Seoul is the capital of South Korea and the second biggest metropolis in the world (Tokyo ranks as number 1). This city has modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, electronics, a vibrant pop culture (K-pop), Buddhist temples and excellent street food. Here’s a quick guide.
Facts
- Capital: Seoul
- Language: Korean
- Currency: Won (1 € ≅ 1250 KRW)
- Population South Korea: 50.5 million
- Population Greater Seoul: 25.6 million
- Population Seoul: 10.3 million
- Size South Korea: 100.210 km² (2.5 times Holland)
- Size Seoul: 605 km² (2.5 times Amsterdam)
- Daylight saving time: No
- Visas: Not required for most nationalities
- Best time to visit: April – June & Sep – Nov (spring & autumn)
- Visited: 2010 (part of Asia trip)
Seoul
I flew in from Hong Kong to the capital of South Korea. Wow, the airport of Seoul is so convenient and organized. Singapore, Dubai and Seoul are for me the best airports in the world. From the airport you can reach the city centre by subway / train. The subway system of Seoul is extensive! Its subway map looks like a maze. The airport is pretty far out of the city centre so it takes quite some time before you reach the centre (45 min – 1 hr). I changed my Hong Kong dollars to Korean Wons; I feel so rich now, awesome! Well, just fooling myself, lol.
The Palace of Seoul; Gyeongbokgung.
Changing of the guards at Gyeongbokgung.
My first impression of Seoul was excellent; I really like this city! Everything is so convenient, clean and smooth. The city is dynamic and prosperous, but to reach this level of wealth the Koreans have to work hard, really hard. An average of 10 to 11 working hours a day is quite normal here. Seoul is also very advanced with its technology. It felt like I arrived in the world of Total Recal, that’s how high-tech it was! For example: The streets were filled with digital screens on which pedestrians can use Google Maps via a touch screen panel to find their way around Seoul. Maybe nowadays it’s not so special anywhere, but back then (2010) I was amazed!
I love the costumes of the guards.
The costumes are so colorful.
Left: Changing of the guards – Right: Gyeongbokgung has many temples
Korea has more similarities with Japan than with China, which was after spending a full month in China quite a relief. Don’t get me wrong. I really like China, but Korea and Japan just feels a bit more easygoing. For example: In Korea and Japan you feel like you’re part of the community, but in China you know that you’re a foreigner, because everywhere you go, you will be asked by the locals to take a picture with them or tell them your story. Which is completely ok, I’ve no problem with that at all. Makes me feel like a celebrity for the day, lol. Anyway, back to Seoul.
The entrance to Gyeongbokgung, the Palace of Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung is full with squares and temples.
The temples look so peaceful.
One of the reasons why I paid Seoul a quick visit was to meet up with my Korean friend who I met a couple of years ago in Hollywood. Just great to see him again and to be shown around by a local. So, what can you do in Seoul? One of the places which you have to visit is the Palace of Seoul; Gyeongbokgung. It’s a beautiful complex with a variety of temples and squares. Hang around to see the changing of the guards. Their outfit is pretty colorful.
One of the many temples at Gyeongbokgung.
Reflections are always nice.
My favorite temple at Gyeongbokgung.
A visit to the Seoul Tower gives you a great bird’s-eye view of the city. Up here you realize how enormous Seoul is! Unbelievable! Koreans like to shop, they like to shop a lot. Seoul is filled with tons of gigantic shopping malls and long shopping streets. Myeong-dong is a good area for shopping. Big shopping malls are quite common in Asia by the way.
Left: I love these shopping streets with heaps of neon signs – Right: How I wish I could read Korean
The skyline of Seoul.
The view from the Seoul Tower.
And then there was food! Food is why I love to travel and meet new cultures. The Korean cuisine is excellent! I love Korean food! Korean BBQ is really popular and I know why: because it’s just so delicious and cozy. Korean meat is the best. You can’t have your Korean BBQ without a bottle of Soju. It’s the Korean version of wodka and it’s pretty strong. They call it “a friend of life”. A few of my favorite Korean dishes: Bulgogi (beef bbq), Naengmyeon (cold noodles), kimchi and Bibimbap.
I love Korean food! Left: Korean BBQ – Right: Street food
Korean BBQ is the best!
I had quite some difficulties with the Korean style chopsticks. They use metal chopsticks compared to wooden or plastic ones in China / Japan. Also the Korean style chopsticks are a lot thinner. These chopsticks are definitely not for beginners. It’s quite common to take of your shoes before you enter a restaurant, it makes the ambiance very cozy.
Seoul has so many high buildings!
Sejong the Great.
You have to try Korean street foods too, it’s so good! One of the more fun Korean street foods is Daebak. It are small crackers filled with nitrogen, so when you eat them it will release a lot of smoke. Cool smokey snacks!
Left: Haechi, the icon of Seoul – Right: Boulevard of sculptures
Don’t mess with the police in Seoul!
So, that’s it, a quick guide to Seoul. I’m really looking forward to go back to South Korea and see more of this awesome country. Off to Japan!
Wanna see more travel pics? Check out my Photo Gallery
This get’s us so excited to explore around Seoul and other parts of South Korea! Great post!
Thanks guys! You will have a blast in Seoul! Enjoy guys!
Nice written i like it very much my friend!