South Korea

Seoul

With almost 11 million people, Seoul is the largest city of the Republic of Korea and is also the economic, political and cultural hub of the country. Though it had a bit of a reputation for pollution, strict emission laws have brought that into control. With a superb subway system, residents and tourists can easily traverse the city efficiently and without much hassle.

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Best time to visitSeptember–November

Explore Seoul

A CLOSER LOOK

Top places to visit

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What to do with Children in Town

The best place to be if you're a kid is at the palaces as there is just so much to see which is of interest to kids. Whether it's the turtles and gold fishes at the small ponds, or it's a visit to the museums, children will love it all. The Samsung Kids Museum is sure to get the kids excited about the visit to this superb city and the fireworks festivals are sure to light up their day. The Children's Grand Park is a great place for kids as well as they have a zoo, a botanical garden and an amusement park. It's in Gwangjin-gu. The N Seoul Tower is also great for kids as they will surely love the superb view. The best things for kids however are the parks and the space to run around. The toy shops littered around town are a treat for the little ones as well.

Gyeongbok-gung Palace

Located in Yulgukno, it is Seoul's most spectacular palace and was the pinnacle of power for centuries before it was devastated in 1592 by a Japanese invasion. It has been restored for the most part. Its grounds also hold the Joseon Palace Museum, and the Korean Folk Museum. Admission: 3000 won Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm except Tuesdays (The palace is used for shooting TV dramas)

Changdeok-gung Palace

Also located in Yulgukno, it is another one of Seoul's most spectacular palaces and is second only to the Gyeongbok-gung. First built in 1405, it was the center of power in the dynasty between 1618 and 1896. All the buildings have been restored and repainted. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see place!

ChangGyeong-gung Palace

It was built in 1104 for the kings of the Koryo Dynasty as a summer palace and became one of the main palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is connected to the Jongmyo Shrine which was used for sacrificial rites in the Joseon Dynasty. The palace faces east to west, instead of the usual north to south.

Dongdaemun

The Old Eastern Gate of the city, though not as impressive as Namdaemun, it is still a good site to check out just so you can tell your friends that you've visited so many places. The nearby Dongdaemun Market is much more attractive though!

Olympic Park

The Olympic Park was built for the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics. It has a lake, and a square of sculptures which is very popular among visitors. It also has a large field which is covered with grass and has a few courses that are ideal for jogging and walking. Its outdoor stage and six stadiums are often used for concerts.

Boramae Park

Once the site of the Korean Air Force Academy, it symbolizes the Air Force. The word Boramae means Hawk. The park is spread out on 360,000 square meters and has sports facilities as well as a small zoo. It also has a huge pond that spreads out to 9000 square meters and has well planned walking paths. The pond is surrounded by willow trees and benches and is very popular, especially during summer and winter.

Deoksu-gung Palace

It is located in downtown Seoul cross the street from City Hall. This palace was built in the mid-fifteenth century and the architecture of the insides of the buildings show heavy traces of Western designs. This palace is famous for its elegant stone wall road. The buildings itself are of natural sugi, painted wood and stucco. The east wing was the king's while the queen's quarters were located in the west wing. Today, this is the National Modern Arts Centre. The rear of the building still has secret passageways that led to the Russian emissary.

Mount Namsan Park

Mount Namsen located in the center of the city, is considered to be a symbol of Seoul. It rises nearly 300m above sea level and offers an excellent opportunity to get a bird's eye view of the city from the Observation Deck of the Seoul Tower situated at the top. It is an island playing host to nature in the middle of urban districts, with several wild animals living in the park. The mountain is filled with pine trees and is visible from all over the city and is a breath of fresh air in the urban jungle. A cable car ride and stairways take viewers up to the summit. Other attractions include the botanical gardens, Maritime Aquarium and fountains. Visitors can enjoy dinner at the revolving restaurant on top as well as feast on the spectacular 360 degree view of Seoul.

Namdaemun

The Great South Gate is one of the symbols of Seoul and is the most prized treasure of the country. It is a two -tiered pagoda style roofed gate made with stone and wood. This gate served many purposes; it greeted visitors to the city, kept away wild animals and prevented outsiders from entering the city. It looks stunning at night when it is floodlit. The nearby Namdaemun Market is a great place to check out as well. A lively market, the Namdaemun has wholesalers operating from midnight to 6am and retailers during the day.

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THE LOCAL TABLE

Halal restaurants in Seoul

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Namu/Liquid Bar

Namu is the place to savor ethnic Asian dishes in a modern reincarnation. Enjoy a contemporary Japanese cuisine in stylish surroundings with the natural rough-hewn timber of the interior adding an interesting touch. A variety of specialties, with a sushi and sashimi bar, a teppanyaki/hibachi station and a la carte dining will entice you into visiting again. Food here is served at long tables. The wrap-around bar serves ice-cold sake, single malt beverages and cocktails.

Yongsusan

Get a taste of Korean tradition in this colorfully decorated restaurant. Mother-of-pearl panels add a statement of style to the interiors. The serving staff too is in traditional Korean attire (hanbok). The comfortable atmosphere and sophisticated interiors makes this restaurant a popular place for foreign VIPs and family gatherings. The meal is served in Gaesung style with elements of royal cuisine. Seasonal variations are there but it is always interesting. From the dragon firepot to the five-grain rice cooked in bamboo and of course the ever tempting omijacha tea, you're sure to be smacking your lips with satisfaction.

Familia Buffet

Situated in the plush Imperial Palace hotel, the Familia restaurant serves a whooping 120 dishes in its buffet. The sophisticated and classy environment of this place is sure to lure you into visiting it often. The squad of people dressed in ninja outfits are actually the cooks who prepare fresh food in the dining area.

La Plancha

Warm cozy atmosphere + fantastic food = a tantalizing experience that will linger on in your memory for days to come. An absolute must for meat lovers, La Plancha serves chicken, pork, lamb, and salmon with vegetables and a sauce. This place is popular with the expat community. Apart from dining, one also gets to be a part of the regular fun events, wine tastings, Latin music concerts and parties held there. The restaurant has an attractive outdoor area as well with wooden floors and plants aplenty. The service is as good as the food.

Min's Club

A 1930s hanok (traditional Korean one-storey wooden house with a tiled roof) has been artistically restored into a restaurant that is charming as well as classy. The food offered here is European/Korean fusion. French wines are a specialty of this restaurant. Popular with diplomats, the food and service of this place is sure to bring a smile to your face and a vow to visit again.

Santorini

Get a taste of Greece in this truly Greek restaurant with authentic Greek flavors. A winner, no less, this place serves the yummiest baby ribs, moussaka or pork souvlaki which is marinated and cooked on a rotisserie. Most dishes are accompanied by a salad with vinaigrette. Wash down your meal with real Greek coffee or the more famous Nescafe Frappe. The friendly and efficient service is worth a mention too.

Tony Roma's

This all American chain is literally your only choice for ribs. New rib styles and sauce flavors, mouth-watering char-grilled steaks, BBQ chicken, scrumptious seafood, crispy salads, burgers and beer make this a hot spot for people who love American food.

Thai Orchid

With prices that will suit your pocket, the Thai Orchid is the place to go to for genuine, good and reasonably priced Thai food. Having delighted diners for over a decade, this restaurant will floor you with its traditional Thai hospitality, smiles et al. The feeling of being in Thailand is reinforced by the presence of cooks and serving staff, all of whom are Thai. Do try out the coconut based curries and nam pla (fish sauce) laden stir fries.

Sosim

At Sosim you will be served what is known as Buddhist food; traditional diet, purely vegetarian, with emphasis on health and longevity. The meals prepared do not contain meat, five forbidden pungent roots and pickled fish. No egg or artificial seasoning is used either. Some of the food served here includes organic rice, teas that take a year to make, and side dishes like boiled peanuts. Seasoned mushroom and sea tangle is also served. The restaurant is in the basement of a building with cozy, attractive wooden interiors.

Taco

Five types of Mexican munchies are served in this low-cost, colorful and cheerful eating place which is a hot favorite with foreigners. The youthful staff prepares the food in front of the diners. Check out the burritos and fajitas. A wonderful place to eat and relax and simply watch the world go by.

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Where to stay in Seoul

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Lotte Hotel

Located at the hub of Seoul's premier business and shopping districts, Lotte Hotel Seoul is within walking distance of major international corporate headquarters in the financial and industrial trade sectors. Major international events are hosted by this prestigious super deluxe hotel which houses 1318 guestrooms, 13 restaurants and bars, 15 spacious conference and banquet rooms. Lotte Hotel offers guests the most convenient and comfortable facilities available. The duty free shop sells items of good quality. The name of the hotel is synonymous with Korean hospitality.

JW Marriott

With the hotel being situated in an ideal location within central city, Korea's largest and most popular shopping, dining and entertainment complex, you are sure to enjoy every moment of your stay here. All amenities to ensure a luxurious and comfortable stay make the Marriott the hotel of choice for travelers from around the world. The 497 rooms spread across 37 floors are said to be the largest guest rooms in Seoul. With the variety of restaurants and bars, numerous grand ballrooms/ banquet halls and a genuine European style spa and comprehensive health club (Asia's largest), it is no wonder that tourists make a bee line for this hotel.

Park Hyatt Hotel

A sleek glass tower with a modern interior, this is truly a hotel of the 21st century. The Park Hyatt Hotel located in Gangnam business district was opened in April, 2005. The stylish hotel has stone and oak interiors and the generously sized rooms have floor to ceiling windows. The bathrooms are graced with over-sized granite bathtubs. The service and dedication of its staff makes each guest feel like a VIP. Everything you need, want or are looking for is there at the Hyatt. It would not be wrong to describe the hotel as an ocean of serenity within vibrant Seoul.

Imperial Palace Hotel

The European-style Imperial Palace Hotel (former Hotel Amiga) is located in the heart of Gangnam business and entertainment district. From the lobby to the rooms to the fitness center, the hotel screams opulence. Meticulous attention to detail is obvious from the furniture to the color scheme. The elegant and classy hotel makes each guest feel like royalty. The latest amenities are offered in the guestrooms and the fitness centre, aerobics, sauna and spa offer diverse exercise opportunities.

Millenium Seoul Hilton Hotel

This hotel is situated at the foot of Mt. Namsan and is only a mile and a half away from the business district of Seoul. Numerous international events are hosted in this hotel. The 8 meeting rooms can accommodate up to 500 people. Regular refurbishments have ensured that the attractiveness of this hotel is maintained along with high quality services and conditions.The on-site shopping area is a delight for the hotel guests. Guests can also unwind in the well equipped gym, sauna and Jacuzzi and relax and savor a wide range of dining experiences at the hotels seven restaurants and bars.

Jamsil Tourist Hotel

Jamsil Tourist Hotel is a modern eight-storey building housing 44 rooms with the finest amenities available. This hotel is located near Korea City Air Terminal, Olympic Park, Olympic Stadium and the Convention and Exhibition Centre. Guests can choose between the variety of rooms available; single, double, twin, business and Ondol( Korean traditional under-floor heating system) rooms. A plethora of halls for various functions like weddings, conferences and seminars is also available. Comfort and convenience are the hallmark of Jamsil Tourist Hotel.

Brown Tourist Hotel

This hotel is located in the heart of the downtown area close to all the main attractions of the city. Sixty-three elegantly decorated spacious western-style as well as traditional Korean Ondol guest rooms are available which have all the conveniences for the business as well as the leisure traveler. Southeast Asian tourists particularly prefer this hotel due to its easy accessibility to Dongdaemun Complex Stadium Shopping Mall and Myeongdong. Some of the facilities include a business centre, sports massage salon and karaoke.

Hotel Green Park

This hotel is part of the Best Western International Hotel chain which has hotels in 80 countries. Even though it is a second class hotel, it offers six different kinds of rooms. Online reservations make it convenient to book guestrooms, wedding halls, business centers and conference rooms. For sports lovers, the hotel houses a tennis club and outdoor swimming pool. The four tracking courses near the hotel pass three temples, Doseonsa, Beophwasa and Weondongsa.

Metro Hotel

This 45 year old hotel has a convenient location in Myeongdong, near Lotte department store and CGV Cinema, Myeongdong. After renovations it was opened as a business specializing hotel on 22 April, 2005. The homely atmosphere of the hotel, together with its modern design, will definitely charm the guests who are sure to have a relaxing and pleasant stay.

Seoul Tourist Hotel

The hotel is located near Insa-dong, the traditional street, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace. A stay in this hotel gives you the opportunity to buy traditional Korean items from the shops nearby. Guests can unwind at the game room of the hotel or alternatively enjoy a singing session at its own karaoke, the Seoul Club.

History and today in Seoul

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Visa Information

Entering into South Korea for tourist purposes and short durations does not require obtaining a visa for the nationals of more than 90 countries, the UAE being one of them. However it is still advisable to check with the South Korean Embassy in Abu Dhabi (Telephone: 443-5337; Fax: 443-5348; [email protected]).

When to go

Fast Facts

- Location: The west coast of the Republic of Korea.; Dialing code: Country: +82 Area: +2; Emergency numbers: Police: 112 Fire Dept: 119 Ambulance: 1339

Exchange Rates

Korean won (KRW) consists of four kinds of notes: 1,000 - 5,000 - 10,000 and 50,000 won and 4 different coins: 10, 50, 100 and 500 won.

Public Holidays

January 1st New Year January to February Variable Seollal (Lunar New Year) March 1st Independence Movement Day May 1st Labor Day (Not an official holiday) May 5th Children's Day May (Variable) Buddha's Birthday June 6th Memorial Day July 17th Constitution Day August 15th Liberation Day September to October (Variable) Harvest Moon (Chuseok) October 3rd National Foundation Day December 25th Christmas Day

Annual Temperature

January: High: 1°C (33°F) Low: -6°C (21°F) Average: -2°C (28°F); February: High: 3°C (38°F) Low: -4°C (25°F) Average: 0°C (32°F); March: High: 9°C (49°F) Low: 2°C (35°F) Average: 6°C (42°F)

Residents

The residents of Seoul are very friendly and it is one of the safest places to be. The locals are very well mannered and sociable, and are among the most tourist friendly people in the world! They are very well versed in English; however, they do have problems with pronunciation.

Seoul today

Seoul History

City back then

Useful information

Shopping

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Gangnam (Also known as Kangnam)

The Gangnam or Kangnam area though upscale is very popular. The famous COEX mall is also in this area and is easily reachable. Keeping in mind the high priced shops be sure to come here with a wallet that is suitably loaded!

COEX

COEX Mall in the heart of Seoul is where shopping, culture, education and leisure are integrated within one complex. With 85,000 square meters of underground dining, shopping and family entertainment facilities, you will find lots to do to occupy you for hours. This traffic-free and all weather environment at the mall is perfect for you to visit the theaters, see the aquarium, get a taste of international food, or simply stroll along and browse through shops selling the latest books, clothing, computers and more.

Boon the Shop

This multi-brand boutique with an ambience of a sleek urban fashionista is a favorite haunt of the Korean celebs. Visit the store and you're sure to come face-to-face with the affluent, the young trend-setters and the sporty type. There is also a good selection of books, magazines and music here. Tel: (02) 317 0397 Address: Gangnam-gu

Galleria

If you are the type that eats, breathes, sleeps and lives fashion, then this is one place you simply can't miss. Everything branded and top-notch and all under one roof..........that's the Galleria for you! Take your pick of world famous designer labels from the dozens of luxury boutiques packed into two buildings. One of the buildings is covered in plastic discs which gives the impression of a disco with psychedelic lights. An Italian restaurant with a vineyard patio on top of the west wing serves set meals.

Jewel Button

Two top Seoul designers create hand-made jewelry in award-winning designs which are available at this shop. Tel: (02) 733 9394 Address: Gwanghwamun

Taste maximum

Kim Gyu-sik, the up and coming Seoul fashion designer and his associates have set up this little boutique in Apgujeong and in Lotte department store in Myeong-dong.

Apkujong

Apkujong is the fashionista haven of Seoul. Situated in the Kangnam area, it has several upscale department stores and funky boutiques almost everywhere you look. The Singsegae department store here, near the JW Marriot, is very popular. There is an underground mall in B1 of the bus station at the Express Bus Terminal Station there and is a great place for the fashion conscious as is the Hyundai Department Store, which is at the foot of the Donhgo Bridge. The Galleria is also a very famous department store there.

Dongdaemun

Possibly one of the best markets in the city to find knockoffs of almost anything found at the department stores or boutiques in the Kangnam area, at a fraction of the price! The Doota B/1 is a great place to find such products. Upstairs is a great place to find accessories and their shoe department has almost the same shoes as available at the Galleria at one third of the price. The quality is somewhat questionable and the styles are sometimes not as good as their more expensive counterparts, but nevertheless, they are great hit or miss places.

Jamsil

Jamsil is a great place for younger people as it has got tons of stuff for the younger generation. An ice rink, movie theaters, a sports center, and several other attractions are just the icing on the cake. Lotte World is geared toward a more upscale clientele but the prices are actually quite moderate. The department store carries a number of Korean and international brands and the top floor has an excellent food court.

Dynasty Tailor

Reasaonably priced and with a reputation to uphold, Dynasty makes sure they tailor-make your clothes to perfection. Pure wool custom-made suits that cost around 250,000 take about three days to make.

Signature sights in Seoul

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Yeouido Park

With over 60,000 visitors on weekends, it is by far one of the most popular places in the city. Spread out on 230,000 square meters, it is also one of the largest. It has a traditional Korean forest as well as a concert area and several paths for cycling, or walking. The hundreds of trees on the grounds offer shade to the thousands of visitors that throng the park. The three ponds in the park are simply stunning.

Seoul Tower

The Seoul Tower was once the tallest tower in Asia and has the best panoramic view of Seoul. Located smack in the middle of the city, it is visible from almost everywhere in the city and is a helpful reference for tourists on foot.

National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea showcases artifacts and relics from across Korea from the various periods and dynasties of its history. It is one of the best places to visit if you want to learn more about Korea's history and culture. Like all major landmark sites, it is also closed on Mondays.

Yongsan Park

Yongsan Park is reminiscent of the famous parks that are often shown in movies, with large grass fields and thick forests. An unlikely sight in a city, it is home to several species of birds and trees and was once used as a U.S. military base.

Yangjae Citizens' Forest

The citizens' forest is located on the Gangnam Street and has streams and over 106,000 trees. It is a very popular picnic spot for the younger generations as well as the young at heart. It has a clear view of the sky and hence is a great place to be on clear nights.

Festivals and events in Seoul

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Insadong Festival

The Insadong festival in April and October showcases the folk music or pungmulnori of Seoul. A delightful food court with a selection of countrywide cuisine is also set up as part of the celebrations. Traditional food contests are held. There are street exhibitions and pottery making demonstrations as well. Venue: Jongno-gu Website: http://asp.congnamul.com/seoul/english/map.jsp

Lotus Lantern Festival

Lord Buddha's birthday falls on the eighth day of the fourth moon.The celebration of Buddha's birthday consists of thousands of lanterns paraded in the streets of Seoul in a spectacular display of lights. In this festival lanterns are made of various shapes. Small lotus shaped lanterns to lantern floats shaped like a dragon, elephant etc. are part of the parade. People also practice Zen meditation during this festival.

Hi Seoul Festival

This festival aims at preserving the city's unique history and tradition as well as diversity through numerous cultural events and performances that take place all over the city. This festival takes place at different seasons around the year and there are different themes for each time of the year. There are concerts, street plays and art exhibitions according to the theme.

Dano Festival

One of the three largest holiday celebrations in the country, the Dano Festival is a traditional food festival where prayers are offered for a good and bountiful harvest in the coming year. Food courts, cultural performances, exhibitions and children's events are part of the celebrations.

Boryeong Mud Festival

Daecheon Beach becomes a war zone and therapeutic massage parlor of mud every July. The Mud Festival is all about mud and its therapeutic qualities, and you can get mud massages as well as mud slides on the beach.

Seoul tours and experiences

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Bus Tours

Seoul City Tour Bus

Metro Tours

Seoul Metro They have eight tours including 'Museum and Park' and 'Shopping'

Walking Tours

City Walking Tours They provide walking tour services as well as self-guided tours.

Transit Tours

East-West Travel Service Transit Tours from city tours to golf, casino, spa and the DMZ. They operate from the airport.

Goodwill Guides

Goodwill Guides Voluntary guide service, in which volunteers show foreigners around the city. Requires advanced booking.

Seoul masjids and Muslim travel

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Seoul Central Mosque

Seoul Central Mosque( Korea Muslim Federation) Lectures are held in English, Arabic and Korean.

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Hamilton Hotel

Republic of Korea Seoul Special City Yongsan-gu Itaewon-ro 179

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Korail Tourism Development Seoul Branch

Republic of Korea Seoul Special City Yongsan-gu Dongja-dong 43-229

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Korail Tourism Development SM Business Headquarters

Republic of Korea Seoul Special City Yongsan-gu Dongja-dong 43-229

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TRAVEL STORY KOREA

Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, 서울특별시, South Korea

Transportation

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Buses

With 10,000 buses going around the city, they are among the least expensive modes of transport in Seoul, and are quite useful for quick routes, however they can be a hassle at rush hours.

Metro

The Seoul Subway is covered by two seperate companies, the Seoul Metro, and the Seoul Metropolitan. One of the fastest subway systems in the world, it is connected with the bus system and is among the most punctual and efficient transit systems around the world. The trains are clean and are color coded, and the 400 or so stops have signs and announcements in English as well. The trains run every five to twelve minutes from 6AM till 11:30PM, and every six minutes during rush hours (7AM till 9AM, and 4PM till 7PM). The Seoul Metro runs lines 1 to 4, and the Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation runs lines 5 to 8.

Taxi

There are four types of taxis operating in Seoul, depending on their use and technology : Regular taxis, deluxe taxis, high-tech brand taxis, and jumbo taxis.

Car for hire

From the airport

Driving Tips

Driving in Seoul is relatively easy as the roads are very good, and the traffic lights work! Some drivers do ignore traffic signs and lights, but most drivers do observe the basic traffic rules. However, come rush hours, and all hell breaks loose! Driving in rush hour is like driving in a mine field littered with mines that won't explode but will surely go boom!

Health and Safety

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Health and Safety

Health and Safety Seoul

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