SEOUL (January 2014)

JANUARY 2014 ￦ 5,000 / US$ 4.99

www.seoulselection.com

ISSN: 1599-9963

ISSUE NO. 126

NEW MENU AT W SEOUL'S WOOBAR P.43

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC IN SEOUL P.35

SOMERSET PALACE SEOUL OFFERS A COMFY STAY P.6

ZEN AT DONGGUK UNIVERSITY INT'L SEON CENTER P.7

P26-29

KOREAN MEDICAL SERVICES GO GLOBAL P12-13

SEOUL’S TOP SPAS

P16-17

MT. SEORAKSAN GLISTENS

P32-33

ARTIST CHOE U–RAM AT MMCA ACROSS THE TUMEN: N. KOREAN KKOTJEBI’S P.38 QUEST INT'L COUNSELING & COACHING P.40 SERVICE

CONTENTS NO. 126

10 SEOUL BASICS 12 EXPLORING SEOUL

Just Say Spa-ahh

14 SEOUL TRAVEL BITS 16 TRAVEL

P12

Mt. Seoraksan 18 KOREA TRAVEL BITS 20 HISTORY WALKS

Pak No-soo Art Museum P16

21 SEOUL SUB—›URBAN

January 2014

Seolleung Station

광고 문의 T R A V E L

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22 DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Eat Something New in 2014

M A P S

No-haggle pricing 광고가는 정찰제입니다

About the Cover Model Shin In-hwa in Insa-dong.

Shoot coordination by Shin Yesol.

26 SPECIAL REPORT

Korean Medical Services 30 SHOPPING

To advertise in SEOUL, call (02) 734-9567 or email hankinseoul@gmail.com sense@seoulselection.com

Hair Rising 32 INTERVIEW

SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION OFFER!

Kinetic Arist Choe U-ram

정기구독 안내

Huge reductions on domestic subscriptions to SEOUL magazine!

• 6 months: KRW 30,000 → KRW 14,000 • 12 months: KRW 60,000 → KRW 25,000

• 34 GOINGS-ON AROUND TOWN

Previews, listings, more

38 EXPAT COMMUNITY PAGE

FREE postage for international subscribers

44 MAPS & GUIDES

International subscription rates: •6 months: US $30 •12 months: US $59 To subscribe, call (02) 734-9567 or email sense@seoulselection.com.

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Seoul Selection

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@seoulselection T R A V E L

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Photographed by Ryu Seunghoo

Publisher Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul Selection President Kim Hyung-geun (Hank Kim) Editor-in-Chief Robert Koehler Deputy Editor Choi Yong-shik Producer/Coordinator/Writer Kim Hansol Art Director Jung Hyun-young Head Designer Yu Hye-joo Designer Cynthia Fernández Photographer Ryu Seunghoo Advertising & Sales Park Mina, Min Jae-won Kim Yunjung, Koo Yongsung Copy Editor D. Peter Kim Contributors Daniel Gray Merissa Quek Robert J. Fouser Ben Jackson Mimsie Ladner

| Deanne Nguyen | Subul Sunim | Charles Usher | Loren Cotter | Romainjohn Boulesteix

Address 2nd flr., 138-7 Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-210, Korea Tel 82-2-734-9567 Fax 82-2-734-9562 E-mail hankinseoul@gmail.com Website www.seoulselection.com Registration No. 서울 라 09431 Copyright by Seoul Metropolitan Government & Seoul Selection Printed by (주) 이펙피앤피 (Tel 82-2-332-3584) All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced in any form or by any means — graphic, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise — without the written consent of the publishers.

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SUGGESTED

SEOUL ITINERARIES DAY 1

2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT E x p l o r e S e o u l ’s l o v e l y J o s e o n D y n a s t y Changdeokgung Palace [ Map 1 D2] Enjoy traditional food in Insa-dong [ Map 2 ] Take a stroll along the Hangang River at Seoul Forest.

Explore the multinational eats of the multicultural neighborhood of Itaewon [ Map 8 ] Party all night at a club in the bohemian Hongdae district [ Map 7 ] or red-hot Itaewon [ Map 8 ]

DAY 2 Stroll through quaint Bukchon [ Map 3 ] Try some Korean meat dishes at Maple Tree House [ Map 3 C1] Finish up with a bit of shopping in electric Myeongdong [ Map 4 ]

DAY 1

3 DAYS / 2 NIGHT Visit majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace

[ Map 1 B2] Enjoy a bowl of Korean noodles at Myoung-dong Kyoja [ Map 4 C3] in Myeong-dong.

Shop till you drop in Myeong-dong [ Map 4 ] Head to traditional Insa-dong [ Map 2 ] with its wonderful restaurants and teahouses.

Party like there’s no tomorrow in posh (and pricey) Cheongdam-dong [ Map 11 C2]

DAY 2 Greet the morning with a stroll through Seonyudo Park.

Head to atmospheric Samcheong-dong [ Map 3 ] for lunch.

Explore historic Bukchon [ Map 3 ] , including Simsimheon House [ Map 3 C2] Head to Itaewon [ Map 8 ] for some great international eats.

Shop for clothes all night at endlessly huge Dongdaemun [ Map 5 ]

DAY 3 Explore 5,000 years of history at the National Museum of Korea (see www.museum.go.kr).

Try some Korean kimchi stew at Gwanghwamunjip [ Map 1 B3] Finally, head downtown and stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream [ Map 1 C3, D3]

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W Hotel’s AWAY Spa

Exploring seoul

JUST SAY SPA-AHH Wash away the winter blues at Seoul’s best saunas Written by Mimsie Ladner

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inter in Korea can be ruthless. Harsh winds and subzero temperatures are conducive to dry, itchy skin and chapped lips. Shorter days create a sense of loneliness and depression. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season leaves Seoulites feeling fatigued and stressed. Contrary to popular belief, there is a cure for the winter blues and it comes in the form of a day at the spa. Fortunately for those residing in Seoul, there’s a spa for just about everyone; SEOUL looks at three of them.

Yongsan Dragon Hill Spa (Yongsan Area) Dragon Hill Spa isn’t only Seoul’s most famous jjimjilbang (Korean sauna), but is also one of the city’s largest. With seven floors of entertainment facilities and attractions, it’s easy to spend an entire day exfoliating in the spa’s heated tubs, watching Hollywood blockbusters in the cinema room, lounging in the common area, or snacking on classic jjimjilbang treats: boiled eggs and sikhye (a traditional sweet Korean rice beverage).

The spa boasts a nice variety of saunas, each of which offers a different healing property and temperature. The traditional hardwood charcoal kilns are a good way to sweat out toxins after a long night out on the town, while aromatherapy rooms set in a Vegas-like pyramid soothe the mind. Still, the highlight of Dragon Hill is the salt room.

Here, patrons lie on heated stones that contour to the body’s curves, allowing for maximum relaxation and alleviation of achy muscles.

T. 02-792-0001, www.dragonhillspa.co.kr Yongsan Station (Line 1 and Jungang Line), Exit 1. Head to My Wedding Hall Buffet—the sauna is right next door.

Polaris Spa (Gangnam Area) Although relatively new on the spa scene, Polaris in Gangnam is already gaining a great deal of attention from domestic media and among the city’s young lovebirds.

Unlike most spas, Polaris targets couples seeking to heat things up, and the staff has taken great care to ensure that every detail—from the tea candles that spell out “I LOVE YOU” to the gorgeous city views—creates the perfect environment for a romantic and memorable date.

The couple program consists of a foot soak, jacuzzi bath with wine and cheese, back massage, brief nap, and paraffin hand treatment. Throughout the duration of the program, couples are encouraged to participate in fun games and write sweet messages to each other to really get the full romantic effect. Because let’s face it, it wouldn’t be Korea without a heavy dose of cheesy selfie-opps.

T. 02-536-4853, www.polarisspa.net Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9), Exit 9. Swing a right at Dunkin Donuts, and then enter the road between the Geumgang Jehwa and NB Club buildings. Keep going 60 meters until you see the building with the Chongchu Jjim Dak restaurant on the second floor. The spa is on the 10th floor of that building.

Spa On Air (Incheon International Airport) Many residents of Korea use the winter vacation, however short it may be, to escape the cold and head to warmer locales. Traveling during peak holiday periods, however, often means inconvenient departure times and pain-inducing long haul flights.

Spa on Air, conveniently located in the main passenger terminal of Incheon International Airport, is an oasis for the weary traveler needing a dose of R&R after a tiresome trip. This small-scale jjimjilbang doesn’t have as many facilities as those in the city, but the hot tubs and saunas are rejuvenating and the comfortable leather lounge chairs are a very much welcome change from cramped airplane seating.

For those with early flights, private rooms can be reserved for a fraction of the cost of nearby hotels. A quick soak, a few minutes in the steam room and a foot massage promises a more relaxing flight, no matter the layovers or delays that could await.

T. 032-743-7042 B1, Incheon International Airport.

More Options

SEOUL recommends these two spas, too: W Hotel’s AWAY Spa (eastern Seoul) With 17 treatment rooms and jaw-dropping views over the Hangang River, W Hotel’s AWAY Spa bring’s the W’s renowned sense of style to the spa experience. Its signature “Awayssage” blends Eastern and Western massage with lavender petals and warm salt. If this isn’t for you, you’ll find yin Yyang therapy, ancient Ayurvedic treatments, Turkish hammam ceremonies, super anti-oxidant facials and detoxifying Korean red clay mask treatments, too.

T. 02-2022 0450 Gwangnaru Station (Line 5), Exit 2.

OCELAS (Gangnam area) Bringing together the OCean, Land, Air and Sun, OCELAS is part gallery, part garden, part wedding hall and all spa. Particularly recommended is the LaStone therapy using hot and cold stones.

T. 02-567-5631, www.ocelas.com Seonjeongneung Station (Bundang Line), Exit 4. Walk straight and hang a right at Gyeongbok Apartment Intersection. The spa is in the basement of the Raum Building.

Dining & nightlife

Eat Something New in 2014

Written by Daniel Gray

It’s a new year so a good idea is to go out and try something new. Luckily in food, new restaurants are always springing up all over Seoul. Eateries in the city are like rabbits that constantly multiply then hop away. Here are my pics for the best of the new in 2014.

Samcheongdong area

Fabbro

대장장이 파브로

The chef from the famous Daejangjangi (Blacksmith) Hwadeok Pizza in Seoul’s Bukchon village has opened an upscale Italian restaurant in the same neighborhood. The new bistro is set in a hanok decorated with antique furniture and serving fare that delightfully merges Korean and Italian cuisine. The open beams and high ceilings lit up by the simple iron candlers make the venue look like a cathedral for foodies.

Everything feels crafted like the black-iron and ceramic pizza pans. The oven is centrally placed like an altar and obviously is the heart of the restaurant. Pizzas come out with perfectly baked crusts freckled with a bit of char, evidence of the duel the food had with fire in the oven. The pizza toppings are all made from a tart sauce and top quality ingredients. The amazing Pulcinella Bianca has black olives, ham, homemade ricotta cheese, ream and mushrooms. The Ripieno is a calzone-style pizza stuffed with veggies, meat and cheese.

Also try great pastas such as the seafood pasta, which is like a bouillabaisse, and unusual versions like the ridged Reginette and slick Pappardelle. The ricotta and pita salad come with a crescent moon pita and pure ricotta cheese. This is definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in Seoul.

Daejangjangi Fabbro 대장장이 파브로 T. 02-765-4267 [ Map 3 D3]

Itaewon area

Left Coast Artisan Burgers

레프트 코스트 아티잔 버거

There is no shortage of “gourmet” burger joints in Korea, yet few live up to the bill. Left Coast was inspired by the U.S. state of California to make Asian-inspired soul food. This place has surprisingly gourmet accompaniments to burgers such as homemade tater tots, galbi fries (Korean short-rib fries) and macaroni and cheese (mmm...mac’n cheese).

On the burger front, it has three types all made from freshly ground beef and handmade sauces and served on homemade buns. Get a taste of the American West with the tangy and robust John Wayne Burger, which is topped with melted sharp cheddar and crunchy onion rings. My favorite is the Juicy Lucy, a burger stuffed with American cheese and cooked until the cheese is oozy. For something a little different, the Little Piggy Bao Bun has an uber-savory pork belly topped with a sweet tart sauce and a vinegary Asian slaw. The space is clean and slick and the open kitchen elevates the experience from a simple dine-and-dash spot to a place to spend with friends.

Left Coast Burgers 레프트 코스트 아티잔 버거 T. 02-6223-5338 Price: KRW 6,000–15,000 [ Map 8 D3]

Shopping

Recommended Beauty Salons in Seoul Written by Deanne Nguyen

Gentlemen Only

Getting a haircut in a foreign country can be a linguistic leap of faith, but it doesn’t have to be so biblically brave. In this cosmopolitan capital, place your trust in the hands of many artistically adroit beauty salons, beyond chains like Juno and stores in Itaewon. The following salons offer basic cuts under KRW 60,000 as well as the top-notch quality of Koreanstyle service; be ready to sink into the chair of your next favorite pastime.

Catering exclusively to men

Nothing N Nothing (Hongdae) The men’s only barbershop, with its retrofitted leather chairs and fifties-era pop art, exudes crimson cool. Most salon styles go for modern flash, but Nothing N Nothing dials it back to rockabilly repose, from the greaser pompadour to the signature "Mad Men coif." Never to skimp on final flourishes, the dexterous barbers will also meticulously shave sideburns (and eyebrows) cheekbone sharp.

Basic Cut: KRW 35,000 (30,000 cash for stylist Daniel, 45,000 for head stylist Donald) English spoken: Yes [ Map 7 B1]

Evanstyle (Hongdae) Boasting an eclectic clientele ranging from DJs to indie artists and models to rock stars, Evanstyle has even had master designer Evan S make a few TV appearances, solidifying himself as the go-to guy for K-pop hair who cannot be ignored. The salon’s industrial warehouse-style space in Hongdae, equipped with pool tables and darts to ease waiting, also hosts extremely cool holiday parties.

While Evanstyle is a men’s only salon, it does offer discounts for women depending on the stylist and length. Read a detailed review

by Elle on cuteinkorea.com

Price Points

Basic Cut: KRW 33,000 English spoken: Depends on location (Apple speaks English in Hongdae branch) Appointment only: 02312-7273 (Salon), 0106214-2043 (Apple) evanstyle.co.kr [ Map 7 C2]

Affordable Designer Styles

Hair & Joy (Hongdae) Expat Favorite The well-known expat favorite owes its fame to friendly bilingual staff and affordable pricing. While most salons in Itaewon tend to overcharge foreigners, the London-trained owner Johnny keeps pricing competitive with other salons. It also carries foreign haircare products such as Tea Tree and Bed Head.

Basic Cut: KRW 30,000 (women), 25,000 (men) English spoken: Yes Appointment (same day possible): 02-363-4253 hairandjoy.com [ Map 7 A3]

2L Story This is one case in which language knows no bounds. While the staff is not confident of their English ability, they will craft you a cut that suits your face shape and hair texture to the level of Gangnam salons. Though a bit off the path, 2L Story was hand crafted by the stylists themselves from the ground up, showcasing their dedication to detail and commitment to urban design.

Basic Cut: KRW 15,000 English spoken: Limited to none T. 02-2295-2121 Wangsimni Station 왕십리역 (Lines 2,5, Bundang), Exit 6.

You might need the address (Seongdong-gu, Haengdang-dong, 19-54, 2nd Floor #2 성동구 행당동 19-54 2층 2호).

Goings-on around town Phoenix Live in Seoul

PREVIEWs+

Olympic Park Olympic Hall Jan 23, 8pm KRW 77,000–121,000 Olympic Park Station 올림픽공원역 (Line 5), Exit 3

T. 02-410-1114, www.olympicpark.co.kr

An alternative rock band from Versailles, Phoenix made its debut with the 2000 album “United.” The band isn’t the first rock outfit from France, but is widely considered the only one to have made a significant impact outside of that country, with the success of its 2006 album “It’s Never Been Like That.” The group’s latest album “Bankrupt!” from 2012 refines its distinctly Gallic take on a genre that has been mostly ignored by other French musicians.

Strauss Festival Orchestra of Vienna, New Year Concert Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center Jan 15, 8pm T. 02-580-1300, www.sac.or.kr KRW 6,000–40,000 Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus or green bus No. 4429.

Founded in 1978, the Strauss Festival Orchestra has earned an international reputation for its authentic interpretation of Viennese music. The orchestra sparkles with its wide range of repertoire, from the classical period to the music of the Strauss dynasty to the Viennese Operette. Its Seoul program is charged with a wide selection of Strauss waltzes such as “Voice of Spring,” “The Beautiful Blue Danube” and “Kaiser,” as well as Hungarian composer Franz Lehar’s “The Merry Widow.”

Jeff Bernat Live Concert In Seoul UNIQLO AX (formerly AX-KOREA) Jan 11, 6pm T. 02-457-5114, www.uniqlo-ax.co.k KRW 99,000 Gwangnaru Station 광나루역 (Line 5), Exit 2. Cross the road, turn left and walk five minutes. The hall is located behind the youth center.

Jeff Bernat is a 23-year old singersongwriter from Reno, Nevada. He released his debut album “The Gentleman Approach” in December 2011, which reached No. 5 on the iTunes R&B chart. He has performed all over the U.S. and other countries. Bernat had two sold-out shows in Seoul last year and has become good friends with Nick Khun and Jun K of the Korean boy band 2PM. Catch him live in Seoul!

ENGLISH BOOKING

T http://ticket.interpark.com/global

MUSEUMS Hearing with the Eyes: 100 Items of Roman Opera Theater Costumes and Stage Designs Seoul Museum of History Thru Jan 5 Free T. 02-724-0274 www.museum.seoul.kr [ Map 1 A3]

Congo River, Art of Central Africa National Museum of Korea Thru Jan 19 Free T. 02-2077-9271 www.museum.go.kr Take the underpass at Ichon Station 이촌역 (Jungang Line, Line 4). [ Map 8 A3]

3,000 Years of Beijing: a Journey of Acceptance and Tolerance Seoul Museum of History Thru Feb 9 Free T. 02-724-0114 www.museum.seoul.kr [ Map 1 A3]

Incense Burner of Goryeo Dynasty

National Museum of Korea Thru Feb 16 Free T. 02-2077-9485 www.museum.go.kr Take the underpass at Ichon Station 이촌역 (Jungang Line, Line 4). [ Map 8 A3]

Jongga, the Head Family of a Respected Clan National Folk Museum of Korea Thru Feb 17 T. 02-3704-3114 www.nfm.go.kr [ Map 3 A2]

Science Show: the Body War Memorial of Korea Thru Mar 2 Adults KRW 12,000, children 10,000 T. 070-7539-6916 www.scienceshow.co.kr [ Map 8 A3]

Taoism in Korea: Deities and Immortals National Museum of Korea Thru Mar 12 T. 02-2077-9461 www.museum.go.kr Take the underpass at Ichon Station 이촌역 (Jungang Line, Line 4). [ Map 8 A3]

Classical Music 2014 SAC 11am Concert Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center Jan 9, 11am KRW 20,000–25,000 T. 02-580-1300 www.sac.or.kr Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미 널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus or green bus No. 4429.

Vienna Volksoper Symphony Orchestra New Year’s Concert Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center Jan 11 TBA T. 02-2128-3366 www.sac.or.kr Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미 널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus or green bus No. 4429.

2014 Kumho Art Hall Artist in Residence Kumho Art Hall Jan 14 KRW 9,000–40,000 T. 02-6303-1977 http://www.kumhoarthall.com [ Map 1 B3]

Johann Strauss Chamber Orchestra IBK Chamber Hall, Seoul Arts

Center Jan 17 TBA T. 02-2272-6516 www.sac.or.kr Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미 널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus or green bus No. 4429.

Javorkai String Quartet IBK Chamber Hall, Seoul Arts Center Jan 18 TBA T. 070-7640-1948 www.sac.or.kr Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미 널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus or green bus No. 4429.

Book Concert: Murakami Haruki Annees de Pelerinage IBK Chamber Hall, Seoul Arts Center Jan 19, 2pm KRW 40,000–60,000 T. 02-2658-3546 www.sac.or.kr Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미 널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus or green bus No. 4429.

Opera Matinee Die Fledermaus Chamber Hall, Sejong Center for ´ Arts the Performing Jan 21, 11am KRW 20,000–25,000

T. 02-399-1783 www.sejongpac.or.kr [ Map 1 B3]

Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Subscription Concert Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center Jan 23, 8pm KRW 10,000–70,000 T. 1588-1210 www.sac.or.kr

I MUSICI - New Year’s Concert Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center Jan 25, 8pm KRW 50,000–140,000 T. 070-7434-4502 www.sac.or.kr Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미 널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus or green bus No. 4429.

Dance Femme Fatale KB Haneul Youth Theater, National Theater of Korea Jan 10–11 KRW 30,000 T. 02-2280-4114~6 www.ntok.go.kr Dongguk University Station 동대입구 (Line 3), Exit 2. [ Map 5 B2]

D4U_ Members of Dancing 9’s Performance Arko Art Center Jan 10–12 KRW 33,000–77,000 T. 070-4200-6669 www.hanpac.or.kr Hyehwa Station 혜화역 (Line 4), Exit 2.

Turn left and pass by Marronnier Park.

The center is located on the right.

MUSicals Werther CJ Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center Thru Jan 12 KRW 60,000–110,000 T. 02-580-1300 www.sac.or.kr Nambu Bus Terminal Station 남부터미 널역 (Line 3), Exit 5. Transfer to shuttle bus or green bus No. 4429.

Wicked Charlotte Theater Thru Jan 26 KRW 60,000–140,000 T. 02-1644-0078 www.charlottetheater.co.kr Jamsil Station 잠실역 (Line 2, 8), Exit 3.

Walk straight beside Lotte Dept. Store and cross the road. Walk straight and turn right.

Maps & guides43 Food/beverages Un Deux Trois

앙 드 뜨와

The French bistro Un Deux Trois is like being instantly transported to Paris from Itaewon. This brasserie offers up a plethora of French classics for under KRW 50,000. The very Parisian decor exudes a quiet, intimate and relaxed atmosphere that oozes a chic elegant fit for a French eatery. The cocktail list is also varied but not pricey, making a glass of rose sparkling wine a nice start to the evening without breaking the bank.

T. 02-796-1244, www.brasserie123.com [ Map 8 D2].

Food/beverages WooBar 우바 W Hotel Seoul’s WooBar has revived on its menu a mindboggling selection of afternoon tea and dainty snacks. The new “HI T@WOO” brings together the premium Dilmah tea along with fabulous cakes, finger-sized sandwiches, scones with butter, cream and/or jam, and an assortment of nuts.

Depending on content, three variations are available: “Taste,” “Baked” and “Candy.” In the luxurious surroundings of the hotel’s hallmark outlet, patrons can enjoy the quintessential British tradition and culture based on tea. The afternoon tea selection is offered from 3pm—5:30pm for KRW 35,000.

January

HOT SPOTS SEOUL’s PICKS OF PLACES AROUND TOWN

T. 02-2022-0333, woobar.wseoul@whotels.com Shuttle buses to W Hotel depart every ten minutes from Gwangnaru Station 광나루역 (Line 5), Exit 2 and Gangbyeon Station (Line 2), Exit 1.

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Yongjung Collection

용정 콜렉션

Yongjung Collection is famous for second-hand and antique watches. Established in 1965, the store has carved out a unique position in the culturally diverse tourist area of Insa-dong, carrying a wide selection of classic pieces and real antique jewels from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger LeCoultre, Cartier and more. In addition to sales and trading, the area of its business includes appraisal, repair and restoration of vintage watches. Given the long history of Yongjung, such artisan skills testify to its professional expertise.

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Anguk Station 안국역 (Line 3), Exit 6.

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T. 02-792-0682~3, www.ontheborder.co.kr [ Map 8 E2].

Samcheong-dong / Bukchon

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Myeong-dong

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Dongdaemun Feel the energy in the city’s largest market

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Hangangjin Quickly turning itself into the trendiest spot in town

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Yeouido The Manhattan of Seoul

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Sinchon / Ewha Two of Seoul’s hippest college town areas

Itaewon The heart of Seoul’s multicultural community

The lively commercial district where shopping and history meet Map

Hongdae Drink, dance and be merry in Seoul’s university district

Tradition and modernity in beautiful harmony

Food/beverages The Mexican cuisine chain On The Border has opened its doors in Itaewon, its ninth outlet in Korea, in a building across from Cheil Worldwide headquarters. With a passionate atmosphere full of Mexican culture and flair, this popular family and casual dining restaurant is ready to welcome and satisfy seekers of truly authentic Mexican food, unique flavors and excellent service. The franchise has 160 locations in the U.S., along with some 200 more elsewhere in the world. On the Border’s first branch outside of the U.S. opened in Seoul’s Sinchon area in 2007.

Insa-dong A whimsical neighborhood of Korean antiques and art galleries

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온더보더

Gwanghwamun Area Seoul’s old downtown

T. 02-735-2700, www.yongjung1965.com

On The Border

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Gangnam Area Dynamic business district south of the river

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Jamsil Area Lotte World and beyond