Korean DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), riverbanks lined with razor-wire fences and military watchtowers greet the eye. Despite being a thriving hub of capitalism and democracy in Asia, Seoul is less than 40km from North Korea, a totalitarian communist regime.

Each year in April, South Korea’s many cherry trees come to life with bright white and pink flowers. The blossoms are not a symbol of national pride, as they are for the Japanese, but are dearly loved - crowds flock to the countries parks and gardens to enjoy the show.

A family walk together at the entrance to Seoul Grand Children’s Park. March 10, 2013. The park was once a golf course but is now hosts a swimming pool, a zoo, a fairground with rides and extensive gardens

A group of tourists pauses to take photos in front of the Main Hall of Changdeok Palace in Seoul.

The cluster of traditional wood and stone buildings on the edge of the city was a famous Confucian school that trained Government Officials during the Joseon Dynasty.

Two children lean against a window while bridal photos are taken at a wedding.

Photographs of daily life in South Korea by Epoch Times photojournalist, Jarrod Hall.

Last weekend, I photographed a colorful parade that was held in one of the busiest shopping districts in Seoul. The prevalent mood was calm and friendly and the whole thing felt more like a party or a festival than a call for and end to the largest totalitarian dictatorship in the world.