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Seoul search

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-11-15 10:53

South Korea's capital offers a mix of culture, history, food and scenery. Three China Daily reporters hop on the subway to explore.

Now that the G20 summiteers have addressed the world's problems and left town, Seoul beckons "ordinary" travelers with no worries about heavy security and re-routed traffic.

The city has long lured tourists from China, especially Beijing. It's close enough for a weekend jaunt, and the average airfare makes it a cheap international destination.

And there's lots to see and do - and eat! Top attractions on our list include the Nanta Theater show (see top story) and:

Gyeongbokgung (top photos): The best of Seoul's royal palaces (there are five downtown, all with cheap admission). One of Gyeongbokgung's inner rooms is reportedly where an early emperor many centuries ago developed the Korean hangul writing system, which Koreans are fiercely proud of. Just east of the palace is the Changdeokgung garden, a World Heritage Site.

Bugaksan (center left photo): A half-day hike in the national park north of the palace takes you 342 meters up the area's tallest peak. Your reward for that exercise: Fantastic views from the top - actually fantastic views from just about everywhere, even if you don't want to go all the way to the top. The slopes are dotted with temples, and there's a good chance you'll be invited to join in a lively Korean picnic with fellow hikers. An awesome bonus: You can take the city's subway to get to the mountain.

Dongdaemon and Namdaemon (bottom photos): Two old city gates, with many small marketplaces in the side streets packed with vendors of food, inexpensive T-shirts, hats and other souvenirs. Hardened China expats will find bargaining easy here. Chinese is spoken by many vendors.

Insadong: A newer market that lures foreign visitors with a mix of art galleries, cafes and restaurants, including some terrific Korean barbecue. Nearby there's a section of town called Bukchon Hanok Village, filled with traditional Korean architecture and more hip cafes and small galleries, including Korea House (center right photo).

Cheonggyecheon: This stream near Insadong is a happening place at night. You can walk along it for some distance, lots of young people, couples, musicians, great atmosphere along a waterfront aglow with lights.

Itaewon international district: Our team was split on this one - it's super-touristy and a hangout for out-on-the-town US soldiers stationed in the area. But you can go to a bar and be sure the staff all speak at least some English. It's kind of like Beijing's Sanlitun or Shanghai's Nanjing Road East.

Itaewonland, a classic and relaxing nude spa, is on the main drag of Itaewon. Follow a huge set of stairs, maybe 50 steps, to hot tubs, saunas and a plentiful supply of Korean-style food. (Address: 732-20 Hannam-dong Youngsan)

Authentic Korean food: Dolsot bibimbap - a hot stone pot with mixed rice, vegggies, egg and red-pepper paste - was a grand feast, but you also shouldn't miss Korean barbecue and seafood pajeon (pancake).

Mike Peters, Steve Hubrecht and Tim Campbell contributed to this story.