The South Korean capital of Seoul is not just a convenient transit hub but a city of contrasts and well worth a stopover or a longer visit.
Since opening in 2001 Korea’s Incheon International Airport near Seoul has become a major transit hub in Asia and now ranks among the world’s busiest airports. Every year millions of passengers pass through its gates on their way to destinations across Asia and the world but only a lucky few stay to sample the delights of Seoul, Korea’s capital city.
Population and Transportation
Seoul is a city worthy of the label "megalopolis". The city is home to some 10 million or more citizens and up to half of South Korea’s population resides in the extended national capital area. Transport is excellent and includes an extensive 10 line subway system with announcements and signs in both English and Korean making it very foreigner friendly not to mention cheap and fast.
Namsan Mountain and Namsangol Traditional Folk Village
The cityscape is one to rival Hong Kong itself with ultramodern high-rises set against a backdrop of green mountains. Namsan in the central South is one such oasis, a 262 metre peak rising above the hubbub of the downtown area. The mountain offers hikes, a cable-car ride and the famous landmark of Seoul Tower which houses a revolving restaurant. Views are tremendous even in bad weather.
On the northern slope of Namsan is Namsangol Traditional Folk Village, (admission free), which recreates the area as it was during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1910). With its restored houses and original furniture, Namsangol nestles comfortably between the mountain and modern-day Seoul, a buffer between old and new.
Korean Traditional Culture
Examples of traditional Korean culture are found throughout Seoul such as at the Gyeongbok Palace in the central North. Twice destroyed by Japanese invaders, the palace’s 200 buildings have once again risen to provide a peaceful haven in the city centre and a testimony to the endurance of the Korean state. The National Folk Museum is also located here among the many colourful halls, gates and pavilions.
Shopping in Seoul: Arts, Crafts, Antiques & Clothes
Insadong is traditionally the arts, crafts and antiques centre of Seoul and attracts foreign visitors in their droves on the hunt for bargains and cultural artefacts alike. A number of alleyways draw visitors from the main street into traditional restaurants to sample the excellent cuisine while cheaper street foods and sweets are available elsewhere. The area is also home to a number of art galleries which temper tradition with more modern, Western-fused culture of which Seoul is a great exponent.
For shopping, bars and restaurants head to the Myeong Dong area in downtown Seoul. This area is a popular hangout for young Koreans and amateur bands and dance acts often entertain shoppers from a temporary stage. This is the home of department stores and designer labels but cheaper clothes can also be found on street stalls and indoor markets.
Yeouido Island and the Han River
Yeouido is an island in the mighty Han River that curves through Seoul and is home to a number of important institutions like the National Assembly Building, the Korean Stock Exchange and three major broadcasting companies. It also boasts many parks with traditional gardens, an ecological forest and many sports facilities. While not as densely populated as the rest of the city, Yeouido is a popular if expensive address. In its blend of nature, modernity and culture, Yeouido is a city within a city and represents a microcosm of Seoul itself. A really useful resource is the Life in Korea site
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