“What’s the name of the capital of that place?” asked Mr. Hemster.
“It is spelled S-e-o-u-l, and is pronounced ‘Sool.’”
“How far is it from here?”
“I don’t know exactly, but it must be something like four hundred miles, perhaps a little more.”
“It is on the sea?”
“No. It lies some twenty-six miles inland by road, and more than double that distance by the winding river Han.”
“Can I steam up that river with this yacht to the capital?”
“No, I don’t think you could. You could go part way, perhaps, but I imagine your better plan would be to moor at the port of Chemulpo and go to Seoul by road, although the road is none of the best.”
“I’ve got a little naphtha launch on board. I suppose the river is big enough for us to go up to the capital in that?”