Seoul Off the Beaten Path Tips by Hmmmm

A really good way to learn to read the Korean script hangeul, is to ride the subway. And match the signs with the translations and there pronunciation over the loud speaker.

And while you are travelling the subway, you can get off at random stops. This station Nowon, is one of the nicer areas of Seoul, it has a small town feel about it, Even though its the most populous suburb in Seoul. And its nestled beneath some nice mountains.

Check it out. A good ex-pat community lives there.

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Its quite easy to become lost in the myriad of apartment buildings, subway stations, shopping centres and urban entities that make up Seoul. It isn't until one ascends one of the many mountains that surround Seoul
(in this case Suraksan), does one really grasp the enormity of this city.

Its massive. Its the thrid largest urban agglomeration on earth, after Tokyo and New York City respectfully.

I would recommend hiking during the week, because weekends, the mountains around Seoul become crammed with middleaged hikers wearing amking clothes, Norwegian socks and carrying enough gear to scale k2. You've been warned.

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KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE: MIN SEOK CHON.

This Place is soooo much fun, and sooooo interesting. Great place to take pictures, see Traditional korean crafts, culinary tradition, architectural, culture history and cultural heritage. I love coming out here.

Ok some guff: The Korean Folk Village opened in October 1974 as an open-air folk museum and international tourist attraction for both Korean and foreign visitors. Due to its proximity to Seoul, it remains one of the best-known of Korea's folk villages, although those in the countryside tend to be more authentic.

Performances of Farmers' Music and Dance and Tightrope Acrobatics are performed in the performing arena twice a day. During spring, summer, autumn, and on weekends and holidays, traditional customs and ceremonies for coming-of-age, marriage, funeral, ancestor memorial, and other ceremonies are recreated. Check the schedule of the day's events near the main entrance. Try to arrive early for each performance to get a good viewing position.

Set in a natural environment of over 240 acres, visitors can experience an authentic atmosphere with over 260 traditional houses reminiscent of the late Joseon Dynasty. Also included are various household goods from the different regions. All these features have been relocated and restored to provide visitors with a general view of Korean food, clothing, and housing styles from the past. In over a dozen workshops, visitors can see artisans practice their handicraft skills in pottery, basket and bamboo weaving, paper making, and many other traditional arts. Watch as these master craftsmen (and women) create beautiful designs in brass, embroidery, iron, and clay.

I sooooo recommend a foray into Kyonggi Do to see this fascinating village.

Bus:
(from Seoul)
10-1 (from Shangdawon)
100-2, 1116 (From Chamsil-Pundang)

(from Suwon)
37, 59 (from Suwon station )
Free shuttle (from Suwon subway station)

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In Spring this park is ablaze with blossoms; notably Cherry Blossom and fragrant Magnolias. Its a wonderful place for a stroll.

The park in addition to garden also houses, a small zoo, an aviary and an Ape/Monkey House.

However I wouldn't go during the weekend, for it is chocka with families and screaming mee mees or should I say Children. The best time to visit is during the week in the evening. There are a couple of Kimbab type restaurnats there too, if you are peckish. You can even buy beer there and sit down and sup.

Outside the main gate (which is a beautiful traditional style gate) there are venders who sell steamed crab, barbeque Chicken on Skewers (Dukh Gutchi) and raw squid with hot sauce.

Childrens Grand park Station is on the Olive line or line number 7, one stop north of Konguk University station.

From The kangnam/Sinsa dong area you can take the #567 bus, or from Tongdaemun the #225 Bus.

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When you walk out of Insadong heading North you will come to a main road, one which, if you head east you will get to Daehungno, if you head west, you'll reach Kyoungbuk Palace, however if you somehow manage to cross and meander a little you will end up in Anguk Dong.

Anguk Dong wasn't much awhile ago, but recently it is cleaning up. Why? Well, Anguk Dong is one of the few areas of Seoul that wasn't flattened during the Korean War, in layman's terms, it is full of old style architecture.

It has been a residential area for years, nestled quietly beneath the western shadows of Bukhan mountain, but now it has been discovered. Ritzy restaurants, and dinky jazz bars are moving in, bringing with them much needed restoration money.

But away from the main streets, there are still the old upper class residential houses of yester year to appreciate (or should I say depreciate :oP) in their natural splendour. give it a burl. And when you've finished your stroll, go and have a cup of tea in a restored korean style Villa now tea house. BTW The Cheonhwa dae (the Blue House or the republic of Korea Presential house) is in Anguk Dong).

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