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FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT
Home to more than half of South Korea’s citizens, Seoul is a bustling metropolis that has skyrocketed to the forefront of world fashion, pop culture and technology. As the world’s most wired city, it promises infinite vacation- worthy possibilities, waiting to be discovered. Its three massive amusement parks, Lotte world, Everland and Seoul Land, number among these recreational favourites.
For a varied choice of family fun, Lotte world is a promising pick. The park plays host to hair-raising rides like the Gyro Swing and the French Revolution. Kids will love
fun rides like The Bumping Jester bumper cars and the underground waterway of the Adventures of Sinbad.
You can also head indoors for a bit of shade and cool off by the massive ice-skating
rink. Explore the numerous attractions in the indoor Adventure park or seize the chance
to clinch a few good souvenirs or get some shopping done.
MAKEUP MECCA
A retail experience in South Korea is incomplete with a visit to the Myeongdong district. A beauty haven for cosmetic lovers, many travel to Korea just to stock up on their world-class beauty products. Big name Korean brands like Innisfree and TheFaceShop are situated walking distance from each other, with many outlets offering handfuls of samples for the taking.
Drop off at the easily accessible Myeong- Dong subway station and trail the streets to shop affordable beauty and glamour products to your heart’s content. Check in with the
retail staff in each store for tourist-friendly deals. Many outlets offer tax-free claims, so look out for possible cost cutters.
CAFÉ-HOPPING
A must if you’re in Seoul, explore the countless cafes peppering the streets of Garosu-gil or inject a little spontaneity into your trip and step into any quaintly decorated diner along the way. You’ll find everything from cat cafes to the Dreamy Camera Café,
a two-storey establishment shaped like a vintage camera.
Pamper your palate with the decadent confectionary on offer, from layered rainbow cream cakes to soft-serve topped with mini macaroons and cotton candy. Don’t skip out on the Bingsoo, a refreshing ice-cold dessert with a shaved ice base, embellished with toppings like syrup, condensed milk and even fudgy brownie chunks.
For something a little more authentically Korean, the BBQ is a must-try. Now a region- wide craze, Korean BBQ is an experience in and of itself. A typical barbecue eatery gives you a rich selection of meats to grill, from black-pepper beef to tender wine-soaked pork belly. With generous servings of soup, kimchi and other tantalising side dishes, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED
It’s not all towering skyscrapers and blazing lights in Seoul. Traditional markets like the one found in Gwangjang still give you a glimpse into Korea as it is, without the bells and whistles. While a trip along the iconic Han River is a must, consider a detour under a lush canopy of trees in Seoul Garden or Boramae Park.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the famed cherry blossoms, the Songpa Naru Park between April and May is the perfect place to get a few picturesque snaps.
28 JANUARY 2017
GETTING THERE
Getting to Seoul from more heavily populated regions
like Busan is a breeze with
the Korean Train Express (KTX). Racking up a speed of 300km/hr, travelling from one city to another is just a matter of 2 or 3 hours.
Express buses are also there to shuttle you between Seoul and other locales untouched by the KTX railway. Choose between economy and premium options for prices upward of AU$3.