It is an unlikely spot for a bohemian cultural centre -- along the banks of the barbed wire-lined Han River and within sight of the armed checkpoint watchtowers -- but the galleries, cafes and bookstores exhibit work from some of the finest artists and architects from Korea and abroad.

BBC: Make art not war in South Korea

For now, passive self-defence is recommended: barbed wire to protect vulnerable parts of ships, fire hoses to push pirates away and an alert crew to spot attacks early to allow the ship to take evasive action.

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