Korea, "Land of the Morning Calm," is a land of opposites existing in conjunction with each
other. It combines ancient Oriental tradition with modern technology. It’s the
nation which transformed itself to economic power with a lightning speed.
Delight, excitement and rushing adrenaline…all at the same time when I got the news of packing bags for
Seoul? Curiosity took me to internet to google about Seoul. I was in for a cool
shock on seeing heaviest snowfall in South Korea in 70 years. That send the
shivers down my spine. Whatever winter gear I could have taken along with, I
started with that. Such was the landscape on Seoul Airport, everyone instead of
moving out was clicking the pics.

From the Incheon Airport to the Hotel I was welcomed by snow, snow and snow. Only colour I was seeing was "WHITE". Knee height snow was motivating/ demotivating, didn't knew - but I was enjoying. There were cars, bikes - well under the snow, don't believe me - See it for yourself.
I reached the hotel at 8 PM in night; the hotel room was comfortable and was equipped with everything I required. How would you have felt - if your hotel room window places such a view...
Next day I was supposed to report to the office. Excitement was high on account of meeting new friends.
In downtown Seoul, one can find traces of its 5,000 year history in its palaces, city gates, and temples, yet the country is also a rapidly developing nation in terms of industry, trade, and commerce.
Places to see..
- The Seoul Tower : This is the landmark of the city and is visible from most of the city.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream
- Jogey Temple : A small and beautiful Buddhist temple in Jogno, near to my office.
- Chang-Gyeong-Gung Palace
- Suraksan Mountains : Destination for trekking and nature loving enthusiasts.
- War Memorial of Korea
- Bukhansan Mountains
- Namdaemun Market: Take Subway line 4, Hoehyeon station, exit 5 to reach the market which dates back to 1414, time of King Taejong. Walking is the only option to explore this market. This is one market where you can get almost everything at very attractive rates.
- Dongdaemun Market: It is situated on Seoul Subway Line 2 Dongdaemun Stadium Station, or Line 1 or 4 Dongdaemun Station. Dongdaemun is one of the major markets of Korea. From wholesale clothing to a number of fashion malls, one can get anything to everything here at reasonable rates. It is a popular spot amongst foreigners too. Check out the lively Dongdaemun:
City is full of energies, even streets at night are not without the activities. Being in Seoul is fun, meandering in the streets has its own pleasure.
Subway is the best way to travel in Seoul. Almost every part of the Seoul has been connected by Metro train. Seoul Metro is perhaps the best one in the World. Take a map in hand and start exploring. Not only travelling Seoul Subway is host to beautiful shopping arcades, eateries and a lot of happening places to keep you occupied and in good spirits too. Can you imagine this is an entrance to one of the Subway Stations...?
Insadong is a street renowned for the artefacts and antiques. Nice
place to take back the souvenirs from Seoul. Magnificent designs will take you
deep inside the Korean culture.
ITAEWON is a place where you can find a large number of foreigners.
This is a place you will find lots of bars/ pubs and unhindered night
life. Full of activity, you will meet people from around the
world. It’s a pleasure to see different civilizations merge together
as if there is no distance between them. The environment is simply overwhelming;
I have seen some guys leaving their clothes behind, that's funny side. It’s the
place you can meet different civilizations and yeah you can make friends
too. Enjoy guys...
If you admire Indian Food, there are lot of Indian
restaurants too. If you are a cooking enthusiast then there is a shop selling
Indian food stuff/ grocery, by the name "Foreign Food
Mart". Again they say while in Rome,
do as the Romans do. You can enjoy Korean delicacy, you are in Heaven if you
are a "SEA FOOD" lover - you will get whatever you can think of. I
too tried my hands on Korean food in Korea, however last 2 statements are
not correlated. I used to search for Vegetarian Cuisine. The Pancakes,
Waffles stuffed with Strawberry/ Vanilla/ Chocolate cream usually sold at
roadside vendors are simply too yummy to resist. You can keep on having these
and keep on walking around the place, that's amazing combo.
Seoul has hosted Olympics way back in 1988. Sports enthusiast will
not be disappointed, just walk to Sports Complex. One fine Sunday we also went
to watch a basketball match between SK (our company) and Samsung. Atmosphere
was rocking to the extent it could have been. Being the first time I got a
chance to watch such an event, I could not have asked for more. The only grudge
I had after the match is that our team SK lost the match.
I am seeing only big cars here in Seoul. All big cars and SUV's
decorate the roads here. However the Daewoo "Matiz", the Cute small
car still is a pleasure to be seen along with big boys.
My office is around 20 minutes walk from the hotel. Walking down
the streets, wondering around with friends or alone at sometimes is enriching
and enjoyable at the same time. Being alone gives you the freedom of meandering
anywhere, explore anything and moving as per your wish is simply overwhelming.
Check out the time we 3 musketeers have while
walking back to hotel. Sometimes in group, most of the
times alone - nonetheless walking at the nights to my hotel used to be the most
enjoying time of the day. I had the liberty of taking any turn, exploring
whatever used to my way.
I remember the first time I was going around
the Cheonggyecheon Stream with Pushpender, when it started to snow. We had
to take shelter in a nearby shopping store as soon as I came to know that my
mouth was freezing, for a few minutes I was unable to speak anything... The
smile is plastic, only for getting the picture clicked. In reality the cold was
beating the hell out of me...however no problems...it was another amazing
experience of its kind.
Weekends were occupied with outdoor activities, being a trekking
enthusiast mountains used to pop out as a favoured destination. There was no
second thoughts as soon as I got to know about "Suraksan" and
"Bukhansan" mountains. If not the mountains, there is enough activity
all around to keep you occupied... continue exploring and enjoying the South
Korea.
Their commitment to the cleanliness and
discipline is worth appreciating and learning. Korea
amicably shows that everyone has a responsibility towards society and with
everyone's efforts how the countries can get transformed in a short span of
time.
Kudos to the
commitment in South Koreans towards their country...
WOW... I think you are a good tour ambassador of Korea!! There's no Koreans who can introduce Seoul better than you. And you've been more places in Seoul than me. HAHAHA!! ;)
ReplyDeleteNice post! Need to visit this place soon.
ReplyDeleteExceptionally clean, highly disciplined and helpful people. Korea looks like something another world. Make your plans...
DeleteIt was such a beautiful virtual trip to Korea. I dint know that Korea is that much beautiful. Thanks for sharing pics of that sight of korea.
ReplyDelete