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 SEOUL
Seoul is both the
capital and the heart of the Republic
of Korea, containing about 10.3
million of the nation's 46.8 million
people.
It is the financial, political,
commercial, recreational, educational
and cultural center of Korea,
home to major corporations, banks,
government offices, leading schools
and universities, theaters and
entertainment facilities. There
is a rich and satisfying variety
of things to see and do for residents
and visitors alike.
Seoul was a seat of government
in the Baekje Kingdom, more than
1,500 years ago, but the city's
true genesis occurred in 1394,
when it became the capital of
the new Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
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| Downtown
Seoul >>The Commercial
Side |
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Heunginjimun
is the original east gate of the
ancient city wall. The gate and
its market contain some of the
most interesting and fascinating
sights along Jongno Street. The
public market sprawls east, west
and south of Heunginjimun Gate
and offers a variety of bargains
in everything from clothes and
bolts of colorful fabric to household
goods.
:: Location
: East of Jongmyo Shrine, along
Jongno Street
:: Transportation
: Subway Line 1 or 4 to Dongdaemun
Station |
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A
short walk from Tapgol Park brings
you to Insa-dong, a narrow street
lined with antique stores, art
galleries, and secondhand bookstores,
where visitors can wander and
browse at leisure. Dubbed "Mary's
Alley" by foreign residents of
Seoul, Insa-dong is the most reliable
place to purchase antiques and
reproductions in the city, particularly
the many different types of Joseon
Dynasty chests.
There are also bargains on calligraphy
paintings, and a wide variety
of implements and articles from
Korea's past.
:: Location
: Insa-dong stretches from Anguk-dong
Intersection to Topgol Park
:: Transportation
: Subway Line 1, Jonggak Station
or Jongno 3-ga Station |
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Myeong-dong
is a first rate shopping and entertainment
area. It is noted for its eating,
drinking and entertainment establishments
that are frequented by crowds
of all ages. In the Myeong-dong
area, there are four major department
stores staffed by clerks who often
speak some English or Japanese.
:: Location
: Downtown Seoul, near City Hall
:: Transportation
: Subway Line 2 to Euljiro 1-ga
Station or Line 4 to Myeong-dong
Station |
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Namdaemun
Market is named after Namdaemun
Gate (now called Sungnyemun),
Korea's National Treasure No.
1. The gate and the market are
only a short distance from Myeong-dong
and are conveniently accessible
from the major hotels.
The market is popular among local
residents and tourists alike for
its bargains in everything from
clothes and flowers to foodstuffs.
Its crowded streets are lined
with tiny shops which sell virtually
every product imaginable.
:: Location
: 500 meters north of Seoul Station
:: Transportation
: Subway Line 1 or 2 to City Hall
Station or Line 4 to Hoehyeon
Station |
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Namsan,
a granite mountain located south
of Sungnyemun Gate in the heart
of the city, is surrounded by
Myeong-dong and Itaewon. Its slopes
are graced by such deluxe hotels
as the Sofitel Ambassador, Hilton,
Hyatt, Silla and Tower. A beautiful
public park is found on Namsan,
featuring a botanical garden and
statues of famous historical figures.
At the northern foot of Namsan,
as another Namsan attraction,
Namsan Hanok Village opened in
April 1998. It is composed of
three parts: the Time Capsule
Plaza, a traditional Korean garden
and the village itself including
five traditional Korean houses.
The mountain's interior is crisscrossed
by three tunnels connecting the
city's northern and southern districts.
:: Location
: Just east of Seoul Station
:: Transportation
: Subway Line 1 or 4 to Seoul
Station or Line 3 to Dongguk Univ.
Station |
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Itaewon
is a popular spot for visiting
shoppers and entertainment seekers.
It is largely responsible for
Seoul's international reputation
as a Shopper's paradise. The area's
main street runs for a little
more than a mile and is lined
with stores, boutiques and sidewalk
stalls. The boutiques sell tailor-made
and ready-made suits and dresses,
leather and eel skin goods, shoes
and handbags, brassware, jewelry
and fur coats at a fraction of
the normal price.
There are also numerous antique
shops and stores specializing
in Korean art and calligraphy.
Itaewon is always bustling with
activity. During the day, shoppers
and merchants crowd the sidewalks,
while in the evening. the air
is filled with the sounds of spirited
entertainment and good cheer.
There is an abundance of fast-food
restaurants, coffee shops, small
bars, large discos and cafes that
offer a wide selection of music
including jazz, country and pop.
English is widely spoken and US
dollars are welcome.
:: Location
: South of Mt. Namsan
:: Transportation
: City bus or hotel shuttle bus
Subway Line 6 to Itaewon Station. |
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