 Stores lining the trendy Garosu-gil (Tree-lined street) in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul. / Korea Times file |
Top 15 experiences around the city
By Bae Ji-sook, Lee Hyo-won
Seoul is more than the city of the 1988 Olympics or 2002 World Cup. It is a "complete city" with more than 2,000 years of history; it's surrounded by mountains and has a great river running through its heart, and thrives with round-the-clock shopping and various cultural activities.
Most of all, it will be the host of the upcoming G20 Summit in November. The Seoul Tourism Organization has selected 15 things you can enjoy around town.
1. Mt. Nam (Namsan)
The N Seoul Tower located atop Mt. Nam, the heart of Seoul, offers panoramic views of the city. The mountain is also the capital’s largest park and botanical garden. One can enjoy a hike to the peak or ascend by cable car.
At the tower’s observatory, couples can follow the urban myth of attaching a lock to the fence, symbolizing their devotion to each other. Walking alongside the fence and reading their message is popular among youngsters.
At the foot of the mountain, there is Namsan Hanok Village, a small folk village consisting of traditional Korean housing. Traditional ceremonies and musical performances are often held there.
2. Cultural shows
Be sure to enjoy non-verbal performances, one of the most popular cultural events in Seoul. Starting from “Nanta,” which has been running since 1998 and was presented as an off-Broadway show in New York, the latest include the rhythmical dance show “Jump!”and the trendy “The Ballerina Who Loves a B-Boy,” among others.
The musical performances appeal to tens of thousands of foreign tourists every year.
3. Museums
The National Museum of Korea is the largest exhibition facility in Asia and is the sixth largest museum in the world. Korean culture is portrayed from its roots dating back tens of thousands of years, including National Treasure No. 83, the “Gilt Bronze Maitreya.” Admission is free.Also, some other eye-catching exhibition institutions are the National Museum’s Stone Sculpture Garden; War Memorial of Korea, portraying the scars and lingering pain from the Korean War (1950-1953); Cheong Wa Dae Sarangchae, a presidential museum across from the presidential office; museums for kimchi, “tteok” (rice cakes), architecture and embroidery.
4. Royal Seoul
Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul was built in 1395 as the city’s main palace and was used through much of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Unlike other palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbok’s rectangular space is surrounded by large gates on all sides. It also has three granite gateways, extending from the main entrance to the main Geunjeongjeon Hall where all important matters were conducted by the king.
Be sure to check out the tiled roof, which was intended to protect the palace from fire.
It’s not only Gyeongbok Palace that shows a glimpse of ancient Korea. There are four other Joseon-era palaces in central Seoul: Deoksu, Changdeok, Changgyeong and Gyeonghui. Especially, Changdeok Palace has been designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
A reenactment of the changing of the royal guard in front of Deoksu Palace takes places at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. every day.
5. Shopping
Seoul has rapidly emerged as a must-visit location for shopping. Myeong-dong in central Seoul is always bustling with people all week long with foreigners looking for quality items ranging from global labels to popular local brands in affordable prices. Lotte and Shinsegae department stores as well as small and large fashion shopping malls are located in the area.Full-course Korean traditional meals or simple local delicacies will round off visitors’ trips to the area. Be sure to taste “gomguk” (oxtail stew), “kalguksu” (noodle soup) and “naengmyeon” (cold buckwheat noodle soup).
Near Myeong-dong is the Dongdaemun Shopping Town, which offers a wide selection of fashion items at budget prices.
COEX Mall, the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, is located in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul, and could be a great alternative for rainy days.
6. Traditional markets
Namdaemun Market is the largest and oldest traditional market in Seoul. Some of the shops there are open 24 hours a day to delight visitors from all over the world. It is known for good deals on cameras and glasses. There are a variety of famous restaurants along the narrow streets of the market including noodle soup restaurants serving “galchi jorim” (boiled hair tail), and “naengmyeon” (cold noodles) as side dishes.
Other famous markets in Seoul include Janganpyeong Antique Market, Gyeongdong Yangnyeong Market and Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market.
7. Art & design
The streets of Insa-dong in central Seoul are alive with traditional Korean culture. Over the weekends, the streets are full of life with festivities such as parades, traditional wedding processions, and music and dance performances.
Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village, is also a must-see for those interested in Korean houses and handicrafts.
For those interested in modern art and design, Olympic Park, located near Jamsil Station, and the streets near Hongik University shouldn't be missed.
The Korean Eye 2010 Fantastic Ordinary, a contemporary art exhibition presenting a diverse selection of over 30 works by 12 talented Korean artists, will be held in November.
8. Korean cuisine
“Galbi” is one of the most popular Korean dishes. It is either beef or pork marinated in soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil and pear juice, and then grilled over a charcoal fire. A similar dish is “bulgogi,” barbecued beef, marinated in a combination of mixed sauces, then grilled to perfection.
Most galbi restaurants serve “naengmyeon” too.
9. Family fun
Lotte World in southern Seoul is the world’s largest indoor amusement park complete with 42 different attractions and spectacular festivals. The theme park is filled with rides, an ice rink, a folk museum, a lake and more. Nearly 6 million people visit the amusement park every year. Be sure to check out the transparent roof.
The Seoul Grand Park on the outskirt of the city is a theme park housing Seoul Land, Seoul Zoo and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. While Lotte World offers indoor experiences, the Grand Park provides both nature and a theme park.
10. Mountains
Seoulites love Bukhansan National Park as much as they love the Han River. The mountain displays the seasonal changes in all their glory. Many hikers visit this national park on the weekends. A variety of routes are available for all ages and all types of hikers, from beginners to experts. The mountain is within an hour’s drive from anywhere in Seoul.
There is a saying that anyone can be friends on a mountain. Experience the friendliness and generosity of Korea by hiking up the mountain on a weekend.
Many Koreans love to drink mineral water while hiking up the mountain, and “makgeoli,” or rice wine, on the way back down.
11. Han River
The Han River is one of Seoul's most popular attractions. A cruise along the river is an excellent way to view the romantic side of the city. Riverside parks with exercise equipment are popular among joggers.
The Banpo Bridge, with its Moonlight Fountain, has become a popular location for night-viewing. It is listed on the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's longest bridge fountain.
The 63 City building, one of the Seoul's tallest buildings, and cafes alongside the bridges are perfect places to observe the Han River landscape.
12. Nightlife
Seoul is a city that never sleeps.The Hongik University street area, known as Hongdae, is the center of Korea’s indie culture and is especially hailed by the younger generation. Amateur artists decorate the streets and set free the indie-spirit trend. The area has many unique and funky cafes, diners and art shops. The street is also famous for its club and party atmosphere, which is popular among those wishing to show their individual style and creativity. The last Friday of each month is “Club Day,” when people can purchase a wristband that allows entry into almost all of the area’s clubs. Round-the-clock restaurants that dot the city cater to hungry clubgoers.
Other emerging places are fortunetelling stalls, providing “saju” (oriental fortunetelling) and tarot card reading.
13. Health, wellness
"Jjimjilbang," Korean-style saunas, have become popular not only among Koreans but foreigners who want to experience "unique and steamy" aspects of Korean bathing culture. It usually offers hot tubs, saunas and massage therapy with each room providing an excellent atmosphere for families and friends to gather around and share quality time. Be sure to try a hard-boiled egg, seaweed and “sikhye,” a cold sweet rice drink. Try "ttaemiri," a body scrub service — it may hurt a bit the first time but ends up giving people smooth and supple skin.
Most jjimjilbang include a lounge, restaurant, and even Internet access. In addition, the saunas and treatments can help rejuvenate the skin and improve one’s health. Many such establishments in the city run 24 hours a day all year long.
14. Sports
Korea's professional baseball league was launched in 1981 and has grown into a world-class league with eight teams. During the baseball season, people can experience the enthusiasm of fans at Jamsil Stadium in southern Seoul or Mokdong Stadium in the western part of the city.
Seoul has three baseball teams: Doosan Bears, LG Twins and Seoul Heroes.
Korea won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver at the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Seoul is also home to FC Seoul football club, whose home games are played at the Sangam World Cup Stadium.
15. Buddhist insights
The Jogye Temple is situated in the heart of Seoul and is the headquarters to the largest Buddhist order in Korea. The temple is open to visitors in the afternoon and all Buddhist events are open to visitors. Hundreds of people visit the temple every day while various temple-stay programs invite even the ignorant stranger to take a glimpse into the practice. The temple-stay program includes meditation, a tea ceremony and making lotus lanterns with paper among other activities.
In the southern part of the city, the 1,300-year-old Bongeun Temple is also open to visitors.
