Jul 6, 2011
Outdoor Activities Amid Mungyeong's Stunning Scenery
A mountain range collectively called Baekdudaegan runs through the Korean Peninsula, connecting Mt. Baekdu and Mt. Kumgang in North Korea and Mt. Seorak and Mt. Jiri in the South. The scenic Mt. Juheul and Mt. Daeya in Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang Province, are an ideal destination for sports and leisure pursuits.
◆ Paragliding
Surrounded by mountains, Flyingland in Mungyeong is perched high in a basin on Mt. Dan, which forms rising air currents to facilitate easier gliding. Thanks to this natural terrain, it draws a number of professional paragliders from overseas.
◆ Paragliding
Surrounded by mountains, Flyingland in Mungyeong is perched high in a basin on Mt. Dan, which forms rising air currents to facilitate easier gliding. Thanks to this natural terrain, it draws a number of professional paragliders from overseas.
For beginners, there is an one-day paragliding program with an experienced trainer. "At first I was scared and thought it's dangerous, but having experienced it I know I won't ever forget it," said one tourist. "I felt dizzy as soon as my feet came off the ground. But as time went by I felt as if I was turning into a bird."
◆ Shooting
Some five km from the Jinnam Station in Mungyeong, a group of people with ear muffs shoot at orange clay pigeons at the signal of an instructor. Besides clay pigeon shootings, people over 14 can shoot airsoft guns and air pistols here. There is no need even for beginners to worry about safety as an instructor with more than five years' experience gives one-on-one tuition.
Some five km from the Jinnam Station in Mungyeong, a group of people with ear muffs shoot at orange clay pigeons at the signal of an instructor. Besides clay pigeon shootings, people over 14 can shoot airsoft guns and air pistols here. There is no need even for beginners to worry about safety as an instructor with more than five years' experience gives one-on-one tuition.
◆ Railroad Bikes
People ride bikes rather than a train on the railway at Jinnam Station in Mungyeong. When the mining industry prospered in the area some two decades ago, the railroad was used to transport coal, but now it has turned into a nostalgic tourism spot.
People ride bikes rather than a train on the railway at Jinnam Station in Mungyeong. When the mining industry prospered in the area some two decades ago, the railroad was used to transport coal, but now it has turned into a nostalgic tourism spot.
Next to the railroad runs the Yeong River from the east to west. Each section of the railbike course offers different scenery. A spokesperson with Mungyeong Tourism Promotion Corp. said, "We plan to extend the opening hours of the railbike course and stay open at night."
There are other various leisure and sports activities such as zip lining through the trees in the mountains, kart racing, ATV riding, and water sports.
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Ganghwa Observatory Offers Glimpses of N.Korea
The Ganghwa Peace Observatory is the only place on the popular tourist island that offers unobstructed views of the North Korean flatlands.
In the Civilian Control Zone just 1.8 km from North Korea, the observatory was a military lookout in the past. But amid improving inter-Korean relations in September 2008, it was turned into a tourist spot, and has been a popular destination for Korean and foreign visitors alike.
In the Civilian Control Zone just 1.8 km from North Korea, the observatory was a military lookout in the past. But amid improving inter-Korean relations in September 2008, it was turned into a tourist spot, and has been a popular destination for Korean and foreign visitors alike.
The Ganghwa Peace Observatory
A short drive from Seoul to Ganghwa Island leads to the entry control point. Visitors must show their ID card and get an entry permit to be attached to the car window. The observatory is a five-minute drive away.
On the first floor is an outdoor lookout point, from where a North Korean village can be seen.
Kang Chang-hak, a staffer at the Observatory said, "We can only see village nearby because of sea fog today, but on clear days there are views of Mt. Songak."
On the first floor is an outdoor lookout point, from where a North Korean village can be seen.
Kang Chang-hak, a staffer at the Observatory said, "We can only see village nearby because of sea fog today, but on clear days there are views of Mt. Songak."
Outdoor and indoor lookout points of the observatory
The third floor has powerful telescopes for more detailed views of North Korea both indoors and out. A video screen there also shows scenes of North Korea so that visitors on cloudy days can get a glimpse of it.
The striking thing is the number of cyclists, because Kaesong residents are rewarded with bicycles for farming the area on collective farms.
The striking thing is the number of cyclists, because Kaesong residents are rewarded with bicycles for farming the area on collective farms.
The estuary where the river flows into the West Sea (top) and a North Korean village seen from the observatory
An exhibition of pictures and videos on the Korean War can be seen on the second floor. A paper tree made of memos greets visitors at the entrance to the first floor. Visitors write messages hoping for reunification and hang them on the tree.
Outside is a shrine where people remember their families in the North.
Outside is a shrine where people remember their families in the North.
Next door, there is another must-see place nearby, the Ganghwa History Museum, which opened last year, bringing together relics scattered around the island. The miniature models show the past and present of Ganghwa Island.
The Ganghwa History MuseumRead more...
Road Trip in Jeju
Jeju beach with emerald tints and peculiar living rocks are very beautiful like the fine paintings. You can have beautiful scenery by just pressing a button on your camera. In addition, driving the offshore will make you refresh your mind.
You will realize that time flies so fast when dropping by some attractive places while driving the offshore road. Now we will introduce you the must-go places in Jeju island.
Dive along the Green Forest!
The road which will be now introduced is 516 Forest Road Tunnel that was built for the first in this island. It is a shortcut from Jeju city on the South to Seogwipo city on the North of the island, crossing Mt. Halla. It definitely reduced the travelling time and is quite faster than the other ways. The road is rather zigzag, however, once you pass the Sungpan Rest Area, you will meet the trees that just look like a tunnel. While passing the tunnel we will feel as if the trees were greeting you.
<The lush greenness of the 516 Forest Road Tunnel > (Source : AsiaToday)
On your diving, you will see the Sancheon-dan altar for Mt. Halla and Sungpanak, the tracking course. Suak vallley is made of clear water from Baeknok-dam, the lake located on the top of the Mt. Halla. It ia connected by thick forest and azure sky.it's virgin forest and it's changed by the season. The road is lined up with Jeju typical trees and there are grazing ponies, too. 516 Forest Road Tunnel is thickly wooded and keeps the cool temperature even in summer. When you pass the tunnel, turn off the air-conditioner and open the car window to feel the beauty of nature.
Sagye Coastal Road
Sagye (four seasons) Coastal Road is an absolutely wonderful road which will surround you by the sea breeze and wind. As the Mt. Sanbang and Mt. Songak are located at each of the end of the seashore, the driving course is even peaceful and comfortable. Drivers can get the full view of the sea as well. Everyday many visitors are passing this beautiful coastal road to see the harmonized seashore, mountain and roads and all the beautiful sceneries around with its breath-taking sunset
<The road of the harmonized seashore, mountain and road> (Source: Korean Tourism Organization)
We can see not only the Sagye seashore not only the Brothers islands guarding the South Sea, and away from here, we can also see the Gapa island and southernmost island, Maraisland. Recently, the Sagye Coastal Road was designated as "One of the most beautiful 100 roads in Korea" by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation. After 50 minutes of driving along the No.95 local road from Jeju city, you will reach at a town which is the entrance of theSagye-ri harbor. Then, go toward the beach about 5 minutes, and you will be dazzled by the coolest sea in front of you.
This area is also famous for the Asian-first human’s footprints fossil of the Old Stone Age. There are other footprints of the elephants, dears and birds as well. Archeologists said this geographical strata was created in the fourth stages of the Cenozoic era 50,000 years ago. Since it was reported on the news, a number of tourists are continuously visiting here to see the fossils by themselves. However, since the Cultural Heritage Administration designated this area as one of the state-designated natural monuments, it has been impossible to enter the area.
Some people leave their car and take a walk around the area to see the Mt. Sanbang, Brothersislands, Gapa island , Mara island, and Mt. Songak. We hope you enjoy the road trip on SagyeCoastal Road.
Cedar Forest
Well, driving along the coast would be so good, but there is other driving course you would also be excited. It is the 27.3 km-long Rd. No.1112, which connects Gujwa-eup Pyongdae-ri and the Rd. No.516. The way ahead is full of cedar.
<Huge Cedars are lining up along the street> (Source: Munhwa Ilbo)
This road was awarded a grand prize by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation in 2002. It's very exotic as if you were in somewhere in north-American forests. Actually, this place appeared in many of CFs, movies and TV dramas. About 2,570 typical Jeju trees are growing wild here and make us feel refreshed when driving through or walking through the road.
Jeju driveways are full of blue water, beautiful estuary, cedars and secondary volcanoes. Why don't we leave for Jeju this Summer?
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Jun 26, 2011
Convenient Traffic System of Korea
Almost all foreigners say that Korea has an excellent public transportation system. In Korea, you can reach everywhere by bus or subway. It is considered a superb system in terms of its access and cleanness.
Korea’s transportation system is now recognized as one of the finest example among other countries. In the past, however, many Koreans complained of ineffective subway and complicated road systems. But after it adopted the transit discount system and better equipped subway systems, situation got much better than ever.
Comfortable Public Transportation System
(Source: Yonhap News Agency)
There has been so much improvement in traffic system, and now Korea’s traffic system is regarded excellent all over the world. Most importantly, the subway and bus companies do not compete with each other for passengers, which became a win-win situation.
<It is considered cleaner than any other subway in the world>
(Source: Yonhap News Agency)
For example, the transit discount system helps passengers save their money, which is found only in Korea. For this reason, many policy makers from other countries visit Korea to learn more about Korea’s traffic system. It is common for Korean to pay with digital card when taking a bus, but still in many countries, people are paying cash.
Moreover, a variety of bus and subway line also considered remarkable. Since all buses were divided into four colors- blue, green, red and yellow- according to the routes, it became much convenient to take buses even in rush hour.
Stretching to the world
Korean subway is also well-known for its cleanness in the world. In addition, the screen door is highly recognized as it prevents passengers from harmful air and unexpected hazardous circumstances.
Finally, Korea got to recently export its bus traffic system to Philippines. The official said that Gyeonggi-do made an agreement for mutual cooperation with MMDA(Metro Manila Development Agency) on 27th last month with the attendance of Kim Moon-Soo, the Governor of Gyeonggi-do and Francis Tolentino, the chairman of MMDA, Philippines. Followed by this agreement, Gyeonggi-do will share the policies on Metro traffic systems such as BMS (Bus Management System) and BIS (Bus Information System) and will cooperate on building the infrastructure of Manila.
Gyeonggi-do will share the information on how to adopt CNG bus, traffic card system, and transit discount system and how to build Bus terminal complex.
<Kim Moon-Soo, Governor of Gyeonggi-do and Francis Tolentino, Chairman of MMDA signed the agreement> (Source: Chosun Ilbo)
Korean companies will cover the technical matters. Manila development agency of Philippines Metro announced that they will integrate four major traffic systems such as Metro, Bus, Jeepney, and Tricycle. For this, the chairman Tolentino asked cooperation during his visit to Gyeonggi Province last February. Kim Moon Su, the governor of Gyeonggi-do said that this agreement will help Philippines build more efficient traffic system. Furthermore it will definitely be the innovative traffic system in Philippines as well.
It seems that Korea’s transportation system is moving ahead to the World along with ‘Korean Wave, Hallyu’. However, generosity comes first than institutions and systems. Let’s make the world that human is always comes before the cars.
Read more...
Jun 10, 2011
50 reasons why Seoul is the world's greatest city!
There's a reason Asian tourists have ranked Seoul as their favorite world city three years in a row.
50. From bomb shelters to bull markets
Springing from the ruins of the Korean War, Seoul has boomed in just 50 years to become the world’s 10th-most economically powerful city and second-largest metropolitan area. No matter how large or small, Seoulites have never met a job they couldn’t finish ahead of schedule.
Be grateful you're not doing the dishes.
49. More side dishes than main dishes
A typical Korean meal comes with seven or eight separate side dishes. And free refills. There’s more color on a Korean table than at Lotte World on Children’s Day.
48. World’s most wired city
Welcome to the next generation IT mega-city. In Seoul, you can’t avoid wireless access even if you want to -- a staggering 95 percent of Korean households have broadband connection.
47. Best airport in the world
For five years running, Incheon International Airport, which services Seoul and other nearby Korean cities, has been ranked the best airport in the world by Airports Council International. The sprawling, über-efficient facility is equipped with a golf course, skating rink, Museum of Korean Culture, casino, high-end spa and restaurants serving just about any kind of pre-flight meal you’d want.
Beef broth, red pepper, scallions, congealed cow blood. Yum.
46. Hangover stew
Drinking and partying is such a staple of Korean culture that an entire cuisine has sprung up around curing the hangover. If a steaming bowl of haejangguk (spicy beef broth with congealed cow blood and bean sprouts) doesn’t put you right, you’re probably getting wheeled to the morgue. Get the authentic taste at ultra-casual Chungjinok restaurant.
Chungjinok, 24 Jongno-gu Jongno-1-ga (종로구 종로1가 24); +82 2 735 1690
45. Sleeping is for losers
Cafés, PC bangs, restaurants, spas, shopping centers and fast food chains are open any hour of any night. The streets of Gangnam, Hongdae or Dongdaemun offer countless anytime venues for drinking, eating and all kinds of play.
44. Booking
Financiers and consultants fly to Seoul from all over Asia on weekends for the booking experience at Seoul nightclubs. A unique form of speed dating in which waiters escort girls into rooms rented by groups of guys, booking can be both awkward, ego crushing and ruthlessly efficient. If the girl doesn’t like what she sees, she leaves with minimal singing, drinking or fake-number-exchanging involved.
I'll take that. But how much for the Galaxy?
43. Beautiful women
Who cares if a lot of them are plastic? We’ll keep staring.
42. Beautiful men
Who cares if they wear BB cream? We’ll keep staring.
41. Most committed celeb stalkers
Real-time updates in the world’s most connected city are every Korean celebrity’s nightmare. Check the personal blogs of crazy sa-seng (stalker fans) and decode the mono-character posts for hourly updates on your favorite hallyu star. If you want to join the fans on a star search, the posh Apgujeong hair salons and Sinsa karoakes are solid bets for a sighting and acceptable public freak out.
40. Green tiramisu
Just when you thought you’d had enough tasty desserts in Seoul, you bump into the famed green tiramisu from tart café Duex Cremes in Sinsa-dong. Rich and creamy with just a hint of green tea tang, this is one dessert you definitely want to venture out for. Most of the tarts at this sleek date spot are sold out by the time the café closes, another reason to postpone that visit to the museum.
Duex Cremes, 533-11, Sinsa-dong, Gangam-gu (강남구 신사동 533-11); +82 2 545 7931
Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. - midnight, Sunday 11 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Duex Cremes, 533-11, Sinsa-dong, Gangam-gu (강남구 신사동 533-11); +82 2 545 7931
Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. - midnight, Sunday 11 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
39. Live octopus
Sure, Oh Dae-su went a little overboard in “Oldboy” by swallowing that thing whole. But aside from fighting with your parents, nothing connects you with your primal self like a set of tentacles sucking on your tongue while you eat. Douse liberally with sesame oil at seafood restaurants such as the popular and unpretentious Gasiri.
Gasiri, 210-3 Nonhyun-dong, Gangnam-gu (강남구 논현동 210-3); +82 2 3443 2614
More on CNNGo: How to eat live octopus
38. 24-hour study rooms
In a country where education is one of the most sensitive topics (15 percent of the average household income is spent on after-school tutoring), 24-hour study rooms provide an intense and quiet atmosphere. Rooms are divided into rows of cubicles that can be rented for as little as ₩7,000 a day.
Yonsei Study Room, 56-17 Noryangjin-dong, Dongjak-gu (동작구 노량진동 56-17); +82 2 826 3200
Yonsei Study Room, 56-17 Noryangjin-dong, Dongjak-gu (동작구 노량진동 56-17); +82 2 826 3200
She can sing, she can dance, and, she's not a bad skater.
37. An ice princess you actually like
Luminous ice queen Kim Yuna is the pride of every Korean’s heart. The first female skater to place first at the Olympics, World Skating Championships, Grand Prix Final and Four Continents Championships, Kim was one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2010. She currently serves as global ambassador for the Visit Korea campaign.
36. Groupon is so yesterday
With the massive popularity of Coupang and Ticketmonster, social commerce sites are springing up in Seoul at the rate of one per day.
35. Our tech is bigger than yours
Once a giant landfill, Seoul’s Digital Media City’s 557,00 square meters of electronic nirvana is the home for broadcasting, film production, games, telecom companies, cable channels, online shopping centers and e-learning. The 133-floor Digital Media City Landmark Building, slated for completion in 2015, will become the second-tallest building in the world after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
34. Couple couches at movie theaters
Delivering Happy Meals right to your door.
33. McDonald’s delivers
McNuggets brought to your door 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Probably not conducive to dieting, but it’s hard to care when you have the 2 a.m. munchies.
McDonald's; +82 2 1600 5252
McDonald's; +82 2 1600 5252
32. Girl group domination
Welcome to idol world.
31. Smart homes
Smart phones and robot vacuum cleaners -- yawn. Apartments in Seoul can now be controlled from cell phones and central keypads. Samsung Electronics reps say that facial-recognition will soon be introduced as an addition to bio-recognition security systems
G-Dragon really needs to start his own fashion line.
30. G Dragon
Since debuting in 2006, the audacious leader of Big Bang has thrilled Seoul fashionistas with fierce fashion -- Alexander McQueen silk skull scarves, wedge loafers, skirts! Best fashion moment: head-to-toe vintage Chanel -- complete with a retro headband -- and Kanye West Louis Vuitton neon high tops for the group's concert Big Show 2008.
29. Cable channels devoted to online gambling
Korea’s unofficial national pastime is dissected with such love that even losers can start to feel like winners.
28. Excellence in flight
After flying Korean or Asiana Air, it’s a rude shock (literally, visually) to fly any other airline. Sorry, P.C. disciples, but the epic hotness of KAL flight attendants sets the modern standard in the sky. R.I.P. Singapore Girl.
27. Heated floors
At traditional Korean restaurants, tables are low and chairs are discarded in favor of embroidered cushions. Your butt may fall asleep and your limbs might seize over long lunches, but at least you won’t have to worry about a chill -- heated floors (ondol) keep buns balmy and toes toasty. They also take the sting out of traditional sleepovers, in which a plush blanket on the floor replaces a bed.
The Korean Ministry of Culture listed bibimbap as the best dish to represent Korea.
26. Bibimbap
Korea’s most recognized dish after Korean barbeque, bibimbap is rice bowl mixed with sautéed roots, marinated beef and chili paste in a hot stone pot. It was Michael Jackson’s favorite dish. It’s still the signature lunch aboard Korean Air flights. You can get it almost anywhere, including local institution Go-gung.
Go-gung, 12-14 Chungmuro-2-ga, Jung-gu (중구 충무로2가 12-14); +82 2 776 3211
Go-gung, 12-14 Chungmuro-2-ga, Jung-gu (중구 충무로2가 12-14); +82 2 776 3211
25. Most art openings per square mile
Earning the attention of art aficionados worldwide, internationally renowned artists fly into Seoul almost every week for new exhibitions or collaborations. Local artists are also rising to acclaim with increasingly strange and arresting multimedia works. In Cheongdam-dong, a single building called Nature Poem -- itself a work of art -- houses 18 galleries.
24. Superb service; random freebies, no tipping
It’s tough not to smile when your breakfast cereal comes with a free pair of socks or your latest clothing purchase bags you a designer kitchen knife. Seoulites love dishing out freebies, the more random, the better. Known simply as “service,” free gifts can be anything from a packet of Kleenex with a full tank of gas to a plate of chicken with your pitcher of Hite beer. The perfectionist jeongshin (mentality) of the service industry in Seoul ensures incredibly cheerful service. Best of all: no tipping.
23. Road trip to the Axis of Evil
OK, you can’t actually wander around in North Korea, but a trip to the DMZ is just a couple of hours away. Soldiers from North and South eyeball each other across the fence-free border, U.S. Army personnel (your tour guides) point out perfectly plain edifices that become instantly fascinating simply for their location and you can actually get to step into the North, albeit inside a strictly guarded building.
DMZ Peace Tour; +82 33 455 8275
DMZ Peace Tour; +82 33 455 8275
No one will mess with you again.
22. Heads that split wood
Ever try snapping a plank with your head? OK, you might not get as far as that in a taekwondo taster class, but Kumgang Taekwondo does at least offer the chance to try your hand at a two-centimeter-thick wooden board.
Kumgang Taekwondo, 2/F 736-1 Kumgang Taekwondo Center, Yangcheon-gu (양천구 금강태권도센터 2층 736-1); +82 2 2642 0692
Kumgang Taekwondo, 2/F 736-1 Kumgang Taekwondo Center, Yangcheon-gu (양천구 금강태권도센터 2층 736-1); +82 2 2642 0692
21. Cheap Internet phones
For a low monthly fee, you can sign up for an 070 internet phone that gives you free wireless and free calls to other 070 phones. It’s like Skype with a hand-held phone. Cheap rates on international calls clinch this as the greatest phone innovation since Angry Birds
"Gun-bae!"
20. Soju is cheaper than water
Soju martinis and soju cosmopolitans are debuting in bars overseas, but in Seoul, we prefer to drink the distilled rice (usually) beverage neat, or mixed with whiskey.
19. No question left unanswered
Need to know the best transgender club in Itaewon? The number of the closest fried chicken shop for delivery? Which public transportation to use from the airport to the nearest sauna? Perky operators at the 120 Dasan Center provide answers to any question you might have for free, 24 hours a day, in Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Mongolian. Call 02-120 from a cell phone or 120 from a landline.
18. Canine coffee breaks
Koreans have an unfortunate reputation for turning man’s best friend into man’s next meal, but at Hongdae’s Bau Haus Café and other Seoul dog cafés, resident pups -- many of them rescue dogs -- you can hang out with strange dogs while drinking lattes and using Wi-Fi. Be warned, dogs will be dogs. Attentive staffers are on “plastic glove” duty and crotch sniffing is part of the experience.
Bau Haus Café, 3/F, Seogyo-dong 405-13, Mapo gu (마포구 서교동 405-13 3층); + 82 2 334 5152
Bau Haus Café, 3/F, Seogyo-dong 405-13, Mapo gu (마포구 서교동 405-13 3층); + 82 2 334 5152
Although many palace buildings were destroyed by the Japanese during the occupation, they are slowly being restored to their former glory.
17. Palaces of Morning Calm
Seoul boasts a route of Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) edifices known as the Five Grand Palaces. Although the exteriors and grounds are breathtaking, palace interiors are completely bare, due to ruthless looting during the Japanese occupation. Each palace occupies its own niche -- Changdeokgung is a World Heritage Site accesible only on an guided tour. Deoksugung houses museums. Changgyeonggung’s allure lies in its oft-overlooked, and therefore less crowded status. The western location of Gyeonghuigung deemed it where the king would retreat to in times of emergency and Gyeongbokgung has the broadest appeal for history lovers, architecture junkies and dress-up fiends alike.
16. The kimchi miracle
When Seoul escaped relatively unscathed from the SARS outbreak a few years ago, locals credited the nation’s kimchi consumption. The spicy cabbage dish was celebrated again when scientists showed that kimchi helps prevent bird flu and Newcastle disease.
15. High-tech bargains
The birthplace of leading global electronics companies such as Samsung and LG, Korea is renowned for its cutting-edge technology. Nowhere is that technology more evident and accessible than at the Yongsan Electronics Market. Dozens of buildings house stores that specialize in one or two of the latest high-tech items. There’s lots of competition to bag the next sale, so haggling is OK.
PC Bangs are probably Lisbeth Salander's idea of heaven.
14. A bang for every occasion
Few people party like work-hard, play-hard Seoulites. Local bang (literally meaning “room”) culture provides the like-minded a place to gather and obsess over their favorite activities. Show off your hottest Kara butt dance at norae bang (karaoke lounge), watch movies in a DVD bang, play poker at a board game bang or slay all comers in Starcraft at a PC bang (internet café).
13. Favorite “Flower Boy” date spot
With its panoramic views of Seoul, N Seoul Tower has been a landmark for 25 years. But after being featured in TV dramas and reality shows, the tower has become a popular date destination. Hopeful Seoulites take the cable car ride to the top just like Jan-di and Jun-pyo did on their first date in the 2009 hit hallyu drama “Boys Over Flowers.” Meanwhile, the Tower’s “love-lock” fences bear the mark of Nickhun and Victoria’s “We Got Married” outing.
n.GRILL (revolving restaurant), 5/F, 1-3 Yongsan-dong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu (용산구 용산동2가 1-3 5층); +82 2 3455 9277
12. Myeongdong Gyoja
Since its 1966 opening, this noodle shop’s steaming kalguksu noodles have had locals and tourists flocking to Myeong-dong. Despite the brusque service and shabby decor, lines out the door remain long.
Myeongdong Gyoja, 25-3 Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu (중구 명동2가 25-3); +82 2 776 5348
Myeongdong Gyoja, 25-3 Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu (중구 명동2가 25-3); +82 2 776 5348
11. Vienna coffee at Gamu
Beware the whipped cream mustache.
Over 150,000 people visit Coex each day.
10. Asia’s largest underground mall
In Samseong-dong, Coex is a sprawling playground of shops, arcades, restaurants, theaters and the Kimchi Museum. The vast exhibition centers upstairs showcase the latest wedding expo or housing fair, and were also the main venue for the 2010 G20 Seoul Summit.
9. Museum for the morbid
It’s not Seoul’s most cheerful outing, but history buffs and Park Chan-wook fans can tour Seodaemun Prison. Once used to incarcerate independence fighters who rose against Japanese rule, the prison is now a museum with ghastly exhibits, such as a chilling execution room.
Seodaemun Prison, 247 Uljuro, Seodaemun-gu (서대문구 을지로 247); +82 2 360 8590
Seodaemun Prison, 247 Uljuro, Seodaemun-gu (서대문구 을지로 247); +82 2 360 8590
Korean women devour pork fat in the name of health and beauty.
8. 'Well-being' mania
Seoulites never tire of telling you how healthy life can be. They’ll eat anything in the name of longevity, leading to a city-wide obsession with organic foods and other long-life tonics. So, does all this fuss work? According to the worldlifeexpectancy.com, South Koreans rank 27th in the world in life expectancy at 78.7 years (Andorra, Japan and Singapore are the top three). No matter, we’ll work our butts off to break into the top 10 -- or die trying.
7. Golf in any weather
Mark Twain once said that golf was a good walk spoiled, but Seoulites don’t let walking get in the way of a game of golf. At screen golf venues around the city, serious players don golf shoes, rent clubs and whack their hearts out at huge canvas screens. Cameras record you as you swing, so that you can watch the replay and correct your embarrassment accordingly.
Design Screen Golf, 150 Yeomni-dong, Mapo-gu (마포구 염리동 150); +82 2 704 0753
Design Screen Golf, 150 Yeomni-dong, Mapo-gu (마포구 염리동 150); +82 2 704 0753
E Ji-ah delivered a shot to every Taiji fan's heart.
6. Wildest celebrity scandal
E Ji-ah was already one of the most mysterious actresses in Korea -- a remarkable feat considering the exhaustive Internet search skills of most Korean netizens. Then in April, news broke that for nine years she’d been married to Seo Taiji, Korea’s biggest singer and “Cultural President.” And divorced for five!
Add the fact that she was dating Korea’s hottest male movie star Jung Woo Sung when the news hit and you get a national pandemonium. Thankfully, we’ve recovered and are completely prepared for our next collective meltdown.
5. Bright happy jjimjilbangs of fun
Korean saunas (jjimjilbangs) draw on an age-old tradition of thermotherapy to help you sweat out stress. The best jjimjilbangs -- like famed Dragon Hill Spa -- feature multi-stories of whirlpool baths, mineral rooms, massage parlors, nail salons, TV rooms, manga cafés and restaurants where you can relax before and after soaking, scrubbing and steaming your way to rejuvenation.
Dragon Hill Spa, 40-713 3-ga Hangang-ro, Yongsan-gu (용산구 한강로 3가40-713); tel. +82 2 792 0001More on CNNGo: 3 best Seoul saunas
Moonlight Rainbow Fountain pumps out 190 tons of water per minute.
4. World’s most spectacular bridge-fountain
Banpo Bridge and its Moonlight Rainbow Fountain made it into the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest bridge fountain at 1,140 meters. It’s also the most photogenic, shooting out dancing rivulets of water via 10,000 dazzling LED nozzles. To see it at its most stunning, check the schedule and view it from 88 Highway or the Gangbyeon Highway after dark.
3. World’s smartest, and cheapest, personal assistants
Haejuseyo chore services will pick up your dry-cleaning and deliver food -- and perform more difficult, personalized chores -- at the low starting fee of ₩7,000. Maybe that’s why New York’s "The Daily Beast" recently called Korea the laziest country in Asia. They got it wrong, of course. If we weren’t so busy all the time, we wouldn’t need all the extra help.
Anyman; +82 2 1588-5279
2. Drama queens
It all started with Choi Ji-woo’s lisp and Bae Yong-joon’s memory loss in the 2002 drama “Winter Sonata.” Love-struck Japanese housewives descended on Seoul in droves, opening the floodgates for hallyu (Korean wave) drama productions and international fandom. Camera crews film on location throughout Seoul. They’re easy to spot -- most are followed by hundreds of squealing fans.
The youngest male usually gets stuck with the grilling.
1. Galbi
The marinated barbecued ribs called galbi are the most popular Korean dish among foreigners. Eating is a DIY experience, with a designated chef in your group devoting his or her attention to grilling the marinated raw meat over a sunken barbeque at the center of your table. Helpful staff are always on hand to help out beginners. The galbi at beloved chain Budnamujip never disappoints
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