With its mix of ancient and modern,
South Korea is a fascinating and fast-
changing nation that has something to
amuse and entertain the whole family.
sounds. These markets also afford an
opportunity to eat with the locals, or
at least ogle at the offerings.
Lively Insadong is teeming with
trinkets, tea shops and galleries, whilst
cosmopolitan Itaewon, the foreigners’
hub, has international shops and
restaurants. Gadget geeks should
make a beeline for Samsung D’light,
the major electronics conglomerate’s
digital playground, for trying out the
latest technology.
If shopping proves tiring, the
city’s numerous spas, many of which
are open 24 hours a day, will help you
soothe away the stress.
The great outdoors
Luckily, Seoul is full of greenery and
parks to rest or run off some steam.
Get an easy dose of nature along
Cheonggyecheon, a revamped, nearly
nine-kilometre-long, downtown
stream. You can literally and
figuratively hop, skip and jump over
this canal oasis. Visit by day for fun
photos stepping across the stones or be
dazzled by its nightly light shows.
Walk up Namsan hill (or catch the
bus) at dusk to see the city’s dazzling
neon display, with the option to
visit the N-Seoul Tower. The area is
popular for picnics, and many young
couples visit to attach a “love lock”
padlock to the fence at the top.
Adventure-seekers can take a
trip out of town to hike the ancient
fortress walls of Bukaksan Mountain
for panoramic views of the city. Active
types can hire bikes to cycle for miles
along the Han River’s grassy banks, or
find green family fun at Seoul Grand
Park. Summer swimming is possible
along the Han, with river cruises
running all year.
Food for the Seoul
If your senses are overloaded or the
family is footsore, there are plenty of
places to rest and soak up the scene
whilst sampling Seoul’s food. Whilst
it can certainly be spicy, the cuisine
is usually simple and healthy. The
city seems to teem with restaurants at
all hours of the day and night, with
eating opportunities to suit all budgets
and palates.
Everyone knows about Korea’s
national obsession – the ubiquitous
kimchi
(
fermented vegetables). Hot
(
literally) on kimchi’s heels is the red
hot pepper paste known as
gochujang
.
This is a nation that lives to eat.
Rice and noodles of all varieties are
mainstays at meals, as are dumplings.
Kids will love
bibimbap
,
a messy, tasty
mixture of vegetables on top of rice
and meat, covered with an egg.
For a fun experience, dine at a
Buddhist restaurant for a multiple-
course (vegetarian) feast, where
the dishes come thick and fast. In
traditional eateries you may get to
sit on floor cushions and dine off low
tables. Sharing is in order as many
dishes are made for communal eating.
If you’ve had your fill of
fiery dishes, sample Seoul’s sweet
sensations, from pancakes to rice cakes
to palate-cooling green tea ice cream.
Many local treats are sold on the
street, making for great snacks.
Whilst coffee is becoming
increasingly popular, especially with
trendy youths, the tea houses in
Insadong serve the traditional brew in
traditional style. Wander round the area
and take your pick from the bewildering
array of teas. Cute cafes also abound in
characterful Samcheongdong. If you
are after something a little stronger,
mums and dads can sample
soju
,
the
Korean “vodka”, or sip local beer.
With its mix of ancient and
modern, South Korea is a fascinating
and fast-changing nation that has
something to amuse and entertain the
whole family. If you’re searching for
an interesting short-haul destination
with plenty to see and do – plus plenty
to eat and drink – seek out Seoul.
February 2013
69