THE CAPITAL OF SOUTH KOREA. Review on Seoul

Seoul is the Capital City and the largest City in South Korean, (the populations is over ten million people.

I have visited Seoul twice and both times we stayed at the Sheraton. It is in the Business area of Seoul.

SOME PLACES TO SHOP:

1) The Itaewon area is near the Yongsan the American Military Base. It was built to make the Troops feel at home. There are Cafes, Bars, Pubs, Baskin Robin Ice Cream, Dunkin Donuts, Shops and Stalls. They both sell knock off items but the stalls are the cheapest to buy from. You can bargain for what you want to pay. The way to negotiate is they Merchant will give you a price, you offer half of what that price is and you both know you will end out close to paying somewhere in the middle. If you are not willing to pay that middle price I would suggest you say ''no thank you'' to his opening price. Koreans Merchants get angry if they think you are wasting their time. Please do not go beyond the road near Baskin Robins. It is dangerous and there are a lot of rough Bars and Strip Joints.

2) The Galleria Mall has a friendly Staff and a lot of expensive good in their make up, clothes and jewelry areas. I only go there to look but I can buy the things cheaper elsewhere.

3) The Lotte Mall Shops have items that are a bit cheaper than at the Galleria. The Staff is nice there as well.

4) We go across the Han River to Rodeo Drive. This is where the top Designers have shops to sell of last year’s fashions. You can get the ''real thing'' for about three-quarters off the regular price. You pass the Olympic Park to get there. On that side of the Han is an amusement park called Lotte World. We went once but the big rides scare me.

5) Seoul has a nice area called ''computer row'' and this is the best place to buy any thing that is electrical from a Fringe to a Computer Tool Kit.

6) If you are up late there are two night Markets. They are called Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Markets and are in the Wholesale area so please take a Taxi both ways.

You should know that any Antique that is over fifty years old might not be taken out of South Korea with out our Governments approval.

SOME PLACES TO VISIT:

1) The Korean War Memorial was dedicated to the history and victims of the Korean conflict. The outdoor display featured American and Republic of Korea military aircraft, vehicle and tanks and some equipment seized from the North Koreans during the war. The indoor Exhibition is dedicated to the History of all the Wars that have happened in Korea. The top floor has been dedicated to the items from the Korean War. It costs a few dollars to see it.

2) We like the Park across from the Sheraton Hotel. I love to watch the Children play the Korean Games. The Children fly kites or teeter tatter on a wooden plank that is paced over a cut tree trunk or play a ball on a string attached to a flat bat. The Ice Cream Stand here is wonderful!

3) We have visited the Kyongbok Palace once. It is very interesting.

4) We visited the Art Gallery both times we were in Seoul. It is wonderful.

5) We also enjoy the National Folk Museum where you can see all the traditional dances and music from the old days.

HEALTH INFORMATION:

1) The water is safe to drink. This means you can use ice in your drinks, have milk products, and eat fresh fruit and vegetables.

2) The drivers all suffer from a terrible disease I call ‘road rage’. Be very careful crossing Streets or driving a Car.

3) See your Doctor or Health Clinic, as there are many vaccinations you will need before you leave on your trip.

SOME THOUGHTS:

Seoul is the most expensive City in South Korea but it is less expensive than Japan and China. I liked Seoul and would visit it again.

©LL2002