Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) #28

<< Hongik University >>
Other than just wandering around chic towns around Seoul, such as Chungdam dong, or Apgujung dong, Seoul explorers should try spending some time in college towns.
Hongik University is one of the universities with long history. After built in 1946, it went through various changes: temporarily moving the campus to Daejeon during Korean War, altering the school to Fine-Arts only institution (nowadays the school also has Department of Radio Science & Communication Engineering in the College of Engineering at the Seoul campus), having second campus in Chungcheongnam-do, expanding the buildings due to increasing number of students, etc.

Nowadays, Hongik University area is known as the mecca of trend setting center of Korean youngs, the mixture of diverse and unique culture, Korean indie culture, chic cafes, clubs, and restaurants.

Many Koreans spend their free time in Hongik Univ. town usually strolling up and down the streets around the campus, hopping into cafes, karaokes, or restaurants.

On weekends, flee markets take place around the campus. Anyone who wishes to sell handmade crafts can sell their goods and people can spend their time looking at the goods.

At nights, the campus area undergoes a slight change. It still maintains its vibrant and enthusiastic mood but its mood becomes more "free" and a bit "wild."
Unlike during the day, the campus area gets covered with never dying lights and music. Young "party animals" can spend the entire night clubbing at multiple clubs and listening to music.

If anyone wishes to take a peek at young Koreans' entertainment life, do visit Hongik University area. :-)

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 27

<< National Museum of Korea >>
Among the numerous museums in Seoul, National Museum of Korea in Yongsan is one of the grandest museums covering not only Korean history but also that of world.

-Ancient Gold Crown from Shilla era during 5th century(National Treasure No. 191)-Gold Diadem Ornaments from Baekje era(National Treasure No. 155)-Gold Book for the Investiture of the Prince Imperial

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) #26

<< Gyeonhui gung(palace)2008 Tae Kwon Do Tour Program >>
Taekwondo is Korea's martial art indigenous to the Korean peninsula and developed over 2,000 years.

Since Mar. 22nd, 2008 Taekwondo Tour program has taken place in Gyeonhui gung(palace). Scheduled to end on Dec. 6th, many foreigners have signed up for programs.

The further information(such as schedule for different courses, contact number, and directions for the location) about this program is posted below!

-image of Schedules of different courses

-image of directions

Big NEWS for Seoul Travelers (about Seoul Open Night)!!! :-)

<< Seoul Open Night >>
Seoul Open Night is a cultural event that literally "opens" Seoul to Seoul visitors/residents until late (2am!)!!!
There was a pre-Seoul Open Night event on Aug.19th at Seoul Square AND there WILL BE two more pre-Seoul Open Night events on Aug. 21st and 22nd from 8pm to 9pm at Seoul Square.
On 21st, the event will be about Samcheong Bukchon and Daehak-ro(=Daehang-ro)cultural performances: Jung ga ak-"Taepyeon's Dream", Jae Kyung Go's Mime and musical gala show.
On 22nd, the event will be about Jeong-dong and Hongdae cultural performances: "Nanta" highlight, Indie bands' performances.

In addition, on 23rd, the actual opening day, there will be an opening ceremony too!

-Directions to Seoul Open Night

-All-in-One Program

-Daehang-ro(Dae hak ro) Leaflet

-Hongdae Leaflet

-Insa-dong Leaflet

-Jeong-dong

-Samcheong Bukchon

Big NEWS for Seoul Travelers (about Seoul Food Festival 2008)!!! :-)

<< Seoul Food Festival 2008 >>
Starting from August 22nd for 10days, Seoul is hosting Seoul Food Festival 2008.
According to Seoul, at different places in Seoul: Gyeonhui gung(palace), Cheong gye Plaza, Seoul Museum of History, Namsangol Hanok village, and Namsan N Tower, food festivals in different themes take place.

There are variety of events including tasting at those places on different days!

So check on line to check out those places and enjoy some Korean food!

-schedule of Seoul Food Festival 2008

enjoy! :-)

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 25

<< 63 City >>
It used to be one of the first highest building built in Seoul. It is 63 floors high as its name hints. In this building, there are aquarium, IMAX theater, family mart, small accessories and cosmetic shops, restaurants, big and small banquet rooms, and even a wedding hall.

-image of IMAX Theater


-image of Aquarium


-image of big Banquet Hall


-image of small Banquet Hall

Places to Stay... in Seoul!!! :-) # 2

<< Seoul Backpackers & Banana Backpackers >>
The original innostel is "Seoul Backpackers." Located in Nam Chang dong, it is only 10 minutes walk from Seoul station and 3 minutes to Nam dae mun, 10 minutes to Myung dong, 15 minutes to City Hall, 20 minutes to Gyeong bok gung, and Nam san(mt.) is only a few steps away.
Because of its warm hospitality, good location, and clean sanitary system, it became extremely popular among Seoul visitors.

As a result, it opened its second branch, "Banana Backpackers" in Ik-sun dong.
It is 5 minutes away from Chang deok gung, and 10 minutes to In sa dong street.

"Seoul Backpackers" has two types of rooms: single room and double room.
Single room(non-smoking only) rate is ₩ 35,000 with queen size bed, toilet and shower en-suite, free internet and Wi-fi, beddings, air conditioner/floor heater, TV, room safe, free coffee and tea, etc.
Double room is the same condition as single yet it has two bed and the rate is ₩45,000.

***extra person will be charged ₩10,000 per night.

"Banana Backpackers" has slightly different structure.
It has not only single and double room but also family room(sleep upto 4 people, set up with double and bunk beds) and dormitory room.
There are four people dormitory room and six people dormitory room. It provides free beddings, free internet and Wi-Fi, free breakfast, coffee and tea, free laundray facilities, free luggage storage, fully equipped kitchen, complimentary maps and tour brochures, large secure locker per bed, pay phones and phone cards, and common room with cable TV and DVD.
Room rates:(if staying a week, seventh day is free)
₩18,000 per day for a dormitory bed. ₩30,000 per day for a single room. ₩40,000 per day for a double room. ₩60,000 per day for family rooom.
So different people prefer either innostels.
***weekly rates must be paid in advance to receive discount
***all rooms have air conditioner and floor heater
***for special offers with large groups and long stays, email the innostels for an individual fee

Contact:
"Seoul Backpackers"
Address: 205-125 Namchang -Dong, Junggu , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Tel: +82 2 3672 1972
Fax: +82 2 743 4878
E-mail: webmaster@seoulbackpackers.com

"Banana Backpackers"
Address: 30-1, Iksun dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Tel: +82 2 3672 1973
Fax: +82 2 743 4879
E-mail: webmaster@bananabackpackers.com

***online reservation is also available visit online!
http://www.seoulbackpackers.com/
http://www.bananabackpackers.com/

and click on the innostel you prefer!

-image of "Seoul Backpackers" entrance


-images of "Seoul Backpackers" single room



-images of "Seoul Backpackers" double room



***check the website to see pictures of "Banana Backpackers"

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 24

<< Sin Cheon >>
In Seoul, many areas are populated especially by college students. Sin cheon is especially popular spot among college students because it has many unique and trendy yet affordable places to eat and also have fun.

Things to do in Sin Cheon
-Cafes in Sin Cheon
After strolling around Sin Cheon area and if you want to rest some time, walk into nearby cafes on the street!

1. Mindeulae Youngto (Book cafe/study zone)
-Since Sin cheon is popular among young college students, there are a lot of book cafes where visitors can come to read books, study, or have a meeting and have coffee or other drinks (free refills!)

2. W-Style Shop
-it is a cafe where people can use KT-Wibro(accessing internet while moving freely) in diverse ways
-it has basement to five floors where different services are provided
-W Hall (basement): W Studio 1(audio), W Editorial Room 1(editing UCC and audio), Book Cafe, play station, X-box game zone, mega TV service,
-W Gallery (1st floor): Information, W Stage(where different performances take place), Gallery Zone (UCC gallery)
-W Life (2nd floor): W Experience (using KT Wibro, people have free access to internet), W Center (Wibro service center)
-W Community (3rd floor): W Community (rooms for 14 people, 8 people, and 4 people (total of five rooms), W OA Room (printer, copy machine are stationed to be used), W Bar (coffee and other drinks are provided)
-W Studio (4th floor): W Studio 2(video), UCC film recorder and editor is present, W Style Shop
-W Cafe (5th floor): W Cafe (outdoor cafe), Dr. Fish (with Dr. Fish (special type of fish) people can enjoy foot spa), W Style Shop

3. Ggot hyang gi ga duek han Man hwa Cafe ("Comics Cafe full of Flower Scent" in Korean)(Comics/Book cafe)
-It is a cafe where people can read comics or books and enjoy drinks and light snacks!
***fee: ₩15,000 per hour,₩30,000 for 3 hours,₩50,000 for 5 hours,₩80,000 for 8 hours

-Movie Theaters
Sin Cheon also has many movie theaters where people often go and watch moview with friends or thier dates.

1. Artreon
-It is a whole building that is for movie theaters, other art exhibitiona and rest spot. The newest movie theater in Sin Cheon.

2. Megabox (Sin Cheon branch)
-one of the most popular movie theater branches in Korea.
*** there are smaller theaters such as XD Multi Movie Theater, DVD Cine, etc.

-Karaokes
Koreans love going to Karaoke. It is a fun experience to visit one of the Karaokes in Korea, which have the most developed and well equipped rooms.

1. Luxury "秀"(<-Su)Noraebang(Karaoke in korean)
-One of the biggest Karaoke chains in Korea(luxuriously equipped with sofas, high quality audio sound system, complimentary drinks or ice cream, etc).
***fee: about less or equal to ₩20,000 per hour
***when not so busy, they give 30 extra minutes

2. Music Cube Noraebang
-Also a luxury Karaoke.
***fee: about ₩15,000 per hour

***there are other Karaokes too!

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 23

<< Institute of Traditional Korean Food/Rice Cake Museum >>
In order to understand other culture, it is necessary to explore the different culture's food. For Seoul visitors, Seoul's Institute of Traditional Korean Food/Rice cake Museum provides one day class for foreigners to have a chance to try wearing Han bok (traditional Korean clothes) and making rice cake, kim-chi(fermented cabbage side dish), or traditional Korean food.

***important thing to know before visiting the museum!
Unfortunately, taking pictures inside the museum is not permitted!

Also, after the museum tour and making tteok programs, visitors can visit the Tteok(rice cake) cafe Jil SiRu (which is in the same building as the Tteok Museum; it is located on the first floor of the building).
At the cafe Jil SiRu, visitors can enjoy traditional Korean teas and desserts (various types of tteok(rice cake), yak gwa(traditional Korean cookies), han gwa(traditional Korean rice puffs), etc.

-image of "Rice Cake(tteok) Lunch Box" set menu from cafe "Jil SiRu"


-image of "Tarak Porridge or Congee" menu from cafe "Jil SiRu"


-image of "Sweet Potato Rice Cake(tteok)" from cafe "Jil SiRu"


-image of "Ume Flower Rice Cake(tteok)" from cafe "Jil SiRu"


-image of "Soft Persimmon(Hongsi) Shake" from cafe "Jil SiRu"


-image of "Sik Hae (famous and popular traditional Korean sweet drink made from fermented rice)with Gin Seng" from cafe "Jil SiRu"


***only groups can have experience programs!
individual visitors do not need to make reservations! :-)

group admission/ experience fee:
***reservation through internet website:www.tkmuseum.or.kr required (at least a week in advance) and at least 20 to 30 participants needed for the experience
***possible days for group programs: Monday through Saturday
₩30,000 for making one type of rice cake (tteok)and trying it (translation NOT included)
₩50,000 for making kimchi and trying it (translation NOT included)
₩70,000 for wearing Korean traditional clothes (han-bok)and making TWO traditional Korean food and eating them (translation included-choose one from English, Chinese, and Japanese)
*** for these special experiences, free admission to the museum is included and certificate for the program completion (in Korean) is also included (if wanted)

how to get to the museum:
Take a subway line 4 and then get off at Jongno Sam(3)ga station.
Get out the station through exit number six.

Tel: (02)741-5447
Fax: (02)741-7848

Art & Cultural Events in Seoul (in August) :-)

If you have any more questions, please leave comments!!! :-)
Click on the image to see larger version!!! :-)

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 22

<< Nanjido-Sky Park >>

Nanjido used to be a garbage plot used by the entire Seoul. All the garbage produced by the entire city used to be dumped to where Nanjido is. After using Nanjido as a "trash can" of Seoul for about 15 years, Seoul decided to revive the polluted region so that biomass can be revived too.
After 15 years of trash dumping, two mountains of trash were built and Seoul has been working on trasforming Nanjido to be a park for all living things.
And not so long ago, the lives of living things have been spotted.

After Nanjido has revived, more and more people got interested in Nanjido. Also Seoul has taken good care of Nanjido.

And now, Nanjido is popular among both Seoul residents and visitors.

Nanjido is especially famous for one of its park, the "Sky Park." The park earned its name because inside the park nothing but the blue sky can be seen.

Other than the "Sky Park," there are other parks and sedimented lake such as the "Peace Park," etc. Nowadays, Nanjido provides Seoul residents and visitors entertainment and relaxing space to spend their weekends.

-the way to the "Sky Park"

-image of sky taken from the famous "Sky Park"

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 21

<< Chang gyeong Palace >>
Chang gyeong Palace is one of the palaces that have been visited frequently by diverse travelers from all over the world.
King Seongjong had it built for Queen Jeonghui, Sohye, Ansun in his 14th year(1483). In the beginning, there were halls like Myeongjeongjeon, Munjeongjeon, and sleeping quarters like Suryeongjeong, Hwangyeongjeon, Gyeongchunjeon, Inyangjeon, Tongmyongjeon, Yanghwadang, Yeohwidang and Saseonggak.
They were rarely used in the beginning, but it served as the main palace after it had been restored along with Changdeokgung after it was burnt down with Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palace during the Japanese Aggression of Korea in 1592.
Changgyeonggung was modified and changed numerous times since Sunjong became the king. In 1909, he demolished Changgyeonggung and had it a zoo and botanical garden. It was once called as Changyeongwon.
In 1984, it took its name back with the repair work started. While the zoo was being moved to the Seoul Grand Park, the cherry trees were taken away.
Many kings including Jangjo, Jeongjo, Sunjo and Heonjong were born here. Jeongmun Gate and Jeongjeon were rebuilt by King Gwanghaegun and still preserved.

-image of Munjeongjeon

-image of Gyeongchunjeon

-image of Tongmyongjeon

-image of Hwangyeongjeon

-image of the Grand Botanical Garden

-Cheundang ji(pond)


***further information can be found from Cultural Heritage Administration website!!!