Seoul - Soul of Asia

The capital city of South Korea is bounding with energy and love. Their vitality is infectious. It is a city of contrasts with its parks, architecture and galleries. Seoul ( pron. SOUL ) is the largest city in South Korea and one of the largest cities in the world. It is considered a global city and is one of the world’s top ten financial and commercial centres. It is economically powerful and has a technologically advanced infrastructure too. The name Seoul has originated from a Korean word meaning Capital City. Occupied twice during the Korean War, the city has been revived like a phoenix and its real miracles unfold even currently.

 

Some General Information

Country : South Korea

Official Language : Korean, English

Religion : Buddhism, Christianity

Currency : South Korean Won ( KWR )

Time Zone : + 9 hours GMT

Temperature : Warm averages are 22 °C to 30 °C and colder temperatures lie between -7 °C to 1 °C. It has a humid climate. There are 4 distinct seasons. The best time to go to Seoul is September to November.

Sightseeing : Some places of interest are Gyeongbokgung and Changdoekgung Palace, Namsan and Seoul Tower, Korean Folk Village, DMZ DeMilitarized Zone, Lotte World, Isadong, Korean War Memorial, Everland , Seoul Park and many more. Everland is the Korean equivalent of Disney World.

 

Getting There

Air

South Korea used to have only two domestic carriers - Korean Air and Asiana Airlines but recently low-cost regional airlines such as Jeju Air have appeared on the scene. Domestic flights are reasonably priced and run to most of the country’s major cities as well as Jejudo, Korea’s southern holiday and honeymoon island. Foreigners should carry their passports for ID purposes on all domestic flights. The longest flight (Seoul to Jejudo) takes just over an hour.

Airports

Virtually all international passengers arrive at Incheon International Airport ( ICN ), situated on an island in the West Sea that is linked to the mainland by a road bridge. Incheon Airport offers travellers plenty of choice when it comes to transport, including ferry services, a modern rail network (KTX trains) and buses. The airport buses link central Seoul and nearby Gimpo Airport.

Incheon International Airport is also one of the world’s busiest airports. The airport has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, a casino, and indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture. It has state of the art facilities, which are comprehensive and offer plenty to keep even the weariest of travellers occupied. With over 40 different stores onsite, shopping is a definite highlight and the most popular outlets include Duty Free Korea, the AEKYUNG Department Store, Family Mart, the Shinsege Department Store and the Korea Landscape Market.
Those looking for something to eat will also find plenty of choice. Noodles are a firm favourite at Seoul Incheon Airport and the Chang-tuh noodle bar is always busy. For banking needs, the onsite Woori Bank offers a range of financial services.

Incheon Tourist Information Centre (032-743 0011; 7am-10pm)

Gimpo International Airport, despite its name, is the domestic airport and only has one international flight destination - to and from Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Previously know as Kimpo International Airport, Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP) is now South Korea's second-biggest air facility, having being overtaken by Incheon International Airport in terms of flight and passenger capacity.

 

Tourist Information

There are a number of kiosks and centers where tourists can go for information on attractions and events, pick up brochures, and ask questions. Following is a list of some of the centers operated by Seoul City.
Operating Hours: 9AM to 10PM - when calling ask for an English speaker, most centers should have one.

1. KTO Tourist Information Centre (1330; 7am-10pm)

On the 2nd floor: The Incheon International Airport

2. Dongdaemun Market
Tel: 02-2236-9135~6 (from oustide Korea 82-2-2236-9135~6)

The information center is next to Cerestar Department Store/Shopping Mall.

3. Gimpo Airport
Tel: 02-3707-9465 (from outside Korea 82-2-370777-9454)

4. Itaewon
Tel: 02-794-5579/792-9070 (from outside Korea 82-2-794-5579 or 82-2-792-9070)

 

Travel Tips

1. Tipping isn’t necessary in Seoul and is considered degrading, you can bow slightly and say Thank You, though some taxi drivers may surprise visitors.

2. Travellers should consider immunisation against Hepatitis A at least 2 weeks before departure.

3. Visitors must dress modestly while entering a temple and don’t stand or sit directly infront of the Buddha statue. Dress modestly in Seoul anyways to avoid harassment.

4. Seoul is a safe city except where traffic is concerned. Tempers fly high and drivers tend to be impatient. It has one of the highest traffic deaths and injuries to pedestrians recorded for a developed country. Cross only at traffic lights. Don’t be the first or last to cross. Jaywalking is illegal.

5. Due to political conflict and unrest with North Korea and being close to the DMZ ( Demilitarized Zone ) public demonstrations are evident. Stay away from public areas or areas of unrest to avoid trouble when this happens. 

 

6. Eat freshly cooked food only. Avoid shellfish and buffet food in Seoul. Tap water is avoidable and buy bottled water only.