Seoul

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Seoul, Korea

An August 1998 trip to Seoul by Pirate43 guide

Temple behind Hotel PresidentMore Photos

My son was stationed North of Seoul at Army post Camp Casey in town of Tongduchon. We arrived in South Korea during some of their worst flooding in history. The country however was a very pleasant surprise.

  • 12 reviews
  • 3 stories/tips
  • 27 photos

Seoul, KoreaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

This is a proud, ancient country. It was the people as much as the sites we encountered that made this trip memorable. They were as friendly as any American large city I have visited. The palaces and temples were tremendous but loved the smells from the different spice/food markets most.

Quick Tips:

DON'T, I REPEAT DON'T drive in Seoul. The traffic moves like blood. I mean if there is a gap the size of an acorn between cars, it is fair game. We saw cars driving part way on curbs to get around someone ahead and the intersections were a game of chicken. Oddly enough the Koreans know how to play the game and I only saw 2 vehicle accidents the whole week. I am so so happy I cancelled renting a car.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking around town is the best way to get to know Seoul. The subway system is absolutely outstanding with well marked lines/entrances/exits and very clean and crime free. These below street areas also serve as arcades for merchants, some small-time table type and some large.

The larger shopping centers such as Lotte have access also so you can stay out of the weather. In August expect a lot of rain and hot weather.

President Hotel SeoulBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel President"

Temple behind Hotel President
Next door is the Lotte Hotel which takes up most of the block. The Hotel President was a clean hotel with nicely appointed rooms. There were some Korean influences in our room such as sliding ricepaper panels between the living and sleeping area but the room had a sofa and typical bed. The wife got a kick out of the robe. A mini bar in room. This hotel is at the intersection of 2 major arteries of the subway system. Very convenient.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

President Hotel Seoul
188 3 I KA Seoul, South Korea
82 2 7533131

Lotte Hotel SeoulBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel Lotte"

bridal palanquin
I did not get a room here but very much considered it. This place is massive. The lobby alone has 4 or 5 restaurants and various specialty shops. It is also convenient to major subway artery intersections and within walking distance to 2 palaces, City Hall and South Gate market area. Because I''m a cheapskate I didn''t stay here but the staff did their best to make everyone who came through the doors welcome and satisfied.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

Lotte Hotel Seoul
1 SOGONG DONG Seoul, South Korea
82-2-7711000

McDonalds & KFCBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "McDonalds & KFC"

Recognizable in any language
American fast food places are popular here. KFC in particular was about in every neighborhood. I must admit I did go to a KFC while in Seoul. I should have stuck to Kimchi. The local dining is much better.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

Namsan TowerBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Namsan tower is atop the mountain in the center of Seoul. Take a cable car up to the top for a great view of the city and surroundings. We ate at the restaurant at the top near the cable car entrance. The menus are in Korean only and the waitstaff does not speak English.

I thought I ordered fish but was served octopus instead. Not bad but a little chewy. I wanted to get the local flavor of Korea and I wasn't disappointed. Kimchi is served with ALL meals in Korea. Some kimchi is hot, spicy while other is not. You even get it with breakfast. The view of the city while eating helps to make a nice dining experience.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

Namsan Tower
Center of Seoul Seoul, South Korea

Street VendorsBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

I made it a point to eat at some of the local dining areas that John Doe Korean visits. In the tourist market areas the dining area would have a mix of floor seating and tables. Be adventurous and try some non-traditional dishes. The prices are hard to beat. We even had some foods that I would not have expected in Korea. For example, one day we found a vendor cutting and serving pineapple on a stick on the spot.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

Street Vendors
Seoul, South Korea

Lotte WorldBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Castle Magic
This is a Disney World wannabe but the Koreans do a good job even though it's on a somewhat smaller scale. Magic Island is located in the middle of Lake Sokchon and is complete with Disney style castle and various rides. There is live entertainment. Theme parks are divided into Magic castle, German village, French village, English village, Swiss village and Korean village. The French Revolution has 360 to 540 degree revolutions. I'm not a big amusement park rider but the family enjoyed it. The subway system has a stop here so you never have to leave the building.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

Lotte World
401 Chamsil-dong Seoul, South Korea 138-721
+82 (0)2 411 2000

Dongdaemun MarketBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Dongdaemun & Namdaemun Market"

more food
It is the smells of the market that I will mostly remember about Seoul. I enjoyed Namdaemun Market the most of all my shopping experiences (even more than Itaewon). Itaewon is closest to the army base Yongsan so I feel there is pressure to westernize that area. Namdaemun was within easy walking distance from Hotel President and was very genuine. Ginseng tea was a traditional souvenir to get here but I also just loved walking down the small side streets and the footpaths that branched out from them. No fear of crime at anytime, day or night. Turn a corner and see fresh (I mean just killed) chickens, pigs, even dogs. Sorry to say but dog is a menu item. In the seafood area live frogs, eels, turtles, octopus and fish remain in the water waiting for purchase. Freshly ground spice smells fill the air along with the sound of merchants chatting.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

Dongdaemun Market
Jongno 5-ga Seoul, South Korea 110-125
+82 (0)2 814 9894 (K

Itaewon StreetBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Itaewon"

It would be hard to get through all the shops here in a day or two. If you need a wallet, this is a great place to get an eelskin one for about 5 dollars. I still have mine and wish I had purchased more as gifts. My wife found out her feet are a complete size different so she had custom shoes made for her within 3 days and she has raved about them since. We kept the address, her measurements are on file with the owner so she sends him a picture and he creates a new pair whenever she wishes. A lot better price than the U.S. also, even with shipping. There are a lot of hawkers around this area wanting to fit you with a new suit but they aren't overly pushy. Jewelry is a good deal here also. There are over 1500 shops here. Sport shoes are a big selling item. I didn't go nightclubing here but have been told it is good. Cuban cigars here but expensive.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

Itaewon Street
Itaewon-dong Seoul, South Korea 140-200
+82 (0)2 794 2490 (K

Korea HouseBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Korea House
Reservations are recommended (almost required) since this is a popular tour stop. The building itself is an excellent example of traditinal architecture and a place where visitors can enjoy authentic Korean food in one of the dining rooms. Afterwards you move to a small auditorium for traditional Korean music and dance performances. Call 266-9101. It is within easy walking distance to subway entrance and taxis easily accessible.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

Korea House
80-2 Pil-dong 2-ga Seoul, South Korea 100-272
+82 (0)2 2266 9101

Chogyesa TempleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Chogyesa Temple (Buddhist)"

burning incense in prayer
This is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the city and very very active. Although I was told that as long as I removed my shoes before entering the temple it would be ok to take pictures I felt it was inappropriate so I took them from outside. Statues of Buddha line the walls and many candles are lit. No visit to Korea is complete without sampling this part of their culture.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

Chogyesa Temple
45 Gyunji-dong Seoul, South Korea 110-170
+82 (0)2 732 2115

Namsan TowerBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

view from restaurant at end of cable car
This is an observation tower atop Namsan mountain in the center of Seoul. You get to the top via cable car and the cost is 6000 won. In 1998, the exchange rate was 1330 won per U.S. dollar. Korea is fairly mountainous and you get a good view of the landscape from the observation deck. Markers point towards where large cities are located.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Pirate43 guide on December 11, 2000

Namsan Tower
center of Seoul Seoul, South Korea

Getting around town is a snapBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

subway
Seoul has a large number of pedestrian underpasses at intersections. I was glad to see I could avoid crossing the street (very busy). These underpasses serve many purposes. An escape from a sudden downpour, a convenient way to access the subway and large hotels and a place for formal and small time merchants to sell goods. They were always clean, well marked and no crime. The city has maps posted at almost every corner in tourist areas with "You are Here" pointers and maps in English. The hotels also provide good maps of town. I really liked the subway system. I had learned a little Korean but I think even someone with no Korean could get around town on the subway without problem. Each station is well marked and they use color coding to differentiate. You can even catch the subway to Kimpo Airport. I took it as far north as Uijongbu to visit my son at Camp Casey. Taxis are plentiful and don't cost a lot but the subway cars themselves were clean, graffiti free and the people polite. I often saw gentlemen give up their seats to a woman even during rush hour. As a note of interest, you will see standard barbershop poles throughout Seoul. Although the primary purpose of these establishments is barbering, many also serve as establishments geared to please men (if you catch my drift). Don't be surprised if you are propositioned. You can ride most anywhere on subway around Seoul for about 50 cents (450 won)

Palaces inside SeoulBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Changgyonggung Palace
The royal residences here are sprawling and filled with commanding structures. I visited Toksugung Palace which is adjacent to City Hall (a short walk from Hotel President). It has a museum inside with items used by the royal court. The cost is 700 won (less than $1). It's closed on Mondays. phone 752-0735

Kyongbokkung Palace is another huge place. I really enjoyed just standing in the central plaza which is larger than a football field. Subordinates to the ruler had designated spots where to stand. A pecking order. 700 won will get you in here also. If you've a mind to, you can have your picture taken dressed up in ceremonial robes.

Changgyonggung Palace is another royal residence. It is a guided tour and stops at some unusual spots such as the Gateway of Youth (the U.S. fountain of youth counterpart) and the Secret Garden where royalty contemplated affairs of state (our Camp David counterpart). Allow at least several hours at each palace to meander through. Guided tours are in English. Our guide on this one was particularly interested in our impression of President Clinton. At the time the news of his affair with Lewinsky had just become public.

more Namdaemun MarketBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

chickens & rabbits wait their turn
With little or no refrigeration in the market areas it was necessary to have meats/vegetables/seafood/etc as FRESH as possible. Sometimes the edibles were....shall we say "still on the hoof."

About the Writer

Pirate43 guide
Pirate43 guide
Richmond, Virginia

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.