CITY IN A DAY: Seoul
From a routine trip to the local museum to a break from the city’s bustle to Cheonggyecheon Stream, here’s a list of 10 things to do in a few hours in the Korean capital
FREE
1 Give history a chance at the National Folk Museum Of Korea. With
over 2 million visitors annually, it provides an insight into traditional
Korean life (00-82-2-3704-3114; nfm.go.kr; Samcheongro 37, Jongno-gu; check
website for timings).
2 For a break from the city’s bustle, head to Cheonggyecheon Stream. Just off busy Sejongro Boulevard, it allows you to forget about all the discord in the world as you walk down 5.3 km of blissful serenity (english.sisul.or.kr/grobal/ cheonggye/eng/WebContent/ index.html).
3 Get your fix of military memorabilia at the War Memorial Of Korea. Complete with tanks, planes, guns et al, this military history museum is a must-visit (00-82-2-709-3139; warmemo.or.kr; 8, YongSan-dong 1(il) ga YongSan-Gu; 9 am–6 pm, Tuesday–Sunday). DO 4 Explore the surprises tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the centuries-old Bukchon Hanok Village. Historical architecture, artsy cafés, and a treasure trove for art lovers — find them all here (00-82-2-3707-8388; bukchon.seoul.go.kr; Seoul-si Jongno-gu Gahoe-dong, Jaedong, Samcheong-dong, Gye-dong, Wonseo-dong).
5 Take a sneak-peek into the lighter side of Korea at the Hongdae Nanta Theatre, touted to be a contemporary interpretation of samulnori, a traditional Korean percussion performance (00-82-2-739-8288; nanta.co.kr; Yellow Stone bldg, B2 & B3, 357-5, Seokyo-dong, Mapo-Gu; shows at 5 pm & 8 pm; tickets from 1,900).
6 Visit the multi-tasking Changdeokgung Palace. A World Heritage Site, home to Korea’s last royal dynasty, responsible for the country’s reinvention — this one’s got it all. And if Korean architecture has caught your fancy, don’t forget to tick a walk around the palatial grounds off your list (00-82-2-762-8261; eng.cdg.go.kr; 110-360, Yulgok-ro 99 Jongro-gu; check website for timings; 140 adult, 70 child)
2 For a break from the city’s bustle, head to Cheonggyecheon Stream. Just off busy Sejongro Boulevard, it allows you to forget about all the discord in the world as you walk down 5.3 km of blissful serenity (english.sisul.or.kr/grobal/ cheonggye/eng/WebContent/ index.html).
3 Get your fix of military memorabilia at the War Memorial Of Korea. Complete with tanks, planes, guns et al, this military history museum is a must-visit (00-82-2-709-3139; warmemo.or.kr; 8, YongSan-dong 1(il) ga YongSan-Gu; 9 am–6 pm, Tuesday–Sunday). DO 4 Explore the surprises tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the centuries-old Bukchon Hanok Village. Historical architecture, artsy cafés, and a treasure trove for art lovers — find them all here (00-82-2-3707-8388; bukchon.seoul.go.kr; Seoul-si Jongno-gu Gahoe-dong, Jaedong, Samcheong-dong, Gye-dong, Wonseo-dong).
5 Take a sneak-peek into the lighter side of Korea at the Hongdae Nanta Theatre, touted to be a contemporary interpretation of samulnori, a traditional Korean percussion performance (00-82-2-739-8288; nanta.co.kr; Yellow Stone bldg, B2 & B3, 357-5, Seokyo-dong, Mapo-Gu; shows at 5 pm & 8 pm; tickets from 1,900).
6 Visit the multi-tasking Changdeokgung Palace. A World Heritage Site, home to Korea’s last royal dynasty, responsible for the country’s reinvention — this one’s got it all. And if Korean architecture has caught your fancy, don’t forget to tick a walk around the palatial grounds off your list (00-82-2-762-8261; eng.cdg.go.kr; 110-360, Yulgok-ro 99 Jongro-gu; check website for timings; 140 adult, 70 child)
EAT
7 Feast on bulgogi (succulent, juicy bits of marinated beef, wrapped in crunchy lettuce), with delectable side dishes of seaweed, kimchee and bean sprouts at the Yetnalnongjang restaurant (00-82-2-763-9834; Daehangno; 10 am — 5 pm; barbequed beef from 470)
8 Dine in true Korean royal style at Eunjung. After eating at low dining-tables with bare feet, you’ll come away with happy memories of the millions of little platters that whizzed past, tantalising your taste buds. For some true Korean flavour, this one is essential (Namdaemun Market).
SHOP 9 Put your bargaining abilities to the test at Namdaemun Market. It’s a great place to shop till you drop without burning a hole in your pocket (00-82-2-2128-7800; visitkorea.or.kr; Seoul-si Jung-gu Namchang-dong 49; 11 pm – 3 am, closed Sun).
10 Window shop, at least, on the bustling downtown Insadong Street. With its enchanting mix of art galleries, tea houses, boutiques, artefacts and antiques, it’s definitely worth a visit as it gives a fascinating insight into local traditions and culture (00-82-2-734-0222; visitkorea.or.kr; Seoul-si Jongno-gu Insa-dong).
FACT FILE
Getting There: Korean Air, Thai Airways, Asiana Airlines and Emirates fly to Seoul from all major Indian cities (return fares from 37,600) Currency Conversion: 1 Korean Won (KRW) = 0.046 Embassy of India, Seoul 37-3, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-ku, Seoul 140-210 Tel: 00-82-2-798-4257, indembassy.or.kr amb.seoul@mea.gov.in
GETTING AROUND
If you’re travelling on a budget, sharing regular taxis is ideal, as they are a good deal cheaper than the bus or the subway. Regular taxis (ilban) cost 88 for the first 2 km and then 5 for every 144 m or 41 seconds afterwards. Seoul’s subway system is fast, clean and, as long as you avoid rush hours, very convenient to use. Minimum fare is 42. Buy the T-money card, it is available at subway station ticket offices and kiosks for 70. Using this card will save you the hassle of queuing for tickets. Airport Website: Seoul Incheon Airport; airport.kr/eng/ Tourism Website: visitkorea.or.kr
Lonely Planet
Magazine SET120701
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