Winter Sonata

We joined the Winter Sonata 7-day tour with a local travel agent. The tour cashes in on the highly popular Korean drama series of the same title. The tour took us to some of the drama's shooting locations besides the major tourist attractions.

Quick Tips:

Most Koreans speak very little English even though they have studied the language since they were young. Almost all signs are in Korean, so communication and travelling around can be difficult. Make sure you have the Korean addresses and maps of the places you want to visit at hand.

Check out the official tourist website for more information about South Korea.

Best Way To Get Around:

Seoul has an extensive subway network, but it can be daunting for first-timers, as there are nine lines in all and transfers can be confusing since signs are in Korean.

When flagging down taxis, be wary of those with blue or white tops. Though cheaper than the black ones, many of these drivers are not local. Chances are, you may be taken for a city tour before reaching your final destination.

Cookin or Nanta is a delightful, comedic musical Korean version of "Stomp" that transcends the language barrier. It combines Korean folk music and the pulsating rhythm of Samulnori, or traditional Korean drumming, in a crazy, fun way. Nanta debuted in 1997 and has since performed internationally in more than 141 cities.

We enjoyed the show immensely. The performers had everyone in stitches, but audience beware: particularly those seated in the front, you might get more than just kimchi on your shirt front by the end of the show.

Audiences can meet with the performers after the show for autographs and picture shoots. Unfortunately for us, we had to run, as we were late for dinner; So make sure you eat before the show!

Check here for more information and ticket reservations.

Everland is a festive theme park for the entire family, situated about 1 hour from Seoul city. It is wholly owned by Samsung and has, besides the usual rides and gift shops, a complex featuring the latest Samsung electronic products (digital world). You can check out your emails or surf the Internet while there for free.

Next to Everland is the Carribean Bay, an indoor and outdoor water park. You can relax in the indoor ginseng pool or hot spring pools or check out the exciting water slides. Swimming caps are compulsory. If you do not have any, you can rent or buy one there.

Click here for more information.

For detailed information on how to get there, click here.

Lotte world is arguably the largest complex in Korea with an indoor theme park, an outdoor park by a lake, two department stores, a wedding hall complex, a hotel, a tax-free shop, sports facilities, and a folk village.

For first-timers, take the monorail located on the second floor first to get your bearings. The monorail spans both indoors and outdoors.

For an aerial view of the indoor theme park, take a "balloon ride" situated on the third floor.

Lotte world is more exciting and thrilling compared to Everland (also closer to the city). A great place to spend a day with the family.

Opening hours:
Adventure, Magic Island: 9:30am-11pm
Folk Museum : 9:30am-11pm

How to get there: Take the Subway Line 2, 8 -Chamshil

This museum is a gateway to the history, life and culture of the Koreans. It features not only articles of the common folk but also those of the upper class, especially in the Joseon Dynasty (1392 ~ 1910).

Look out for the phallic Earth God that guards the way leading to the museum. Newlywed brides hoping to start a family are encouraged to rub the nose. Of particular interest also is the detailed description of the making of kimchi (preserved spicy vegetables).

For further information, click here.

Hours: 9am-6pm (Mar.-Oct.),
9am-5pm (Nov.-Feb.),
closed every Tuesday and New Year's Day.

Admission: W700 (adults),
W300 (children/students)

How to get there: Take the Seoul line 3 (orange line) and alight at the Gyeongbokgung station.

The Gyeongbok Palace dates back 500 years. It was built by the founding king of Joseon dynasty, Lee Seong-Gye, in 1395. Some of the original buildings have been torn down during the Japanese occupation. There is an ongoing effort to restore the palace to its former glory. Geunjeongjeon, the main hall, where inquiries and morning sessions were held, has recently re-opened to the public.

Hours : 9am - 6pm (5pm in winter, closed on Tuesdays)

Admission (won) : 1000

How to get there:
Take the subway Seoul Line 3, Gyeongbokgung station then take a 5-minute walk to the palace.

Yongpyeong is a famous ski resort located 200km away or about 3 hours from Seoul. This is also one of the shooting locations for the K-drama "Winter Sonata."

If you are a fan of "Winter Sonata," do not miss the actual shooting location, aptly named Chome cafe ("first time"), situated just across from the front entrance of the resort lobby. It recreates the cafe scene and has some of the props used in the series, including the piano. Take a leisurely stroll and explore the resort - be sure to look out for signboards pointing to the various shooting locations.

This resort provides rooms for every budget traveller, with cheap rooms at the nearby youth hostel to the deluxe rooms at the main resort for those who can afford a little luxury.

Click here for reservations.

This is the main website.

Mount Sorak is the third highest mountain in the country, with the main peak (Daechung) at 1,708 meters above sea level. Situated on the east coast of the Korean Peninsula in the Taebaek Mountain range, it is composed of dissected granite and gneiss, with rocky hills and ridges. It is also home to the Asian black bear.

The main activities here are hiking, camping and climbing. It is a favorite local hot spot, visited by many, from honeymooners to schoolchildren accompanied by their teachers. Take a short cable-car ride and a short hike to the peak for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings.

Caution: There are no barricades at the peak. There is a longstanding local rumour circulating: it is said that estranged couples wishing to part would visit the peak, and while taking pictures, the spouse holding the camara would ask the partner to move backwards, till eventually the latter falls over the edge. *oops*

This park is open all year round.
Adults(Age 20 and over) : 1,300 won
Teenagers(Age 14~19) : 600 won
Children(Age 13 and under) : 300 won

Click here for the main website.

Singaporeans love to shop, it's almost a national pastime. Seoul has shops galore that open till the wee hours of the morning to satisfy even the most voracious shopper.

Where to shop:

Dongdaemun
One does not leave Seoul without visiting Dongdaemun. This area is famed for near-warehouse-priced, good-quality fashion-wear. We popped into Doota!, situated diagonally across the Dongdaemun stadium. The shops are crammed according to the merchandise. E.g., first floor - ladies' wear, second floor -kids' wear, and so on. Ask for a guide map from the information counter situated on the first floor and take a minute to orient yourself. The place can be bewildering.

Although bargaining is not necessary and even disallowed at certain outlets, the price can still be negotiated to 10% of the quoted price. I had bargained down a shirt by 2000 won (just for fun) and was informed pointedly by the saleslady that bargaining was not allowed. I was about to walk away when she called me back and gave me a discount of 4000 won!

Buyers beware: goods sold are not exchangeable or refundable. Authenticity of the brands may be questionable. Do not be surprised if you see a Chanel or Louis Vuitton bag labelled as something else.

If you need a breather, join the throng outside the pavement and check out the local snacks at the makeshift stalls.

To get there:
Take the subway line #2, 4 & 5 and alight at Dongdaemun Stadium station.

Namdaemun Market
If you have not had your fill of shopping, head up to Namdaemun Market, just one stop after Dongdaemun Stadium station.

Coex Mall
For mid-range branded goods, Coex underground mall is a popular spot for the local young and trendy.

To get there:
Take the subway line 2 and alight at the Samseong Station.

Korea has an interesting variety of dishes. A visit to Korea will not be complete without trying some of the most popular dishes (besides kimchi/ preserved spicy vegetables).

When ordering Korean dishes, they are invariably served with at least two different types of kimchi and doenjangguk (bean paste soup) soup. A local meal can be filling and very affordable. There are more than 300 different varieties of kimchi; the most common ones are cabbage and radish. Traditionally, a woman's worth is measured according to the quality of the kimchi she makes. Nowadays, kimchi is readily available in convenience stores and supermarkets. It makes for a great souvenir and gift for friends.

Dak Kalbi

This is a one-dish meal consisting of cabbage, meat slices, and sausage-like Korean rice cakes(ttheok) cooked atop a hot plate in the center of the table and seasoned with a special pepper sauce. The dumplings are eaten first, then rice is added towards the end and stir-fried with the remaining ingredients. Perfect for a cold, wintry day.

Samyetang or Ginseng chicken broth

This is arguably Korean's most famed dish (next to kimchi, that is). It is a simple yet nutritious dish. A spring chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice and a young ginseng root. Other ingredients added are red dates, dried jujube seeds, ginger and garlic. These are placed in a clay pot and simmered slowly for 2 hours till the chicken is tender (literally falls off from the bones). The dish is seasoned with coarse salt and pepper just prior to eating. However, this dish may be a little "heaty," so do not be surprised if you experience a little nosebleed the next day. Nevertheless, it is a dish not to be missed. Click here for the recipe.

Bulgogi

This is Korean tabletop barbecue. Slices of beef or pork marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and chili pepper are grilled on a hot plate placed over hot charcoal. The cooked meat is then dipped in sauce and wrapped with a piece of mint and lettuce leaf. This is served with rice, soup and assorted kimchi. Yummy!

Bibimbap

This is another one-dish meal of rice topped with vegetables, beef and egg in a hot stone bowl served with a dash of chili pepper paste mixed quickly just prior to eating. Oshii desu.

Mushroom Steamboat and Bousejengol

We tried this wonderful steamboat enroute to YongPyong Ski Resort. The straw mushrooms are home grown in the area and complements well with the cuttlefish. This is the only restaurant with the picture of the owner in traditional Korean-wear along the highway, so you shouldn't miss it.