"The Soul of Seoul" a Seoul Travel Page by olddude

I spent 8 years living all over Korea. I will give detail on the whole country at a later date or by request from members to specific questions. I speak, read and write Korean so I may have some insight that most foreigners do not have. I am also African-American so that adds even more to the mix. I tend to not blend well on the street. I have attended Yonsei University in the Shinchon part of Seoul and have also lived further south in the Pyongtaek area. I call it my second home, because every time I get to go back, I am treated like family at every turn. I also lived in Japan for a few years, but I prefer Korea just for the warmness of the people; especially outside the big cities. I have made many friends there who will be friends for life.

If you have ever been to New York City, then you are aware that it has buroughs; destinctive areas with famous names....Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan (not sure if it really is a burrough), etc. Seoul is much the same way. It has the Yongsan/Itaewon area, Myongdong, Dongdaemun, Insadong, Hongdae and Apkejung areas just to name a few. Each area has its own distinctiveness much like NYC's areas have theirs. For instance, Insadong is loaded with antique, and art stores as well as tea and coffee shops; much like Soho in NY. Apkejung is loaded with all the exclusive shops and businesses mush like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills California (there is even a Rodeo Shopping Street). Hongdae is where the college kids hang out and party. The list goes on on and on. The beauty of it is, that it can all be reached via subway for just a couple of dollars US!