Seoul Things to Do Tips by itsCharlie

stop in for some shade Tapgol Park Review

This is a nice park on the edge of insadong. There's a preserved pagoda maybe two stories high, the independance monument and lots of old Korean men hanging out and playing games.

Address: Jongno-3-ga

Directions: Near Insadong, at Jongno-3-ga Station

Bike along the Han Hangang Shimin Gong-won - Han River Citizens' Park Review

There are miles and miles of bike paths along the Han river and although the path is very closer (and usually under!) the freeway- it's surprisingly a nice change of pace. You can rent a bike for around $5 and drop it off at any of the locations for a fee. I rode from Oksu to Yioido island in about an hour. Watch out for the serious cyclists who come ripping through!

Address: Han River

Haewa

Cool area to check out is Haewa. It's kind of the Drama/Art student area since it's close to the uni. There are lots of theaters showing usually Korea plays but sometimes English or no language required. I like to go for the atmosphere- good food and market deals. There is always some performance going on. OH and did I mention~ outdoor Patios to eat and drink! Nice in the summer. There's also a Philipino market down by the Catholic church which can be interesting.

Address: Blue line- Hyehwa station.

Directions: follow the crowd around or check out the park.

You know you're running low on ginseng... Namdaemun - Great South Gate Review

So- head to The oldest Market in Korea. It's not what I would call "traditional" but some do. It's definetly interesting though. You can buy anything here and always at a deal. You're not going to find any high fashion here(unless you stop into the Department store for some Gucci) but some wicked ajumma gear down these twisting side streets of the market. Have fun, get lost and buy something you weren't expecting.

Address: downtown

Directions: Hoehyeon subway station line 4.(exit five) Or it's a short and great walk from Myeongdong past the bank of Korea and some kind of independance fountain.

Namsangol Traditional Village Namsangol Hanok Village Review

It's not as good as the Suwon village (which I'm still trying to make it to) but it's pretty good during festivals and such. Recreations of how well-off city folk used to live back in the day. Seens in my pics are an old guy making duk (traditional rice"cake") and a young girl trying the get her fortune read my throwing sticks. It's free.

Address: Near Namsan tower

Directions: Chungmuro station- line 3 and 4. Exit 3. Go through the gates.

Best Museum in Seoul Korean War Memorial Review

I'm not much of a war buff, but seriously, the War Museum is actually great! I've been to a few museums in Seoul which were very disapointing (little to no info about anything) but the War museum covers all Wars that Korea was ever involved in (which is pretty much their whole history). It gives a good insight and also has a life size replica of what Korea was like after the war that you can walk through as well as a turtle War ship.

Address: Near Itaewan

Directions: Subway Line 4 or 6 at Samgakji Station. You can also walk from Itaewan.

Not just for shopping... Insadong Review

Insadong really has a great atmosphere- yes it feels a little created for the tourists, but it's not really that bad- I enjoy stopping by once and a while. There are street performances, tons of art and galleries and food- both in restaurants and on the street. Also tea houses every where you turn.- Seem a little pricy, but that's cause you're getting a whole pot. Be sure to stop by Topgol park while you're there.

Address: Downtown

Directions: Get there from Jongo-3-ga subway on line 3-5-1 conversion. Or at Anguk station on line 3.

Soak up the history Gyeongbokgung Palace Review

The palace is a must see when you're in Seoul. It's almost comparable to a "little forbidden city". If you time it right - you can also see a changing of the guards ceremony (where the guards wear cheesy glue on mustaches!) and the King and his entourage wander around the palace. (pretty cool) Cal 02-1330 to ask when it is. (a few times a day)

Address: Downtown

Directions: Get off at Gyeongbukgung station- line 3. You're there.
Or you can walk from Insadong- Go up to the end of Insadong street and turn left. It's about 2 blocks down the street.

Neon Sincheon Sinchon Review

Sincheon is one of my fav. areas and you can easily walk to ewha. (It's a univerity area) Daytime has got shopping and tons of restaurants, cheap and good sushi! Ewha is currently getting a facelift so it looks like it's going a bit more upscale right now. At night Sincheon keeps going with about a four block square of non-car (seposed to be) streets, bars, hofs and retaurants. An expat favorite is "the bar" and my own person of course is the mushroom bong bar! You'll know it when you see it. Wander around... try out the punchies or your shooting skills. (it's a little like a carnival)

Address: Sincheon

Directions: Head out behind the Hyndai Department store and follow the lights and crowds

Joins the masses and hike a mountain Bukhansan Mountain Review

Hiking is definetly a favorite Korean passtime, and it's something that everyone should endulge in at least once while in Korea. The East coast mountains are much larger and more beautiful, but you can easily hike one of the many mountains right in Seoul. It is a day long activity and you'll probably pass out early that night, but it's really not THAT hard if you're in reasonable shape. You'll have to pay a small fee when entereing the park and just follow the crowds from the subway.

Address: Look up.

Directions: There is a good mountain at the west end of line 6 and also at the northern end of lines 4,5,7 where they meet. I've been to the later twice.