Seoul Journals

Kansa Hamnida

An April 2006 trip to Seoul by garbdoubt19

National Folk Museum of Korea Photo - National Folk Museum of Korea, Seoul, South Korea

Quote: Getting around and having fun in Seoul.

1 Photo

Kansa Hamnida

Overview

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Our day in Seoul consisted of the Itaewon market district, the Seoul Tower on Mount Namsan, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the National Folk Museum. We ended our Seoul adventure where it started, at the Dongwha Duty Free and Koreana Hotel, where we boarded the next KAL limousine bus bound for Incheon Airport, as we were scheduled to fly to Manila at about 8pm that day.

The kids loved the National Folk Museum and Gyeongbokgung Palace. They also loved riding the Seoul City Tour bus and the KAL Limousine bus, which was an experience they're normally not exposed to. It was refreshing for us to know that our kids enjoyed Seoul despite us not taking them to any kid-oriented places. We might have to make it up to them next time...perhaps with a visit to Lotte World?

We all love Korean food, at least the mainstream food and most popular dishes such as bulgogi, galbi, and especially bibimbap (in particular, the way it's served on Korean Airlines). So, you can imagine how psyched we were when cut loose into the heart of Korea! The first time I was in Seoul, the tour guide took us to a traditional Korean restaurant in downtown Seoul. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the restaurant, much less how to get there without a tour guide. This trip into Seoul wasn't quite as productive as the first one in terms of food, as we were at the Seoul Tower cafe at lunchtime. Unless you're willing to shell out upwards of 80,000 won at the Seoul Tower, you have to settle for the "Western" style cafe there. We did get to have a significant amount of Korean food at Incheon Airport for breakfast and dinner on that day, though.

Quick Tips:

I'd highly recommend Seoul to anyone who wants to experience the Asian culture without the crowds, heat, and language barrier you'd find at most other popular cities in Asia.

Best Way To Get Around:

It's easy to get around the city, with a bit of preparation you can easily get over the Internet, and despite not knowing any of the language. Seoul's infrastructure is pretty English-friendly, with signs having both Korean and English translations. It's a pretty clean, safe city as well. The people are extremely friendly, and easy to talk to. Although most Koreans don't seem to speak English very well, that same proportion of Koreans can understand what an English-speaking tourist is asking about. And if you feel that you really need to do a tour with a guide...from my experience the guides in Seoul and Incheon are great. Read Less

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Seoul City Tour Bus

Attraction

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A great way to get around and see all the tourist highlights of Seoul, without having to get familiar with the subway or taking taxis.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 1, 2006

Seoul City Tour Bus
Seoul
Seoul, South Korea

Cheer!
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National Folk Museum of Korea

Attraction

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A great museum at a great price (free with admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace). Gives great insight into the life and culture of Korea, and if you time your visit right you'll get to see a taekwondo or sword exhibition in front of the museum.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 1, 2006

National Folk Museum of Korea
1-1 Sejongro Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea 110-050
+82 (0)2 3704 3114