Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 16

<< Seo rae Village >>

Other than Itaewon, Seoul has many towns where people with same nationalities live in. Seo rae Village is a village where French people tend to send their children to school and live around.
There are many wine bars, french bakeries, restaurants, flower shops, cafes, etc.
Also there is the most french like bakery, Paris Croissant. Also there is a park named after Mont Martre.
It is nice to visit the little village on the weekends to have a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of wine too.

-image of Flowershop

-images of Mont Martre Park (Parc de Mont Martre)

-image of Tree Orphanage

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :) # 15

<< War Memorial >>

To truly understand Korea's history, one should learn the cause and effect of the division of Korea. The War Memorial shows not only the cause and effect of the division of Korea but also the long history of wars that Koreans went through (starting from the ancient times). It has both inside and outside exhibitions where people can see the war related weapons and rides such as planes, U-tanks, etc. It is recommended to go pay a visit to the memorial to see the history and spirit of Koreans.

-image of "Turtle War Boat"-Guh buk Sun

-image of planes outdoor exhibition

-U Tank

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 14

<< Myung dong >>

Myung dong is one of the major shopping district in Seoul. From the little kids to adults, everyone loves Myoung dong. Diverse of people come and hang out. Myoung dong has not only shops but also movie theater and many restaurants, easily accessible food (pojang ma-cha.

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 13

<< Stair Towns >>
Seoul has many old towns. In general old towns tend to have many stairs that are long. I mean really really long... like more than hundred steps long.
These days, many artists and towns are restoring those old fashioned districts and stairs and transforming them into "art."

Starting from behind Daehakno to all the way to Mapo gu, the districts are full of artistic stairs.

One of the major 'dong' (<-district) where we can find everyday 'art' is Jongno gu Myeongryun Sam(3)ga dong. We can even say that the entire district is the art museum!
The district actually planned an ungoing art project: "Lost in Town." By turning the entire town into an artsy area like SOHO in New York, the district is getting more popular each year. In Myeonryun Sam (3)ga dong, stairs, decorated walls, and the drawings of cats are popular. Many people come to find all eleven cats in the district. In addition, there is a famous jazz cafe, called 'Bluenote.' It will be a good idea to hang out there after finding all cats and walking up and down those stairs.

-artistic wall in Myeongryun dong...

-Myeongryun dong Bus

-famous 'Sky Stairs'

-famous 'Rainbow Stairs'

-famous Myeongryun dong Cat Smith Pink Paw (try finding all 11 cats!)


Jongno Ihwa dong gu (9)bun ji has a famous "Flower Stairs next to Jung Hairshop."

-famous "Flower Stairs next to Jung Hairshop"

-famous "Bird Stairs behind a Super Market"

-other famous artistic drawings in Ihwa 9 bun ji

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 12

<< Itaewon >>
Itaewon is one of the most famous part in Seoul. According to travelers, Itaewon shows the most foreign culture in Seoul. (Also, according to poll, Itaewon is one of the most popular place among Americans!)
From Shabby Chic to Burger King, Itaewon has variety of shops mostly related to the foreign culture.
Itaewon has a variety of cultural restaurants such as Thai, Indian, American, French, etc.
One of the must check out place is Seoul's the vert firs jazz bar "All that Jazz." Although the place is small, it keeps its tradition. The jazz bar entrance fee is₩5,000 (just for entering).

-image of 'All that Jazz'

In addition, there is the biggest non-Korean Bookstore in Itaewon!
It called 'What the Book.'

-image of 'What the Book' and the owner of the bookstore

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 11

<< Lotte World >>

When we think of amusement parks in different country, we think of Disney World and lands in Florida, California, France, Japan, Hong Kong, etc. Also Six Flags and Knott's Berry Farm, etc are the parks that fulfil the missing parts (more daring rides) from Disney World/land.
But Seoul has its own Lotte World (combining Disney and other daring amusement parks' positive aspects by having cute characters like Lotty and more daring rides than Disney has). Building an amusement park in the busy city was not an easy idea but now talking about Seoul without mentioning Lotte World is impossible!
Lotte World offers different types of tickets such as Night time admission, etc so visitors would have more choices to enjoy the park.
More information is on line and don't miss Lotte World's summer festivals and events too!

-image of ride 'Atlantis'


-image of ride 'French Revolution'


-image of ride 'Comet Express'

Big NEWS for Seoul Travelers (about Seoul Grand Sale) !!! :-)

<< About the Seoul Grand Sale!!! >>
BIIIIIIIIIG NEWS for Seoul Travelers!

From July 19th to August 31st, Seoul hosts an important event, the Seoul Grand Sale!

Participating shops, accommodations, restaurants, and travel industries offer grand opportunities for good deal shopping.

This event provides at most 70% discount price!

In order to take this chance, you should get a discount coupon book from Incheon or Kimpo airports and information centers at numerous other shopping places such as dong dae mun, etc.

To recognize participating shops, check whether the shop has the Seoul Grand Sale logo on the shops!

More detailed information about the sale is on line with the directions to get the coupon books and the logo of the event.

web address: http://seoulgrandsale.com/

-coupon book image


-event logo

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 10

<< Dong dae mun Poong mul (tradition/antique items) Market >>

If you already had fun in Insa dong and Nam dae mun but still want to see more traditional and antique Korean items, go to Dong dae mun Poong mul Si Jang (market).
From shops to restaurants, at the market you can easily spend a day just looking at things, eating and of course shopping!
Dong dae mun is not only famous for traditional items but also antiques. Therefore, many Koreans often visit Poong mul Market to see antique cameras, fountain pens, etc.
More information is online so don't forget to check online too!

-antique oil lamps

-antique wooden swords, figures, decorations, etc

-wooden masks, figures, decorations, etc

How to get there:
take subway and get off at Sin seol dong station then get out to # 9 exit
the market is 100m away from the station

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 9

<< Gwang Hwa Mun (Door) >>

Gwang Hwa Mun is at the center of Seoul Gwang jang.
Near the Gwang Hwa Mun, there are business buildings surrounding the area. It is always busy near Gwang Hwa mun.

-image of Gwang Hwa Mun from inside

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 8

<< Chung dam Dong >>
If anyone asks which part of Seoul represents Korea's tradition the most, I would say In sa dong. And, if anyone asks which part of Seoul is Seoul's "it" place, I would say Chung dam dong!

Chung dam dong, which is located near Ap gu jeong dong, is a fashion and style mecca of Seoul. This small spot has numerous chic restaurants, cafes, stylish shops, and other hot spots like clubs.

-artistically designed building in Chung dam dong

Compared to other places such as Myung dong or Dong dae mun shopping center, Chung dam dong is rather expensive spot.
However, if you wish to taste the latest fashion and style, I would recommend Chung dam dong.

In addition, Chung dam dong has its artists' street where many artists have their exhibitions/shops open. It will be a nice way to take a look at Koreans pop/modern art taste in Chung dam dong too!

At night, Chung dam dong exerts different mood. It shows the true chic and active night life. If you are looking for exotic night out with friends or with lovers, go to Chung dam dong. In this place, you will easily find a spot where you can enjoy luxurious time (slightly expensive).

-Chung dam dong Art Gallery "the Space"


-pop art work


-Jazz bar "Once in a Blue Moon"

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 7

<< Seoul Grand Park >>
Seoul has many entertainments. One of the all time favorite place would be a zoo.
The biggest zoo in Korea is Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon.
This park not only has zoo, but also botanical garden and insect pavilion.

Currently, the zoo has 2,975 animals belonging to 348 species and administers diverse events, such as flamingo show, dolphin show and presentation of animals all year long.

-monkey

In addition, there is Children Zoo and Children Park.

There are recommended courses like giraffe observatory, natural immersion forest area, peripheral beltway, lake viewed from the Rose Garden, and large water bird cage.

-Giraffe

It is highly recommended to check out events that are going on this summer too!

There is a night time date special program, a celebration of the birth of a baby tiger, night time tour and learning lesson, and more!

so, don't forget to check online! :-)

Places to Stay... in Seoul!!! :-) # 1

<< Guest Houses >>
When traveling, place to stay is a huge part of a travel. It is extremely important to stay at clean, easy place to get to other locations, relatively cheap etc.
For those who have budget lines to think about, I strongly recommend guest houses in Seoul.
In Seoul, there are multiple guest houses to choose from.

-Buckchon Guest House




-Other Guesthouse