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Hyatt Regency Incheon Restaurant 8 at Hyatt Regency Incheon offers ``Live Christmas Market’’ dining on Dec. 24 and 25. Through Live Christmas Market, guests can interact with chefs and experience the cooking of authentic Eastern and Western cuisine firsthand. Traditional Italian, French, Asian and Korean cuisine and an array of European desserts will be available. Limitless sake, beer, wine, cocktails, juice and soft drinks will be on offer at beverage stations. Dinner is priced at 100,000 won for Dec. 24 and 80,000 won Dec. 25. For more information, call (032) 745-1234.

Dec 18, 2008

Armenia: Country of Stones, Vine, Ancient Monasteries

By Oleg Kiriyanov Contributing writer Famous English poet Lord Byron said the following about Armenia: ``This country is to remain arguably as the most interesting one on the whole Earth.'' Not many small countries can boast such compliments from such well-known, well-traveled people. Soon after the socialist revolution in Russia in 1917, Armenia joined the Soviet Union and became independent in 1991. It's situated in the most interesting yet turbulent Caucasus region. The country itself is not big, at less than 30,000 square kilometers ― less than one third the size of South Korea. The country is home to 3.3 million people, one third of whom live in its capital, Yerevan city. Many countries have unofficial but widely known names: Korea, ``the country of morning calm;'' Japan, ``the land of the rising sun;'' Switzerland, ``the country of watches and cheese;'' etc. Armenia also has such a nickname and many call it ``the country of stones.'' Stones from tiny to huge ones in the form of rocks and mountains can be seen all over Armenia, since the country is situated in a mount

Dec 18, 2008

Chase Away Winter Blues at Hot Springs

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter In the middle of the winter when temperatures hover below zero, there's nothing more tempting than a relaxing soak at ``oncheon,'' or hot springs, a popular destination for those wanting to escape the cold. Korea is known for its numerous hot springs, which are filled with various minerals and elements such as alkaline, radium, sulfur and sodium. The mineral-rich water is supposedly good for one's health by stimulating blood circulation, combating fatigue and helps cure various skin diseases like arthritis, anemia, neuralgia (painful nerve disorder), high blood pressure and certain gastrointestinal diseases. There are now many resorts around the country that boast spas and pools filled with mineral-rich water. Resorts also have an array of leisure facilities such as water slides, massage pools, gyms, saunas, playgrounds and other attractions for the whole family. Why not try to schedule a day trip or a weekend to one of Korea's many hot springs? Hot Springs Different kinds of minerals can be found in the hot springs around K

Dec 18, 2008

Fraser Suites Sets Standards for Serviced Residence

Fraser Suites, located in Seoul's cultural mecca, Insa-dong, is the leader of the serviced residence market and sets the standard. The property, with luxurious suites and home-style comfortable service, is one of the many serviced apartments of Frasers Hospitality, a premier international serviced residence management company with Gold Standard residences in a dozen nations. The 23-story building with 213 fully furnished luxurious suites, ranging from one to four bedroom unites and spacious penthouses, distinguishes itself from its competitors by providing services that goes beyond merely reacting to requests, to anticipating needs and proactively assisting guests. Opened in April 2002, Fraser Suites embarked on the refurbishment program in October last year and has completed it in their three and four bedroom units and penthouses. The refurbishment for one and two bedroom units will finish within this year. The refurbishment includes new upholstery of furniture and changes of carpets, LCD flat screen television and new VCD/DVD compo sets. Building a close and intimate

Dec 17, 2008

Flavors at Hilton Please Every Palate

Hilton has always been one of the world top hotel franchises, and it's no exception here. Located at the foot of Mt. Namsan, the Millennium Seoul Hilton, first opened in 1983, is now is one of the most visited hotels in the city and has won in three categories ― the best Business Hotel, Japanese Food and Beverage, and Italian Food and Beverage. With 681 guestrooms and suites offering luxurious amenities and modern convenience, it could be considered a home away from home, a virtual office away from

Dec 17, 2008

Renovation Spruces Up Lotte Hotel

Lotte hotel, in the heart of Seoul next to City Hall, Myeong-dong shopping district and Lotte Department Store, has always been a symbol of a luxurious and friendly place to stay. World-renowned celebrities, tourists and businesspeople have for the past three decades chosen the hotel for various reasons including good traffic and its great views. The hotel is now ready to give a facelift to its interior designs facilities. From June 2007, renovation was slated for all 740 rooms in the main building, to be completed by September 2009. The renovation plan, in addition to the hotel's reputation and facilities, made it the winner in the Best Room category. Renovation with top designers SOM, Wilson & Associates, HBA and Babey Moulton, four unique and world-renowned design companies, are participating in the renovation. Thanks to their magic, each floor has a unique, distinguishable feature. Conversely, they're cohesive and come together as Lotte Hotel rooms. SOM has given its rooms a clean look. White for the walls and beige furniture makes them bright. By using glass and s

Dec 17, 2008

Somerset Palace Offers Balance Between Work, Family Life

Somerset Palace, located at the center of Seoul's diplomatic and financial districts, was conceived for executives and their families who pursue a harmonious balance between work and family life. The serviced residence supports the balance between work and life by providing a warm and stylish home with recreational facilities, lifestyle activities and business support services. Experienced, friendly staff helps your family adapt themselves to your new city quickly, find the right schools and locate recreational and entertainment facilities appropriate to your needs. Despite the location in the center of downtown Seoul, Somerset Palace offers a tranquil environment with a beautiful garden and nearby greens including those in Gyeongbok Palace just a few hundred meters away. Each of Somerset Palace's luxurious, family-friendly apartments provide an enriching living environment: fully-equipped kitchen, living and dining areas, high-speed broadband connectivity, home office with writing desk. The fitness center, billiards room, sauna room, lounge, children's playroom, rooftop

Dec 17, 2008

Make the Right Impression at Finest Convention Center in Seoul

Seoul’s newest and finest convention center at the Grand Hilton Seoul makes it the venue of choice for domestic and international meetings and conventions. Facing directly across from the main hotel, the center houses a large convention hall as well as small and medium-sized banquet halls and conference rooms. Prior to the opening of the new building, meetings and conventions were held in the Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, but the new purpose-built Convention Center gives the Grand Hilton Seoul an independent and separate facility within a minute’s walk of the Hotel. Featuring a spacious lobby and reception area, the new Convention Center provides a tranquil atmosphere that facilitates smooth transitions between cocktail receptions, meals and meetings. The all-in-one concept is a strong selling point which event planners will like. The four-floor Convention Hall offers a contemporary atmosphere combined with state-ofthe- art audio-visual facilities. Capable of accommodating up to 2,500 guests, this business-oriented venue is perfectly suited for international events, workshops a

Dec 17, 2008

Han Suites Attracts Repeat Guests With Tailored Service

Han Suites, located just below the scenic Mt. Namsan in central Seoul, is a local brand serviced residence ― a rare kind in serviced residence market, but it prides itself in offering an impressive, customer-tailored service. The property comprises charming and elegant European-style town houses. The interior of the houses was designed to allow convenient stay as a serviced residence, with the aim to provide satisfying hospitality to guests so that they can feel home away from home. Some big brand names monopolized the serviced residence market, but the trend is slowly changing because people tired of uniform service look for services focusing on individuality. Han Suites provides tailored, individual service, accepting guests' need from their point of view. Such home-style service makes the guests come back, and Han Suites has many returning guests who could not feel the tailored service at any other residences in Korea. The residence conducts survey on guests for the feedback on the service quality. Han Suites' residences range from studio types to one to two bedroom ap

Dec 17, 2008

Oakwood Premier, Luxury Ambience in Southern Seoul

Oakwood Premier COEX Center opened the era of super deluxe serviced residence in Korea in 2002. It combines luxury hotel service with the spacious comfort of a private home. The serviced residence offers 280 furnished apartments including studio, one to four bedroom apartments and regal penthouses. Each apartment has separate living, dining and sleeping areas and is equipped with its own gourmet kitchen and a washer/dryer. The residences are spacious enough to host a dinner party or conduct business meetings, as well as suitable for families. Oakwood Premier COEX Center is located in the center of business districts in southern Seoul, where many multinational and Korean firms are gathered. The property is on the same block with the City Air Terminal, COEX Convention Center and Shopping Mall, ASEM Tower, Korea World Trade Center and Hyundai Department Store. The residence is redefining the standards of hospitality with the combination of luxury, technology and value for money, in order to provide the best amenities and services. The amenities include 24-hour concierge,

Dec 17, 2008
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