What's that smell?

The end of summer has a unique smell in Seoul. I liken it to the subtle odor of burning farts; other people say it's more like vomit. Either way it’s not pleasant.

In September or so, these berries emerge from the Gingko trees that are all around Seoul.

The berries fall to the ground, I actually got hit by a few on their way down. People will step on the berries, as they coat the sidewalk and they’re impossible to avoid.

As they get squished and bake in the autumn sun, they let out a pungent fragrance. The skunks of the plant world maybe. So if you're in Seoul in late summer / early autumn, watch out for the berries!

Check out this article if you really want to learn all about smelly trees of Seoul.

http://e360.yale.edu/feature/peter_crane_history_of_ginkgo_earths_oldest_tree/2646/