Seoul Things to Do Tips by ClarkRB

Itaewon District

You could choose to shop, or choose to watch the stupid guys trying to get a girls attention, and be turned down. The latter being my favourite. I prefer to shop in P'yongtaek as it is. But it's still a hoot to come down here from time to time.

This area is just adjacent to this Yongsan Military Post. Take a subway to get here, the stop under the same name. Many restaurants, nightcvlubs, and shopping occurs here, mainly with foreigners like Japanese and westerners, some russians too.

It's not the true Korea feel. You won't get that here. but if you are here for an extended amount of time, this is a decent place to go to if you're missing home and want a little piece of it.

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Directions: From Itaewon Intersection to Itaewon Hotel (Itaewon-ro St., Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)

Namsan (South Mountain) and Seoul Tower: Namsan Tower (Seoul Tower)

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Written by ClarkRB

on Jul 4, 2004

Seoul Tower

For those who have been to the CN Tower in "Bore-onto" and the Space Needle in Seattle would truly appreciate the Seoul Tower on top of Namsan Mountain.

Namsan is smack in the middle of Seoul. A perfect location considering it gives 360 view of one of the largest cities in the world. Lots of activities at the top of the tower, to include a gift shop with some local and wordly knicknacks. Why go to Kenya to buy things from Kenya when you can buy it here ;-)

Like Mount Useless does for Chu'chon, Namsan will help you find you way in Seoul, because you WILL get lost while here.

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Korea Calligraphy Hall: Korea Calligraphy Hall

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Written by ClarkRB

on Jul 5, 2004

Cal-Hall / Seoul-si

Also located in Seoul, the Calligraphy Hall gives a look ito how the Korean language "Hangul" was developed, and how over time it has changed.

I apologise as I don't remember the exact direction. I used a cab about 10 months before i wrote this tip. I'd check it out if you're crazy about languages and culture as I am. Hangul is an amazing language, and it's older than most of ours.

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Things To Do: Seoul from a blackhawk helicopter

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Written by ClarkRB

on Jul 5, 2004

Seoul from the blackhawks

What a view. Unreal. It's one thing to fly in to Seoul in a 747. Most of the time it happens all to quickly, and the airport is too far from the city to truly get this view. It's another thing to drive or ride through the city, as it is huge, but you cannot appreciate how large it is. Same with the Seoul Tower. You get an idea, but not to the calibur of flying in a helicopter.

I have a buddy in the United States Army that took me up for a ride and gave me a tour of Seoul that most don't get. From 1,000 feet up. It's truly helps you appreciate the size. Makes you wonder how much bigger she is going to get before they will have to ask North korea for some land ;-)

Chances are, none of you will be in the country long enough to befreind a pilot in the USA Army, unless you're over here contracted, on a buddist stay, or you are one of those numberous Canadian teachers in this counry that I seem to run into all the time. If you are here, find a friend in the business and get the hook up. Worth every minute. Don't go on a high turbulence day though, otherwise you will have the "3rd dimensional technicolour yawn"

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Things To Do: Olympicgyo Bridge

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Written by ClarkRB

on Jul 30, 2004

Olympicgyo

Olympicgyo is one of the many bridges that cross the Han river to the expanded parts of Seoul. This one of course is named after the Olympics, but there is a bigger story to it.

See those wires on the top of the bridge? An American Army helicopter helped place those up there. They lost their lives doing so. The helicopter placed the massive wires on top of this bridge, then, as the helicopter departed, the blades caught the wires, sending the helicopter and the passengers crashing into the river below.

The bridge was never renamed after the pilots who lost their life serving a request to place these wires on the top. This is a slap in the face if you ask me.

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'88 Olympic Park: 1988 Olympic Relics

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Written by ClarkRB

on Jul 30, 2004

Olympic Park

Seoul played host to the Summer Olympics in 1988. Seems so long ago now that I think back. I never thought I'd be here when watching them on TV when I was 11 years old.

Now that the Olympics are gone from Seoul, all the stadiums left behind serve a purpose here and there. Today, the purpose it served for me was a mindset. Remembering 1988 when the games were here. When times seemed tough, but when compared to today, the times were easier. Olympics bringing the world together, when it is farther apart than ever.

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City Hall: Downtown Seoul

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Written by ClarkRB

on Jul 31, 2004

Downtown Seoul

It is a rarity to capture what is considered "Downtown Seoul." A city filled with 13 Million, and apartments that give the impression that skyscrapers are everywhere. However, the actual downtown skyscraper section can be found, and is definitely a must capture in terms of your city photo collections.

A large golden tower reaches into the sky, but the smog and rain of the day do not allow me to see that magic. I had to actually contrast this photo just to make out the skyscrapers. It seems everytime I am in Seoul, the visibility does not play in my favour to get a good photo. Either way, take what you can, for many times even this shot will be unavailable from 3 km away.

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Directions: Subway Line 1 or 2 to City Hall Station

Things To Do: Uijeongbou Arts Centre

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Written by ClarkRB

on Jul 3, 2004

Sign for Uijianbou Arts Centre

AT least this place has some culture. Located on the Station throughfare, the Uijionbou Arts Centre features Korean art from past dynasties as well as some North Korean exibits, and some workshops on Korean Paper.

I doubt many of you plan to leave Seoul other than to go to the DMZ. But if you're in the region, doesn't hurt to give it a look.

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Things To Do: Buddist Temples

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Written by ClarkRB

on Jul 3, 2004

Buddist Temple in Kyonggi-do

Yes, those are Nazi symbols you see on them. But that does not mean that this area is filled with anti-semitic germans. They are buddist temples. Unlike the cross or the star of David, you'll see many buddist worship areas and temples marked with Buddah Statues and the Nazi Symbol.

We were going quick as I tried my best to grab this shot. We did not have time to stop this time, but I have been to these before. They are georgeous to say the very least.

This particular temple is in Uijiangbou, but the ones I have been to are in Kangwon-do Province, to include the Woljeongsa Temple. They have a temple stay every year for a 2 day stay from November 29-30 where you will visit the Sungbo Museum.

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Gyeongbokgung (Palace): Gyeongbokgung Palace

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Written by ClarkRB

on Oct 15, 2006

by ClarkRB , 4 more photos