Seoul ④

Seoul City Tour Bus

If you are not quite sure what to see or do in Seoul, your best bet would be Seoul City Tour. Seoul City Tour is a convenient hop-on, hop-off bus tour that hits all of the major tourist attractions in Seoul. With one ticket, you can see markets like Dongdaemun Market, shopping districts like Myeongdong, ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung (Palace) and major landmarks like N Seoul Tower in addition to discounted admission fees to many of these attractions.



 
1. Types of Buses

There are two types of buses available; single-decker buses and double-decker buses. Every bus comes equipped with wide, reclining seats with individual audio guides at every seat. The audio guides are available in several different languages including Korean, Japanese, English, and Chinese and provide detailed information on every stop on the route.

2. Bus Routes

• City Circulation Tour (Single-Decker Bus)Gwanghwamun → Deoksugung (Palace) → Namdaemun Market → Seoul Station → USO → Yongsan Station → National Museum of Korea → War Memorial of Korea → Yongsan Army Base → Itaewon → Crown Hotel → Myeongdong → Namsangol Hanok Village → Grand Ambassador Hotel → National Theater of Korea → N Seoul Tower → Hyatt Hotel → Shilla Hotel → Dongdaemun Market → Daehangno → Changgyeonggung (Palace) → Changdeokgung (Palace) → Insadong → Cheongwadae (Blue House) → The National Folk Museum of Korea → Gyeongbokgung (Palace) → Gwanghwamun
• Cheonggyecheon (Stream)・Ancient Palaces Tour (Double-Decker Bus)Gwanghwamun → Deoksugung (Palace) → Cheonggye Plaza → Cheonggyecheon Museum → Seoul Folk Flea Market → Daehangno → Changgyeonggung(Palace) → Changdeokgung(Palace) → Insadong → Seoul Museum of History → Agricultural Museum of Korea → Gwanghwamun
  
• Night Tour 1 (Single-Decker Bus)Gwanghwamun → Deoksugung (Palace) → National Assembly → Seogangdaegyo (Bridge) → Seongsudaegyo (Bridge) → Hannamdaegyo (Bridge) → N Seoul Tower (20 min stop) → Namsan Public Library → Namdaemun Market → Cheonggye Plaza → Gwanghwamun
  
• Night Tour 2 (Double-Decker Bus)
  Gwanghwamun → Seosomun → Mapodaegyo (Bridge) → Seogangdaegyo (Bridge) → Hannamdaegyo (Bridge) → Olympic-daegyo (Bridge) → Banpo Hangang Park → Dongjakdaegyo (Bridge) → Seongsudaegyo (Bridge) → Olympic-daegyo (Bridge) → Hannamdaegyo (Bridge) → Namsan Public Library → Namdaemun Market → Cheonggye Plaza → Gwanghwamun

3. How to Use

Buses depart from the Gwanghwamun bus stop located in front of the Donghwa Duty Free Shop, but passengers may get on/off the buses at any one of the bus stops on the route. If you would like to know the bus schedule, please call +82-2-777-6090. It is recommended that first-timers take the bus from the departure point. (Departure Point: Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Gwanghwamun)
Tickets for the Seoul City Tour Bus can be purchased at the Gwanghwamun Ticket Booth or on board the buses from the driver.

 http://www.visitseoul.net/en/index.do?_method=main

Seoul ③

WHAT TO SEE...continue...

3. Park

1) Namsan Park

Namsan Park is the largest park in Seoul and is home to many species of trees, plants, and animals. The park is well-known for its beautiful walking trails which allow visitors to see the local wildlife, such as its squirrels. The park covers a large area and features a number of tourist attractions including Baekbeom Square, the Namsan Cable Car and N Seoul Tower. Namsan Park is considered Seoul's principal park and on average welcomes 23,000 visitors every day.

Address: 3, NamsanGongwangil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

2) Naksan Park

Naksan Park was founded in 2002 to preserve the remaining green spaces after much of the mountain was demolished during Japanese rule. There is a range of facilities for visitors including an exhibition hall, a hexagonal pavilion, a senior citizens’ center, and sports facilities including badminton and basketball courts and several squares. Despite its modest scale, with a height of just over 100 meters, Naksan was one of the four guardian mountains, along with Bugaksan, Namsan, Inwangsan, of the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. It took its name from the Korean words “Nakta-san." “Nakta” in Korean means “camel”. In the past, the mountain was popular with yangban (the ruling class of the Joseon Dynasty) who came to see its famous sunset views.

Address: 54, Nacksangil, Jongno-gu, Seoul





3) Seonyudo Park

Seonyudo Park is located on Seonyudo (Island), one of the islands situated on Hangang (River). The park used to be a filtration plant, but was converted into an ecological park. Seonyu literally means "a place of scenic beauty". Seonyudo Park utilizes the previous filtration plant to a great extent. It contains four parks and many walking trails. Apart from these, the park has other facilities such as Seoul Design Gallery, and a botanical garden. Seonyudo Park is a much loved place where visitors can experience nature and relax with beautiful views of the river.

Address: Seonyuro 343, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul


4) Seodaemun Independence Park

Seodaemun Independence Park is a historic cultural site comprising a range of historic monuments and buildings. It includes the Independence Gate (founded in 1897 by the Independence Club), Independence Hall, and the Declaration of Independence Monument (independence activities and peaceful demonstrations on 1st March 1919 in the Japanese occupation). It also houses many memorials and statues to commemorate the activists who fought for Korea’s independence during the Japanese occupation. Seodaemun Prison, one of the prisons from that era, has been transformed into a monument to the memory of those who participated in the struggle for the nation’s freedom. Known as Seodaemun Prison History Museum, it has assembled a great number of relics and records from that era, and enables people to learn about this dark period in the nation’s history and about its patriotic heroes.

Address: 101 Hyeonjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

http://www.visitseoul.net/en/index.do?_method=main


 

Seoul ②

WHAT TO SEE...continue...

2. Entertainment
1) Times Square

“Times Square” is one of the biggest multipurpose shopping malls in Korea. It consists of shopping spaces, such as Shinsegae Department Store and E-Mart, cultural spaces, such as the CGV cinema and Kyobo Book Center, and even overnight accommodation at the Marriott Hotel. The ceiling of the main mall is constructed from large panes of glass to allow people to see the blue sky outside while they enjoy shopping inside. With diverse brand-name goods, resting areas and a central location, people of all ages can enjoy an urban lifestyle in Times Square.


Address: 442 Yeongdeungpo-dong 4(sa)-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul


2) 63 City

The 63 City skyscraper is a Yeouido landmark commanding spectacular views of the city. Standing 249 meters (817 ft) high and comprising of 60 floors and three basement levels, 63 City is Korea’s tallest and most recognized building. But the tower isn't just an observatory for panoramic views of the city, it is a multi-venue leisure complex featuring an aquarium, art gallery, IMAX cinema, performance hall and a wax museum, making it a popular spot for dates and family outings.


- 63 Sea World
- 63 Sky Art
- Wax Museum
- 63 IMAX cinema
- 63 Art Hall

Address: 63 Building, Yeouido-dong 60, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul


3) COEX Mall

COEX Mall is the largest underground shopping mall in Asia and is connected to several exhibition halls, a convention center, a hotel, a department store and an office building. The mall houses around 260 stores and leisure facilities including fashion, beauty, entertainment and cultural spaces, and offers a pleasurable one-stop shopping experience, regardless of the weather.

Address: 159 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul





4) Myeong-dong M Plaza

A premium shopping complex, Myeong-dong M Plaza is one of the most prominent features in Myeong-dong fashion, and its glazed exterior is quite impressive. M Plaza is attracting attention as a place where different classes or age groups can enjoy shopping at a variety of stores. In addition to the shopping mall, the same building is also home to Haechi Hall, a purpose-built performance venue for musicals and concerts, and Seoul Culture & Tourism Center, which offers varied tour information on Seoul.

Address: 31-1 Myeong-dong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul



 PARKS in Seoul... coming soon!


http://www.visitseoul.net/en/index.do?_method=main

Seoul ①

Here is my second recommendation; SEOUL(서울). As like many know, Seoul is the capital of Korea. The word 'Seoul' means capital in traditional Korean. Seoul is a city in which the Hangang (River) flows through, from east to west, and is surrounded by great mountains, and the city contains both history and tradition, as well as the latest IT technology, making it a kind of a city which is quite rare anywhere on the globe.

Location: Central west on the Korean Peninsula

Weather: Seoul has four very distinct seasons, with spring and fall being quite mild, summer hot and humid and winter being sold and dry. In August, which marks real summer in Seoul, the temperature reaches above 30℃, but the average temperature remains at around 11℃, which is considered to be lower than other cities. Average annual rainfall is around 1,370mm, and the rainfall from June to September makes up 70% of the figure.

Map: http://maps.visitseoul.net/index.jsp?lang=eng

WHAT TO SEE

1. Palaces

1) Gyeonghuigung

The palace was originally constructed by order of King Gwanghae, the fifteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty, and was completed in 1623. Most of Gyeonghuigung's buildings were relocated to Gyeongbokgung during the 19th century reconstruction. During their occupation of Korea, the Japanese dismantled much of Gyeonghuigung in order to build Gyeongseong Middle School for Japanese citizens in 1910. Later on, after years of neglect, the remaining buildings of the palace, such as Sungjeongjeon (Hall), were demolished, and the site was reduced to half its original size. In 1987, Seoul Metropolitan Government began a restoration project, and, after years of careful work, the main part of the building officially reopened to the public in 2002. At present, many other palace buildings are still undergoing restoration.

Address: 1-126, Sinmunno 2(ⅰ)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

2) Deoksugung

Deoksugung (Palace) is unique among Korean palaces in having a modern seal engraving and a western style garden and fountain. Medieval and modern style architecture exists together in harmony in Deoksugung. The Changing of the Royal Guard can be seen in front of Daehanmun (Gate) and is a very popular event for many visitors.

Address: 58 Taepyeongno  2(ⅰ)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul







3) Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung is also known as Donggwol, the Eastern Palace, because of its location to the east of Gyeongbokgung. For 270 years, the palace was home to the Joseon government and was also the favored residence of many Joseon Dynasty kings. This makes Changdeokgung the longest-serving royal residential palace. Compared to other palaces, Changdeokgung is well-preserved and still has many of its original features. A particular virtue of Changdeokgung is the way its buildings blend into the surrounding landscape. The palace's rear garden, Huwon, is considered an excellent example of Korean garden design and is the only rear garden of any Korean palace. In 1997, Changdeokgung was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Address: 2-71 Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul



Next post will be ENTERTAINMENT in SEOUL! :D


http://www.visitseoul.net/en/index.do?_method=main

News of Jeju

New 7Wonders of Nature!

Jeju is proud of receiving a triple crown from UNESCO. (Biosphere Reserve 2002. World Natural Heritage 2007. Global Geopark 2010.)

Jeju is now looiking to become one of the New 7Wonders of Nature.

Reasons why Jeju should be one of the Final7.
1. Jeju is the only candidate boasting a harmonious coexistence of people, nature, culture and a prehistoric heritage in a single location.

2. Jeju is also the only candidate boasting all seven key factors for tourism-scenery, an island, a volcano, beaches, caves, waterfall, sand, forests.

3. Jeju is the only East Asian candidate amont the 28 finalists. Its selection will boost the image of East Asia in the world.

4. If selected, Jeju will contribute greatly to the preservation of the environment as a capital of Environmental Protection.

5. Selection will lead to an increase in global tourists to Jeju and neighboring East Asian tourism sites.

Let's vote for a beautiful Jeju and a clean Earth!

http://www.new7wonders.com/

＊ What are the New 7Wonders of Nature?

The New 7Wonders Foundation is Switzerland has initiated a second transnational project to pick the world's seven most wonderful natural sites. In 2007, under the foundation's first project, it selected the "Seven Wonders of the World" with the participation of 100million internet users.

http://jejuwnh.jeju.go.kr/english.php

Jejudo ②

WHAT TO DO

• Mountain Climbing (Mt. Halla, Mt. Songak, Mt. Dan, etc.)
• Oreum Climbing (Seongsan Ilchulbong, Biyangbong, Daragshi Oreum, Gae Oreum, etc.)
• Horse Riding
• Fishing
• Paragliding
• Wind Surffing
• Golf

WHAT TO EAT

Local food in jeju

• Galchiguck (Hairtail fish soup)
• Kkwong-toryeom (Sliced pheasant meat boiled lightly with vegetables) and Kkwong-memil guksu (Buckwheat noodles with pheasant meat)
• Jarihoe (raw damselfish) and Jarimulhoe (raw damselfish in chilled -broth)
• Okdom-gui (Broiled sea bream)
• Jeonbokjuk (Rice porridge with abalone)
• Jarimulhoe

http://english.jeju.go.kr/

Jejudo ①

My first recommendation for Korea trip is JEJUDO. It is famous as Samdado(삼다도); many women, many granite(rocks), windy. ‘Sam(삼)’ means ‘Three’, ‘Da(다)’ means ‘Many’, and ‘Do(도)’ means ‘Island’. Back in the past 80’, many people went there for their honeymoon. These days it is changed to vacation place for everyone including foreigners. I think Jejudo is good to travel for three to four days.

Location : Jejudo is an isolated island south-east of the mainland of South Korea.

Weather : Jejudo has a mild oceanic climate throughout the year with the smallest annual temperature range in the country. The temperature for the hottest summer months averages no more than 34.7℃ and no less than -1.5℃ or winter.

WHAT TO SEE

1. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)

The crater of Sunrise Peak consists of 99 rock peaks along its rim that look as if they are escorting the crater and forming a castle. For that reason, the basin was considered to be holy, and itwas named "Seongsan" which literally means holy mountain. The view of the sunrise here is truly remarkable.

Address : Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

2. Sabongnakjo

When you contemplate the sunset from the top of Sara Peak right beside the sea, the waves in Whale Cave beneath the cliff ought to be included in your appreciative gaze. It looks as if the sun and the sky are the burning themselves together. The sight of this sunset both inspires and refreshes. Fishing boats bobbing on the sea are picturesque.

Address : Geonip-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do



3. Jeongbang Waterfall

With Seopseom and Beomseom Island in front, the Jeongbang Waterfall is right at the edge of the ocean. The Jeju people believed that a holy dragon lived under the waterfall. It has been said that since the water has its spirit, it has cured illnesses and caused rain to fall during a drought. In addition, there is another small waterfall nearby, looking like a servant waiting on a dignified lord.

Address : Donghong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

4. Nokdam-mansel

It has been said that immortal beings drank the clean water under the snow in Baekrokdam, the crater on the top of Mt. Halla, which does not melt until early summer. Therefore, it was considered a sacred place and has been chosen as one of the Scenic Wonders of Youngju.

Address : Haean-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do





I'm going to post WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO EAT...soon!!! :)


http://english.jeju.go.kr/