TAKE A GANGNAM TOUR
The Gangnam district made itself known to western countries in 2012 by Psy’s Gangnam Style. The district is where the rich and famous gather and Gangnam Subway Station is where the locals meet. For a spot of high end shopping, head to Apgujeong and Cheongdamdong. The district is also well known for its beauty facilities, offering services from nail art, hairdressers and skin care.
VISIT A MEGACHURCH
You’ve heard of megaships, but have you heard of a megachurch? Yoido Full Gospel Church is a giant Pentecostal church with close to one million members – that’s one in every ten people living in Seoul. The church has a 150-member choir and orchestra and seven services on a Sunday, with each capable of holding approximately 26,000 people. There’s even a section for foreigners, where headphones provide a translation of the service.
GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE
Built in 1395 and damaged and restored multiple times since, Gyeongbokgung Palace remains the largest of all five Grand Palaces and is arguably the most beautiful. Located in northern Seoul, the palace is spread across 410,000 square meters with over 500 buildings. Highlights include Geunjeongjeon, the Imperial Throne Hall, where the king was formally briefed by his officials and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which once appeared on the Korean 10,000 won banknote.
MYEONG-DONG
Myeong-dong is one of the busiest places in Seoul, with a daytime population of between 1.5 and two million people. The district is speckled with large shopping centres, clothing and cosmetic stores and street stalls. By night, get your fill of street food by chomping down on Korean Grilled Cuttlefish, Steamed Egg Muffin and Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cake). Nearby is Namdaemun Market, a market with over 600 years of history.
VISIT A THEMED CAFÉ
Korea takes themed cafés to the next level. Check in to the Air Café for an airplane themed brunch, complete with “economy” seats for parties of two and “business” seats for larger parties. Fortunately, the food is not served in a reheated box. For a taste of the outdoors, pull up a chair at Something Out, a camping-themed coffee shop which also sells camping supplies. Lego fanatics can’t miss the Lego-themed Get & Show dessert café and for something a little different, try banana tiramisu served up in a flower pot at Banana Tree.
