Page 17 - Untitled-1.indd

Seoul Land
4 Theme Parks
Don’t leave Seoul without vis-
iting at least one of its renowned theme parks – Lotte World, Seoul Land, Everland and Caribbean Bay. In spring, the theme parks will hold their own flower festivals, so get your camera ready. To avoid crowds, visit the theme park on a weekday.
5 Shopping
Seoul is a shopping paradise
as you can shop till past midnight or even till 5am. Large shopping malls like Doosan Tower (or Doota), Migliore and Hello A/PM open till the wee hours, as do the popular night markets like Dongdaemun and Namdaemun Markets which offer great varieties of wholesale goods at low prices. Also check out Myeong- dong, the fashion district in Seoul for the latest fashion, and Itaewon where most of the retailers and shop owners speak English.
6 Outdoor Sports
For those who love the
great outdoors, there are sport- ing tours that include horse rid- ing, bungee jumping, rafting, hiking and trekking. Check with your hotel or the local travel agencies for details on tours and activity packages.
7 Spa
Pamper yourself with an in-
dulgent spa treatment after all that walking while sightseeing and shopping. There is no lack of spa outlets, hot springs and bathhouses in Seoul. Popular tourist areas like Itaewon and Myeongdong even have bathhouses for women only.
8 Culture Vulture
If you are keen to learn more
about Korean culture, the Namsan- gol Hanok Village offers a peek into the daily life of a Korean during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Here, you can also catch traditional cul- tural performances and wedding ceremonies, as well as learn more about Korean embroidery work and kimchi-making.
9 Nightlife
For a taste of nightlife enter-
tainment Seoul-style, don’t miss the
Lotte World
Cherry blossoms are in bloom during spring
Doosan Tower
EnDLEss VACATIon 1
Need To Know
Visa Tourists who are visiting for up to 30 days do not require a visa.
Weather Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Seoul as the temperature is mild, and the natural beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and falling leaves in autumn lend a romantic touch.
Transport The public transport system in Seoul is very efficient and convenient, so travelling free and easy is no sweat. But make sure you are armed with a local map to get from place to place. Don’t bother asking for directions unless you speak Korean as you are likely to get replies in Korean.
Currency The Korean currency is won, which comes in 1000, 5000 and 10,000 won notes. Credit cards like Visa, Master Card and American Express are accepted at most major hotels, restaurants, department stores and some big retail outlets.
Tipping This is not customary in Korea, but some high-end restaurants and hotels may add a 10 per cent service charge to your bill.
Language Most Koreans, even the younger people, do not speak English or Mandarin. Communication may be a problem, so arm yourself with maps, a calculator and a trusty travel guide. When ordering food in small, family-run eateries, point your orders on the menu which usually has pictures of the dishes.
Basic Korean Greetings
Hello – annyeong hasimnikka
Please – butak hamnida
Thank you – gamsa hamnida
Excuse me – sillye hamnida
How much does this cost – eolmayeyo Too expensive – neomu bissayo
Yes – ye No – anio