6 things to do in Seoul on Chuseok
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Foreign customers try on Uzbek chapan robes and pose with a worker at Samarkand Restaurant in Gwanghui-dong. This weekend, the area will be flooded with migrant workers looking for a hot meal and good times. / Coutesy of Jon Dunbar
By Jon Dunbar
During the long Chuseok holiday, people usually suffer prohibitive traffic on the nation’s roads, trains are fully booked and even restaurants close. For Koreans it’s a family holiday, which makes the holiday extra lonely for foreigners.
Although conditions are improving as Koreans increasingly find less traditional ways to observe the holiday, the best option, especially for foreigners, is to stay in ― or come to ― Seoul.
You probably know about the special offers at museums, palaces and amusement parks, but where can you go to not be a tourist? These six suggestions will make your long weekend special.
1. Take in a game
The Jamsil Baseball Stadium has a baseball game every day at 2 p.m., with SK Wyverns vs. Doosan Bears Wednesday, Kia Tigers vs. LG Twins Thursday and Friday and Samsung Lions vs. LG Twins Saturday and Sunday. For football fans, FC Seoul takes on Jeju United, fourth in the K-League, Sunday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
2. Dine in Little Russia
The Russian district in Gwanghui-dong, located behind Lotte Fitin in Dongdaemun Market, is swinging this holiday. Migrant workers come to Seoul and fill up on tasty Mongolian and Uzbek cuisine.
3. Visit an ‘abandoned’ amusement park
The rides of Yongma Land, eastern Seoul, were stopped years ago, but park owner Youn Seong-gu still lets visitors in, charging 5,000 won admission. Best known from Crayon Pop’s “Bar Bar Bar” video, the decaying carnival rides will be crawling with photographers and cosplayers.
4. Go to a gig
On Friday, Club MWG has a jungle/D&B party starting 10:30 p.m. with DJs Critical Mass, Nevermind, ModoN, Edukasian and Sax. FF has a punk show Saturday with Skasucks, …Whatever That Means, Patients, Crawler and more.
Club Ta has Laybricks, Mystery House, the Hans and Jun Bum Sun and the Yangbans starting 7 p.m, Saturday. Rolling Hall has a two-day event, headlined Saturday by hard rockers Harry Big Button and “kimchibilly” band Streetguns Sunday.
Down in Mullae-dong, Seoul’s noisier, grindier bands including Sulsa, KJP47 and Tokki Jot are playing GBN Live House, Saturday.
5. Go outside
Go hiking up a mountain. Figure out Seoul’s bike share program and take advantage of the low traffic. Have a picnic in Yeouido Hangang Park. Discover the city’s new Gyeongui Line Forest Park. Or just wander around downtown, which will take on an especially multicultural character this weekend.
6. Take a day trip
Travel on the Seoul Metro system should be safe. Now’s a good time to visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, discover Songdo Central Park or walk the beaches at Yongyu Station next to Incheon Airport.