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!!!

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 20

<< Nam san(mountain) and Nam san Seoul Tower >>

Nam san is one of Seoul's landmarks. Located in center of Seoul, Nam san provides both scenic and entertaining amusements to Seoul residents and visitors.
To visit the Nam san tower, mostly, people either walk up the Nam san(mountain) or take the Cable car. It is recommended to take the cable car because it provides nice view of Seoul.
The mountain itself is 797ft high so if you are too tired to walk up either take transportations(bus or taxi) or the cable car.
The tower is 77ft high providing a broad view of Seoul.
After the Nam san Tower has been remodeled, more attractions and restaurants were installed. There are renewed observatory, which is the favorite spot among the Nam san tower visitors, several restaurants and cafes including one that rotates once in every 38 min., gift shops, playgrounds for kids, etc.
During the day, it would be a good course to walk up to the tower to have lunch or visit after lunch for an exercise. And at night, Nam san tower gets more "romantic."
After the sun sets, at every hour for ten minutes,the "Electronic Fire" performance takes place.
In addition, after the sun sets, at every hour and thirty minutes for ten minutes, the "Flower of Seoul" performance takes place.
And the work of Cerdric Le Borgne, the "Spirit of Light" welcomes the Nam san visitors.
Just like people visit Eiffle Tower when they go to Paris, they should visit Nam san Tower when they visit Seoul!

-an image taken inside the cable car

-images of Nam san Tower at night

***more detailed information can be found on the website!!!

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 19

<< Chang deok Palace >>

According to Seoul travelers, one of the most favorite sites in Seoul is Chang deok Palace. As the UNESCO World Heritage, Chang deok Palace is well preserved and kept by Seoul and its Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea. The palace has its own regulation on public tour. So don't forget to either visit the website or call to ask for tour.

Big NEWS for Seoul Travelers and Residents (about Global Village Center) !!! :-)

Last month, Seoul built 'Global Village Center' in Hannam dong, Yeonnam dong, Yeoksam dong, Ichon dong, Itaewon, and Seorae village. These centers will help foreigners in Seoul(both travelers and Seoul residents) to adjust in Seoul easily.
There will be language classes too.
Further information can be obtained by calling...
Tel: 2171-2296
addresses:
1. Hannam dong/Itaewon: Hannam E(2)dong 737-37
2. Yeonnam dong: Yeonnam dong Residents' center Second floor
3. Yeoksam dong: Yeoksam Il(1)dong Art and Culture Center Fifth floor
4. Ichon dong: Ichon dong 300-27
5. Seorae village: Banpo Sa(4)dong 90-12

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 18

<< Cheong Gye Cheon >>
In 2005, Cheong Gye Cheon(stream) has been restored. After the restoration, many people visit Cheong Gye Cheon and it became one of the most popular sightseeing site in Seoul. It is a nice spot to spend time both during the day and night. It will be a fun experience to see wild life in the middle of a city. Also it is a romantic spot at night for couples. Cheong Gye Cheon holds many events too so check website before visiting.

-images of wild life in Cheong Gye Cheon



-images of "Cheong Gye Cheon Walking Parade"

Places to Go... in Seoul!!! :-) # 17

<< Ichon dong >>

Just like Itaewon and Suh rae town, Ichon district is famous for its Japanese residents.
Usually Japanese people who are working in Korea with their family risided in this town and brought in their culture along with them.
Famous places are usually Japanese style pubs, small home style restaurants and cake shops and cafes.
In addition, Ichon has a park, Hanriver Park too. People come out and exercise or play along the lane next to Han River.

-image of Hanriver Park