Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 03, 2010 01:00pm | #1

   Mmmm, that's a tough one. I
   Mmmm, that's a tough one. I haven't been to either Korea or mainland China, so I don't have a clue. You might try Googling furniture makers and/or tool makers in both areas to see what you might come up with. Or, try contacting the respective Consulates and explain what you're looking for. Having a translator in tow might be a good idea, as well.

2. 
   Quickstep | Jan 03, 2010 07:21pm | #2

   I don't know about
   I don't know about woodworking sites there, but there are some other things to do in Singapore that I'd recommend.

   You can have a Singapore Sling at The Raffles Hotel; where the Singapore Sling was invented

   If you like eclectic dining, the Banana Leaf Apollo is a very eclectic restaurant

   The cable car over the rain forest is interesting.

1. 
   AndyE | Jan 04, 2010 08:08pm | #6

   My sister is living in Singapore so I will leave it to her to show me the local sites. I expect a few of the markets and some good eats will definitely be in order.

3. 
   ring | Jan 04, 2010 12:44am | #3

   I've been to Beijing and
   I've been to Beijing and didn't come across anything specifically pertaining to WWing, but strolling through the Forbidden City will knock your socks off. It's impressive in many ways, and certainly for anyone with a connection to construction, ceramics, carving, stonework etc. Beijing is also a great place to just wander through the old back streets. There are thousands of tiny workshops and stores, the likes of which you won't find in the West. Different planet. If I had a day to spend in the city I'd just go get lost on foot in the older part of town.

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Jan 04, 2010 10:05am | #4

   Ring, you are right-on!

   Just wander the old streets in Beijing. I have spent almost 3 months over various trips in China - but have never seen anything related to woodworking.

   In the Forbidden Palace even the Queen's 'boat' is made of stone!

   But the country is fascinating, the people friendly. Again, the suggestion to visit Raffles in Singapore is a good suggestion.

2. 
   AndyE | Jan 04, 2010 08:06pm | #5

   Thanks, David. My parents have been a couple of times and have some tales of their dealings (all good) with shopkeepers. One time even being invited back home.

4. 
   dfletcher | Jan 04, 2010 08:46pm | #7

   Andy,
   I've been to Seoul many
   Andy,

   I've been to Seoul many times and my suggestions are to visit Insadong (close to City Hall) and check out the art work and furniture stores. This area is primarily for "artist" and tourists and it has some local shops where you can see some Asian furniture. Second place to see is Itaewon . Yes this is primarily an American touristy area but up the street you can find some local furniture shops where you can check out Asian furniture. Finally, another place I found to be quite interesting was one of the local palaces where they were building it Asian style post and beam. Sorry I'm not more specific on the location, but any city tour will take you to one of the palaces where you can admire the craftsmanship. In Suewon (sp) there is a family folk village where you can see old style huts and how some stuff was built way back when.

   Sorry, I can't help you with your visit to China.

   Have fun and travel safe!

5. 
   AZMO | Jan 04, 2010 10:28pm | #8

   Well my travel to Beijing was 1981 so I am out of date. The forbidden city is amazing, and I remember some screens and such made of wood that were interesting. Some of the gables and ends are interesting as well. My favorite thing though was the 'wispering wall'. It is a large circular wall, perhaps 150 across. You can sit on a bench on one side and when wispering along the stone a person on the opposite side can hear you just like you are wispering in their ear. I have used this design to project sound from water fountains to other parts of patios. You will enjoy the trip.

   Just don't chew gum and spit it on the sidewalk in Singapore though....;>)

   AZMO