9 minute read
Gaya Traveller: Seoul
A Beginner’s Guide to SEOUL
Text & Images by IRNEE NORRIS & IRINA NORRIS
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Malaysians are embracing the K-culture in a big way, from entertainment, to food, to fashion and of course the technology – we are all smitten by South Korea. For the record, we do not consider ourselves staunch followers of K-culture, but we do enjoy the occasional K-drama, love its fried chicken but still cannot tell the difference between BTS and Big Bang. Curiosity led us to South Korea; and we were pleasantly surprised with what this country has to offer.
SEOUL
Seoul Station.
Seoul, its capital city, is incredible, brimming with mouth-watering food, unique attractions and exciting shopping spots. The amount of things to do is endless, and unique experiences await you at every corner. We spent five days in lively Seoul, which is an ample time to have a quick taste of the city. It is one of the cities we do not mind returning, and we are sure that many who have stepped foot in Seoul would feel the same way.
A quick observation amongst our friends confirms this. South Korea seems to be a popular choice of late.
Seoul is the fourth largest metropolitan area in Asia. With over 25.4 million people, the population of Seoul itself could match Malaysia’s population size. In comparison, Kuala Lumpur has only 1.78 million people spread over 94 kilometres squared. That being said, getting around the city using the transportation networks can get a little bit tricky, but makes for an interesting travel experience nonetheless. Just be sure you have easy access to the internet!
Seoul Tips
» Signboards in English is Scarce
Signboards and labels are mostly written in Hangul (Korean Alphabet). Download apps that would help you with translation. We recommend Google Translate. However, most of the locals we came across do speak and understand English.
» T-Money Card
T-Money Card.
Similar to our Touch n Go, T-Money can be used to pay for all your bus, subway and even taxi rides. You can also pay for your convenient store purchases with T-Money. Cards can be purchased for KRW2,500 at convenience stores and stations. Do visit Korea Tourism Organisation Malaysia’s website (www. visitkorea.com.my) for information on good deals. We managed to get our T-Money card for free because we took part in a quick survey on the website.
» Pocket Wi-Fi
Dare we say it - internet is a necessity when travelling in this country. While free Wi-Fi are aplenty, we have found that they are quite unreliable. Since Pocket Wi-Fi are increasingly popular among independent travellers now, travellers can get them easily at competitive rates. We recommend Roaming Man (Malaysia) for its price, connectivity and ease of transaction.
» Wear comfortable shoes
Seoul has many stairs and hills. This is a very important fact to remember. You will also do a lot of walking, so dress sensibly and comfortably.
» Taxi
When your feet are starting to feel like jelly, taxi rides are heaven-sent. Since Seoul is a condensed metropolitan, taxi drivers may not necessarily know your destination. Be sure to have the address and telephone number handy whenever you hail a taxi.
» Download navigation apps
We recommend Naver and Kakao Map to help you find your way around Seoul and planning your day.
» Rent Hanbok
Gain free entry to the palaces in Seoul when you wear hanbok (Korean traditional dress). You can either book online or just walk into any of the rental shops available.
Seoul Icons You Must Visit
» Namsan Tower / N Seoul Tower
Namsan Tower.
This communication and observation tower is the second highest point in Seoul. Apart from the sweeping views of Seoul, there are plenty of restaurants and shops here. Leaving your love locks (padlocks inscribed with the couples name with hopes of everlasting love) here seem to be the most popular things to do. We should warn you that the queue to get into the tower can get really long, so plan your visiting time wisely.
» Cheonggyecheon Stream
Take a stroll down this almost 11-kilometre long stream dotted with interesting things to see along the way. The Cheonggyecheon Stream is an urban renewal project. It starts from Cheonggyecheon Plaza and passes under 22 bridges before flowing into Han River. We went at night and it was a filled with food trucks and performers. Unlike Kuala Lumpur’s River of Life, you can actually touch the water and sit by it.
» Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
This is perhaps the most futuristic and iconic building in Seoul. Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, do challenge yourself to look for a straight line in its archicture, because there is none! At night, thousands of LED roses light up and it surely is a sight to behold. DDP houses a museum, exhibition halls, and shops, among others.
» Geongbokgung Palace
Geongbokgung Palace.
A visit to Seoul will not be complete without visiting the palaces. Since time is limited, do pick Geongbokgung Palace, the main and biggest among the Five Grand Palaces. Do not miss the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony or the Gwanghwamun Gate Guard on Duty Performance – either one happens every hour between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily except on Tuesdays.
» Ewha Womans University
This is hardly a tourist destination, but this university’s unique architecture has attracted many visitors to its grounds. The centrepiece of the university is its unique outdoor staircase and the glass-and-steel walls leading to the steps.
» Starfield Library in COEX Mall
Starfield Library in COEX Mall.
Who would have thought having a library in the middle of a shopping mall could become an attraction? We are no bibliophiles, but the sight of bookshelves soaring two floors high got us excited! You are welcome to sit and browse freely because it is a public library after all. And along with that, the Golden Rule still applies: Be Quiet!
COEX Mall is also home to SMtown, which is SM Entertainment’s culture complex. There is a museum showcasing the company’s many artistes and merchandise shop. Definitely not to be missed if you are an ardent follower of K-Pop!
» Nami Island
Iconic statue at Nami Island.
Do allocate at least half a day for Nami Island. This man-made island is less than two hours away from Seoul. We took the one hour ride ITX train ride from Seoul (Yongsan Station) to Gapyeong Station and from there you can either take the shuttle bus or taxi to Naminara jetty. Entrance to Nami Island is KRW13,000 (about RM50) per adult, which includes a return ferry ride.
Nami Island is beautiful; endless rows of trees made the whole island enchanting with breathtaking views of nature. Every season promises a beautiful background for your holiday photos.
Muslims will be pleased to know that there is a musolla (prayer room) and halal certified restaurant here. There are also various types of accommodations available here should you wish to stay longer in this beautiful island.
Shopping Areas in a Nutshell
A visit to Seoul is definitely not complete without shopping! As an Asian capital of fashion, South Koreans are definitely known for their trendsetting dressing and personal care. There are too many malls and markets to list and suggest; and we personally did not manage to shop much. However, we have noticed that travellers should purchase Korean beauty products (face masks especially), bejewelled brooches, socks, k-pop merchandises, Bingrae banana uyu (milk) and sneakers (FILA is a favourite brand) as souvenirs.
Bingrae banana uyu.
Popular shopping spots include Namdaemun Market, Myeongdong, Insadong, Dongdaemun, and Ewha Womans University street. Daiso stores seem popular for cheap souvenirs.
SAVOUR HALAL KOREAN FOOD!
Alhamdulillah, there are plenty of halal restaurants serving Korean food in Seoul. These are locally owned and run restaurants that we managed to visit and enjoy their food thoroughly.
» Murree Muslim Food Restaurant, Itaewon
This restaurant is a short walk from Seoul Central Mosque. Due to its location, there are plenty of halal restaurants located on the same street.
What we had: Samgyetang (Ginseng chicken soup), Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and Bibimbap (steamed white rice topped with stir-fried meat, vegetables and fried egg).
Address: 140-6 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-qu, Seoul 04407. Tel: +82 23785 1436
» Halal Kitchen
This restaurant is run by a Korean Muslim man named Hassan Lee. There are only two items on the menu: Bulgogi Jeongol (Thinly sliced beef grilled on a stove top griddle) and Samgyetang (Ginseng chicken Soup).
What we had: Bulgogi Jeongol
Address: 86-4 Samcheong-ro, Jongno, Seoul 03053. Tel: +82 733 3106
» Kampungku
This restaurants serves both Korean and Malaysian food at affordable prices. Next door of the restaurant is Kampungku Mart, a supermarket selling halal products.
What we had: Fried chicken, Odeng (fishcake soup), Japchae (stirfried glass noodle) and Bibimbap (steamed white rice topped with stir-fried meat, vegetables and fried egg).
Address: 25, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu Seoul 04629. Tel: +82 2310 9249
» Asian Family Restaurant Dongmoon, Nami Island
This is the only halal certified restaurant on Nami Island, but there are plenty of other food outlets offering Muslim-friendly items on their menu as well.
What we had: Jajangmyeon (noodles with black bean sauce), chicken Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and fried chicken.
Address: 1, Namisun-gil, Namsan-myeon. Tel: +82 31580 8099
