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Seoul
Sections
Seoul
has many facets for many different tastes. Try Shinchon for a
taste of college life. Cruise Gwanghuamen for downtown flair.
Visit Itaewon for a real cosmopolitan experience. Whatever your
mood or taste, Seoul definitely has something for you.
Downtown
Seoul (City Hall, Guanghuamun)
You
can visit many attractions that are close to each other in downtown
Seoul. For example, right in the heart of Seoul is Gyeongbukgung
(Gyuhngbookgoong) Palace. This is the main royal palace. City
Hall is in front of a traffic circle that frequently puts up displays
for different events. Kyobo Books has one of the largest selection
of books in Korea, including a large English book section. There
are books in other languages as well including French, Spanish,
Japanese and Russian. You can reach these areas by getting off
at the City Hall and Guanghuamun exits.
Namdaemun
This
area is yet another one of Seoul's busy market areas and it is
just a few minutes walk from the South Gate, which dates back
to the Joseon Dynasty. Namdaemun is the main focal point for sales
and trading transactions between city and rural areas of South
Korea. This massive open-air market setting is host to millions
of items from A-Z. You can reach this area by Subway Line 4, on
the Seoul Station.
Dongdaemun
This
area of Seoul is a busy marketplace area where just about anything
an be found. Several mall facilities are located here. Stores
are open well into the late hours of the night. Many discounts
can be found here too, when comparison shopping for the same or
highly similar products typically found in other area retail locations.
Reach this area on Subway Line 4, Dongdaemun
Stadium Station.
Gangnam
(Also known as Kangnam)
Gangnam
is a modern area with high-end housing, shopping and business.
The World Trade Center and the huge COEX Mall are located here.
Roads in Gangnam-gu
are wider than other areas of Seoul. Excellent public transportation
modes, including buses, subways, and taxis, make it convenient
to connect with other areas of Seoul. For more info, go to Gangnam's
home page.
The Coex
Mall
Itaewon
EnjoyItaewon.com
This is the international section of Seoul, where foreigners go
to meet each other. It is right next to the Yongsan Army post.
Take the subway, Line 6 to Itaewon, or ask any cab driver. Many
buses go to this section as well. There are clinics, services
and shopping for foreigners there as well.
Itaewon has
about 2,000 different shops to chose from. This area is also a
special tourism zone. You can find Itaewon on the subway system
by taking line 6, Itaewon Station.
Itaewon is
a popular area for foreigners who live and work near the US Army
facility and for tourists in general. This area is a crowded and
busy location where many things can be purchased. It is not uncommon
to see US military personnel or motorcades involving various diplomatic
vehicles passing through this area. US Military Police assistance
is available at the local police department as the US Army MP's
have a desk there. ATM's are easily found as are money exchange
facilities all along Itaewon. Many tailors do custom made suits,
shirts, and other garments. In this same area are several residences
for various diplomats, the UN, the EU and other governmental operations.
Itaewon can be dangerous. It has many prostitutes, pickpockets
and fights. However, if you pay attention to your surroundings
and avoid trouble, you should be fine.
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