Gypsy Jetsetter: SEOUL: A City Guide – Perspectives

While it is still too early to see the positive global outcome of the G20 summit in Seoul, it has had one immediately impactful positive effect – the increased exposure of the dynamic city of Seoul in world news headlines. It looks like Obama started a trend! Or as The New York Times puts it so eloquently, “Seoul is the new Tokyo.”

TEMPLES, VILLAGES & PALACES

While there are many sights to see in Seoul, a few top ones I would recommend are:

JOGYESA BUDDHIST TEMPLE

The headquarters of the Jogye Buddhist Order, Jogyesa Temple is “an oasis of spiritual peace” in the heart of bustling Seoul. Built in 1910, Jogyesa is the only traditional temple located within the four gates that delineated old Seoul, according to Visit Seoul. What I really respect and admire about Buddhism is that it is a peaceful way of life, with a strong focus on individual spiritual development.

Photo credit: visitseoul.net

Photo credit: Photoshelter.com

KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE

One of the most unique attractions I’ve seen, and that I definitely recommend, is the Korean Folk Village. This place is huge (relatively), and really takes you back in time, giving outsiders a peak into what life was once like on the peninsula. It is really beautifully crafted, with authentic old houses and attire, and is a must-see!

Photo credit: nikkiinkorea.blogspot.com

More information can be found at http://www.koreanfolk.co.kr/

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395, destroyed by Japan in the 1500′s and later rebuilt.

Photo credit: superstock.com

Photo credit: meredithlewis.co.uk

A LITTLE MIDNIGHT SHOPPING

Koreans love to shop. With a wide array of choices from beautiful large department stores by Hyundai and Lotte, and malls like COEX, I must say that the marketplaces are hands-down my favorite. This is perhaps more gypsy than jet-setter, but they’re authentic. You can find tons of trinkets, beautiful sparkly hair pins and costume jewellery, to clothing and leather goods, to everything you didn’t know you needed. A few great ones are Dongdaemun, Namdemun – open all night in case you’re in the mood for a little 1am shopping trip; Insadong, a great antique market with teashops, restaurants, art galleries and traditional craft shops; and finally Yongsanelectronics market, If you thought the west was technologically advanced, come to Korea. I don’t even know how to turn the lights on and off there! Everything is either by remote control or key codes and whatever awesome gadget you have is so five years ago in Seoul (perhaps excluding certain apple products). Some shopping area images are below:

Photo credit: english.seoul.go.kr

Photo credit: u86.net

FOOD & DRINK & A LITTLE KARAOKE…

Korean food is healthy, with lots of vegetables, plant roots, meat, fish, and steamed rice, but be careful as it can be very spicy! Below is an image of traditional Korean barbecue. The best thing about Korean cuisine is that it comes with all the side dishes and yet the food is still light. Some dishes do have an acquired taste, but Westerners like one of my oldest and dearest friends Annie love the staple of Korean food – kimchi (fermented cabbage). After dinner, Koreans love to go out for a drink, so there are plenty of fun bars and norebang, or karaoke places around the city to go with friends.

From the book: Korean Cuisine by Yongja Kim. Photo credit: Erin Gleeson

From the book: Korean Cuisine by Yongja Kim. Photo credit: Erin Gleeson

From the book: Korean Cuisine by Yongja Kim. Photo credit: Erin Gleeson

From the book: Korean Cuisine by Yongja Kim. Photo credit: Erin Gleeson

For a little insider glimpse into South Korea:

Video credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsR5xek7HHU&feature=player_embedded

IF YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW MORE…

• Official tourism info can be found at visitseoul.net.
• A great video and history of how far South Korea has come in the last 50 years can be found on this blog ilookchina.net.
• One of Seoul’s greatest exports, and greatest cooking geniuses, Yongja Kim.
• If you’re interested in a concise summary of key points of the G20 summit, this can be found at telegraph.co.uk.

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About Tai Yuni