Seoul Korea

http://www.visitseoul.net/en/subindex.do?_method=tour&m=0002000001004&p=04

Day1:
ETA: Friday, November 8, 2013; 8:05PM Accommodation: ICOS Guest House (Korean traditional style, Hanok) - http://icosguesthouse.com/wp/ o Address: 33-5 Nogosan-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea o Rooms: Shared Room (There are 2 shared Rooms and each has 4 beds, and the rate is charged per person) Rate: 20,000 KRW/ person ( The cost does not include of 10% TAX) Private Room (2 private rooms which can accommodate up to 3 persons each. The private rooms provide you with the Korean traditional bedding style (Ondol) with thick floor mattress, pillows, pillow case, blanket and bed pad.) - Rate: 55,000 KRW/ room (The cost does not include of 10% TAX) Doo Guesthouse - http://www.doobackpackers.com/cl_Guesthouse-AboutUs_leftAbout o Address: 686-11, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul, Korea o Rooms: Family Room 70000won/4people shared BR; 80000/4 people private BR Dormitory Room 6 bed female; 20000 won/person Come on Inn - http://comeinnkorea.com/ o Address: 570-22,Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea o Rooms: Triple Room 69000 won Twin Room 50000 won (Extra bed 15000 won)

Day2:
-

Saturday, November 9, 2013 - The Best Course North of the Hangang (River) (2) Get off Gwanghwamun station (line5), and come out at exit 5, youll find yourself at the SPRING sculpture Cheonggyecheon Stream o Divided into 8 section and in the 1st section, Cheonggye Plaza, you will find the sculpture SPRING o If we depart from the "Spring" sculpture at Cheonggyecheon Plaza by taking a left and walking straight for 7 minutes, we'll come to City Hall Plaza. Deoksugung Palace close every Monday; 9AM-9PM o Admission: Adult 1000won o 10mins from City Hall Plaza o Deoksugungs gatekeepers were responsible for opening and closing the gates and patrolling the city. Reenactment: everyday at 11am, 2pm & 3:30pm (lasts for 40mins) o You can rent Korean Hanboks for free, and take photos with the palace guards o Art Museum on the palace grounds (9am-8:30pm)

Seoul Museum of Art (close every Monday) come out of Deoksugungs main gate and take a right back into the alleyway, youll find yourself on Stone Wall Road. If you follow this road about 5mins back, youll come to the entrance of Seoul Museum Art o Viewing hrs: 10AM-9PM o Admission varies for each exhibition, but the 1st floor exhibit is free! Namdaemun Market o 20mins from Seoul Museum of Art; go back to the main gate of palace, take a right and walk straight for about 15mins and youll come to the reconstruction site of Sungnyemun (Gate) and Sungnyemun Intersection o Once youve reached the clock tower, youll know youre at the market o Koreas traditional market National Museum of Korea close every Monday o Take Hoehyeon station line (line 4) exit 5 to Ichon Station exit 2. Youll pass 5 stations, so the commute will take you about 10mins. o 6th biggest museum in the world o Business hrs: 9AM 9PM Itaewon o From NMofK, cross the street and take a taxi. Tell the driver to drop you off at at Itaewon Station (line6) exit 4 or on Antique Street. Taking a cab is the most convenient way, itl cost 4000 won. o Most international neighborhood o Youll find Seoul Central Mosque Seoul at night o Hangang Cruise - http://www.visitseoul.net/en/see/hangang/hangang-ferriestour.jhtml

One-way
Route YeouidoBanpoTtukseomJamsil JamsilTtukseomBanpoYeouido Price* (won) 13,000 13,000 Duration (min) 70 70

Round-trip
Route YeouidoYangwhaYeouido YangwhaHangangdaegyoYangwha JamsilTtukseomHangangdaegyoJamsil TtukseomHangangdaegyoJamsilTtukseom YeouidoBanpoYeouido JamsilBanpoYeouido YeouidoYeouido 11,000 11,000 11,000 11,000 13,000 13,000 16,000 Price* (won) Duration (min) 60 60 60 60 70 70 90

Seoul City Tour - http://www.seoulcitybus.com

Nighttime Course I - Single-story bus: non-stop tour of central Han River 1. *Depart+ Gwanghwamun (Best Western Premier Seoul Garden Hotel) (National Assembly ) (Seogang Bridge) (Gangbyeon Expressway) (Seongsu Bridge) (Hannam Bridge) 16. Namsan Tower (Namsan Public Library) 3. Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) 31. Cheonggye Square Nighttime Course II double-decker bus 1. *Depart+ Gwanghwamun Mapo Bridge Seogang Bridge Hannam Bridge 37. Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Dongjak Bridge Seongsu Bridge Hannam Bridge 39. Namsan Public Library 3. Namdaemun Market 31. Cheonggye Square

1. Gwanghwamun Station exit 5 - to Cheonggyecheon (Stream) [Relocate] From Cheonggyecheon (Stream) to Deoksugung (Palace) 2. Deoksugung (Palace) [Relocate] From Deoksugung (Palace) to Seoul Museum of Art 3. Seoul Museum of Art [Relocate] From Seoul Museum of Art to Namdaemun Market [Lunch] Namdaemun Market Galchi (Cutlassfish) Alley for Galchi jorim (Cutlassfish) 4. Namdaemun Market [Relocate] From Namdaemun Market to National Museum of Korea 5. National Museum of Korea [Relocate] From National Museum of Korea to Itaewon 6. Itaewon [Dinner] Smokey Saloon (Homemade burgers) [Jazz bar] All That Jazz Total time and cost

09:00 ~ 10:30 (1 hr 30 min) 10:30 ~ 10:40 (10 min) 10:40 ~ 12:00 (1 hr 20 min) 12:00 ~ 12:05 (5 min) 12:05 ~ 12:45 (45 min) 12:45 ~ 13:00 (15 min)

Free On foot (free) Admission 1,000 won On foot (free) Admission: 12,000 won On foot (free) Galchi jorim (cutlassfish): 6,000 won Sightseeing (free) Subway fare: 900 won Admission is free Taxi fare: 4,000 won Sightseeing (free) Homemade burger 9,900 won; lemonade 4,000 won (VAT 10%) Admission 5,000 won; Beer 7,000 won Minimum cost: 39,190 won

13:00 ~ 14:00 (1 hour) 14:00 ~15:30 (1 hr 30 min) 15:30 ~ 15:45 (15 min) 15:45 ~ 18:00 (2 hr 15 min) 18:00 ~ 18:15 (15 min) 18:15 ~ 19:45 (1 hr 30 min) 19:45 ~ 20:45 (1 hour) 20:45 ~ (3 hours) Time required: 12 hours

Day3: Sunday, November 10, 2013 - The Best Course North of the Hangang (River) (1)
Get off at Gwanghwamun Station (line 5). You can use exit numbers 3, 4 or 7 to get to the square. But of the three exits, exit 7 is the one from which you can see Gwanghwamun Square at one glance.

Gwanghwamun Square o You can learn the about the plaza culture of Korea o Statue of Joseon Navy Commander Admiral Yi Sun-shin positioned above the 1223 Fountain. o Haechi Plaza located underground underneath the statue o Statue of King Sejong invented Hangul Gyeongbok Palace o 9AM 5PM o Admission fee for Adults: 3000won o Catch Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at 10am Insadong o When you come out of GP, you will see the Dongsipjagak watchtower and a crosswalk next to it which you cross and walk along the blvd. Youll see a stone wall as you walk. After about 5mins, youll come to a 3-way intersection, and to the right of this is the Anguk station and the entrance to Insadong. o Center of Korean Cultural exhibition o Sculpture Painted in One Stroke o Ssamzie Street an unusual shopping area where the shops are uniquely organized so that they are on floors that connect without stairs by walking in a spiral. o Shops & galleries Myeongdong o Using Public transportation Subway or taxi (2400 won if there is no traffic) o Travelling on foot 20mins From Namisa Madang (at the end of Insadong St), you can walk to Bosingjak, which youll pass and then walk over Cheonggye Steam bridge. Youll find yourself in Myeongdong. o Shopping area o Myeongdong Cathedral Namsan N Seoul Tower o From Myeongdong station if you go out exit 2, you can get to N Seoul tower by taking Yellow bus number 2,3 or 5. Or you can take a taxi to the cable car building and ride the cable car to the top for a small fee o Cable Car: RT 7500 won; One-way 6000won o LED Light art shows: Electronic fire (every hr after the sun goes down) and Flower of Light (takes place at half past the hour every hour and lasts 10mins) o Teddy Bear museum

*** Trick Eye Musem

1. Gwanghwamun Square (Gwanghwamun Station exit 5, 6, or 7 [Transportation] From Gyeongbok Palace to Gwanghwamun Square

09:00 ~ minutes) 09:40 ~ minutes)

09:40

(40 Free

09:50

(10 Free (on foot)

2. Gyeongbokgung (Palace) and the National Palace Museum [Transportaion] From Gyeongbokgung to Insadong [Lunch]-Insadong Donggung (Special Gaeseong dumplings)Oh Su (Black bean tofu shops) 3. Insadong [Transportation] Myeongdong 4. Myeongdong [Evening] Myeongdong Gyoza (noodle and dumpling restaurant) [Transportation] From Myeongdong to Namsans N Seoul Tower [Transportation] Namsan cable car

09:50 ~ 12:20 (approx 2 hours, 30 minutes) 12:20 ~ 12:30 (10 minutes)

Admission 3,000 won Free (on foot) - Joraengi dumpling soup 8,000 won - black tofu and beef meal set 14,000 won Free (walking tour) Free (on foot) Free (walking tour) Kalguksu (knife cut noodles) 7,000 won; dumplings 7,000 won

Insadong

to

12:30 ~ 13:20 (50 minutes) 13:20 ~ 15:00 (1 hour and 40 minutes) 15:00 ~ 15:20 (20 minutes) 15:20 ~ 17:50 (2 hours, 30 minutes) 17:50 ~ minutes) 18:40 (50

18:40 ~ 19:10 (30 minutes) 3-minute cable car ride + waiting time

5. Namsan N Seoul Tower Total Time and Cost

19:10 ~ 21:10 (2 hours) Duration 12 hours

Bus 800 won Round-trip on the cable car 7,500 won Observatory admission 7,000 won (Observation + Teddy Bear Museum = 12,000 won) Minimum cost is 33,300 won

Day4: Monday, November 11, 2013

Nami Island 90mins from Seoul

Introduction
Last time we introduced our new More Than Seoul series, a number of great destinations that mix popular Seoul sites with those in neighboring Gyeonggi Province. Another destination thats just 90 minutes from Seoul is Nami Island. The h alf-moon shaped islet in the midst of the Bukhangang (River) became a pilgrimage site for many Asian tourists after the wildly successful Korean drama, Winter Sonata. But even if you dont know who Yonsama is, chances are youll still enjoy Nami Islands natural beauty and many attractions. Following our island jaunt and some delicious local lunch, well return to Seouls Insa dong neighborhood for dinner and traditional tea.

Course

Overview

Well start our tour at downtown Seouls Tapgol Park, the site of attractive gardens, two National Treasures, and an important site for Koreas independence movement. From there well hop on a direct shuttle bus to Nami Island for several hours spelunking among its many attractions. Afterwards, youll have the ch oice of taking the shuttle back to Seoul, or opting for the train. Either way, well arrive at the always -popular Insa-dong neighborhood. There, well enjoy walking around the colorful streets and stopping for some dinner. Afterwards, well wrap things up with a peaceful cup of tea at some of Seouls best traditional teashops. So, there you go, a fun island getaway with traditional dinner and tea to follow. Are you ready? Then Lets Get Started!

1. From Jongno-3(sam)ga Station, take exit #1. 2. Walk about 250 meters until you reach the entrance to Tapgol Park on your right.

Historic

Pagoda

Park

One of downtown Seouls most popular parks is Tapgol or Pagoda Park. Located near the entrance of Insa-dong on Jongno (or Bell Street), the park is a great place to take a walk in the mornings when the front gate welcomes visitors as early as 6:00 am. Besides its attractive landscaping, the park is home to two historical treasures. The first is located on the parks northern end and is encased in a curious glass box. The ten-tier marble pagoda (for which the park is named) was built in 1467 as part of the long-gone Wongaksa (Temple). Designated Koreas National Treasure #2, the pagoda is some 12 meters high, and if you look closely, you can see carvings of lotus Tapgol Park was commissioned by King Gojong in flowers, the late 19th century to be Koreas first Western- mythical styled park. As Japan encroached on Koreas sover - creatures eignty, the king sought to modernize his country as and the a way to avoid a foreign takeover. Completed in 1897, Four the park was designed by an Irishman, John McLeavy Heavenly Brown. Brown was the kings Chief Commissioner Kings of Customs, and he called for the removal of homes, carved on the installation of benches and landscaping, and the each tier. A placement of a traditional-style octagonal pavilion at lot of

the parks center.

people dont care for the protective glass box, but I guess its done its job although the glare from the sun makes it difficult to peek inside. On the parks opposite side near the entrance gate is Koreas #3 National Treasure. The fivemeter-tall marble and granite tablet sits atop a huge stone turtle. Its a 500-yearold monument that some call the sleeping guardian of Seoul.

Tapgol Park was also an important spot in Koreas independence movement. It was inside its walls on March 1, 1919 during the Japanese colonization of Korea that a college student named Chung Jae-yong read a Declaration of Independence. Virtually simultaneous proclamations occurred across the nation that day, ultimately inspiring some two million Koreans to protest Japans colonial rule. Although freedom didnt come until 1945, the protests demonstrated the peoples desire to reclaim their sovereignty.

1. Exit the front gate and turn right. Turn right again, following the parks western wall. 2. The shuttle bus to Nami Island departs at 09:30 from the tourist bus stop located along the wall (only one shuttle per day!). The ride is between one and 1.5 hours (7,500 won each-way for adults; a 1,000 won discount for children). 3. Upon boarding, you can also purchase your admission ticket to Nami Island, which includes the round-trip ferry ride. Its 8,000 won for adults and 4,000 for children. 4. Please note that the bus does not run on Tuesdays and you are advised to arrive by 09:00 to ensure your seat. To reserve your seat, please call: 02-753-1247.

The Nami Island Shuttle

After enjoying a stroll through Tapgol Park, its time we hop onto our Nami Island shuttle bus. Although there are several ways to reach the island via subway with a transfer to a bus or taxi the easiest way is to take the direct bus that departs from Tapgol Parks western wall every morning except Tuesdays at 9:30 am.

Nami Island is located in the middle of the Bukhangang (River), which separates Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do provinces. Its fitting then, that a huge new tower was built as a joint project of the provinces. The Zip Tower, which was completed Be advised that you should arrive by 9:00 to ensure your on November 5, 2010, claims to be the longest zipseat! When you arrive, pay the bus driver 7,500 won for a wire in Asia and the worlds tallest zip tower! For one-way ticket (or 15,000 for a return). You can also the adventurous soul, instead of reaching Nami by purchase an admission ticket to the island (8,000 won for boat, why not fly there while attached to a zip adults and 4,000 for children). The driver will provide you line?! Of course, some of us would rather get there by more conventional means with your tickets and receipt.

Traveling by bus in Korea is typically inexpensive and comfortable. The Nami Island shuttle is no exception. The cheerfully decorated bus rolls direct to a small wharf in the town of Gapyeong. Along the way, the big city of Seoul gives way to the rural landscape of Gyeonggi Province. Although its fun to gaze out the window, you might want to take a nap theres a lot to see and do on the island and I think youll want to be rested !

1. The bus will park in a large lot located next to the Nami Island ticket booth and Gapyeong Wharf. 2. The 10-minute ferry ride to Nami Island departs every 10~20 minutes between 09:00~18:00 (every 30 minutes between 07:30~09:00 and from 18:00~21:40). 3. The round-trip ferry fare is included in the price of admission to Nami Island.

A Pilgrimage to Nami Island

Nami Island is located in the middle of the Bukhangang (River), which forms the border between Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do provinces. Officially, the half-moon shaped island is part of the latter, and its 400,000 square meters were developed into a recreation area in the 1960s after being purchased by Minn Byeong-do, the former governor of the Bank of Korea. Although most Western visitors to Korea havent heard of the small island, chances are very good that many Asian housewives have. Thats because the picturesque place, also known as Namiseom, was a setting for the 2002 KBS hit drama, Winter Sonata, starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo. Many credit the drama with launching the first Hallyu, or Korean cultural wave across much of Asia.

If you truly love Nami Island, why not become a citizen? On March 1, 2006, Nami Island declared its Today, thousands of Korean pop culture fans make the (cultural) independence from Korea and became the pilgrimage to Nami Island to retrace the steps of Bae and Naminara Republic. As an (not really!) independent Choi, and to snap their own photos of the spots state, Nami Island has its own national anthem, flag immortalized by the wildly popular series. Walking around and currency. In fact, you can even get a Naminara the islands many sights, its impossible to avoid the joyful passport. Temporary passport holders pay 15,000 won laughter of middle-aged ladies who can hardly contain their for a one-year citizenship, while those seeking full

citizens rights must meet special qualifications in excitement as they follow in the footsteps of a great love order to be considered! Of course, citizens enjoy story. (Heres a tip: if possible, plan your trip during the unlimited visits. week to avoid the huge weekend crowds all year round!) Theres so much to see and do on Nami Island definitely enough to keep you busy for an entire day or more. To help you plan your trip, here are some highlights for what to see and do!

1)

Gapyeong

Wharf 3)

The

Namimaid 4)

General

Nami's

Tomb

Shortly after disembarking the ferry, you As you might have guessed, the island was named may notice a small statue of a naked after General Nami. A successful military official 2) Nami Island Wharf woman partially submerged in the river. during the Joseon Dynasty, he was honored with the Known as the Namimaid, she was title, Minister of National Defense at just 27 for his abandoned in the woods near exploits. Sadly, an envious peer made false 7) Nami Ecological Stage & discovered General Namis tomb. Some thought her nudity accusations against the general, which led to the Environmental Conservation inappropriate, and one person suggested she be execution of Nami and 25 others. Over 300 years Center tossed into the water which she was! But later, the truth was uncovered and General Namis instead of throwing her away, the islands honor was restored. He is thought to be buried on the caretakers thought shed island, and in his honor, the islands original owner 11) Outdoor Music Stage be better preserved as a friendly nymph, erected a monument. welcoming all to her home.

5) Song Museum & Magic Hall 6)

The

Ostriches! 8)

Delicious

Snacks!

Although Nami Islands natural beauty is No, thats not a typo! In 2001, nine ostriches If you get the munchies during your Nami Island tour, its primary draw, there are also a number from Canada were donated to the island by you can grab a simple lunch at a modest cafeteria, or of a publishing company to roam at their leisure. better yet, pick something quick up at one of the many great facilities to be enjoyed. Among Its fun to watch the huge birds (two-meters snack carts. Delicious Korean treats, like a grilled them is tall!) startle tourists as they casually walk stick of rice cake brushed with honey, or hotteok the the Song Museum and Magic Hall. around the island. Just be careful if youre delicious doughy pancake with a sweet filling are Located holding a brightly colored bag or purse. The cheap and will surely hit the spot. But save your on the islands north end near the wharf, curious birds seem especially interested in appetite, since well enjoy lunch shortly. its Koreas first national pop music pecking at them. But dont be scared, as museum! It includes exhibition space, a they mean no harm. recording studio, a music stage and a riverside caf. The Song Museum also hosts fairs and concerts throughout the year.

9)

Nami

Island

on

Nami Island is a great place to walk, but if on Nami Island is the Metasequoia Lane. why not spend the night? For the rugged camper to youd rather see it on wheels or via rail, there When the islands founder planted thousands the first-class traveler, youve got several options. are several options to choose from. For of trees to beautify Namiseom, he sought out The first is to book a room or bungalow at the example, you can rent a single, tandem or special varieties, such as Korean pine, silver islands own Hotel Jeonggwanru (77,000~380,000 family bicycle. Theres also whats called an birch and zelkova trees. Among them, the won per night). The second is to rent one of the Electric Tri-way, where you simply stand most recognizable are the slender, 40- riverside cottages that line the trails as it motors forward. You can also rent a

Metasequoia Road 12+13) Spend the Night! Wheels 10) Undoubtedly the most-photographed place If youve really enjoyed your time on Nami Island,

4-person electric tour car, ride along on a meter-tall metasequoias. Famous for their (80,000~200,000 won per night). From small huts guided tour cart, or take the Nami Island texture and foliage, they change color along to miniCharity Train, the proceeds of which with the seasons and filter the sunlight on a condos, there are plenty of options to choose from benefit UNICEF. warm day. to extend your island getaway.

1. The ferry from Nami Wharf to the Gapyeong Wharf departs every 10~20 minutes between 09:00~18:00 (every 30 minutes between 07:30~09:00 and from 18:00~21:40). The ride is about 10 minutes. 2. The round-trip ferry fare is included in the price of admission to Nami Island. 3. There are many restaurants surrounding the Gapyeong Wharfs parking lot.

Sampling

the

Local

Cuisine

After a busy day exploring Nami Island, you can take a shuttle bus or train back to downtown Seoul. But before departing, why not enjoy some of the regions most popular Korean cuisine? The town of Gapyeong is located near Chuncheon, which is famous for several important contributions to Korean cuisi ne. If youd like to try a Chuncheon specialty, you can do so at one of the dozens of restaurants located near the Gapyeong Wharf. Here are some regional specialties:

Chuncheon

Dak

Galbi Makguksu

The dish most associated with the area This buckwheat noodle dish is similar to is dak galbi, a mix of chicken, Chinese naengmyeon, another cold noodle dish. But cabbage, rice cakes and onions mixed makguksus use of the local buckwheat crop and with spicy sauce on a large flat pan. A lots of vegetables differentiates itself from other favorite among young people and many summertime soups. forreigners!

Dotorimuk

Seasoned acorn jelly is another favorite dish in These potato pancakes taste a little bit Of course this Korean staple isnt unique to Gangwon Province. The brown cubes are typically like hashbrowns, but they are served Chuncheon, but its always a great option. Served served like a salad with a simple sauce of vinegar, red pep- hot or cold, the typical bibimbap includes various with vegetables, garlic, sesame oil, per flakes, soy sauce and sesame seeds. vegetables and hot pepper paste mixed with rice. soy sauce and red chili powder.

Gamja

Buchim Bibimbap

While youre exploring the island, dont forget that the only shuttle bus de parts the Gapyeong Wharf parking lot at 16:00. If you wish to leave sooner or later, however, theres another option the train. Either way, lets hope you saw everything you wanted to see before heading back to Seoul!

To return to Seoul, you have two options: a. The shuttle bus the Gapyeong Wharf at 16:00 and will Tapgol Park in

a. Take a taxi located just outside the Gapyeong Wharf parking lot to Gapyeong Station (about 4,000 won). b. Take the Gyeongchun Line to Sangbong Station. c. Transfer to the Jungang Line and take the train to Cheongnyangni will depart Station. d. Once at Cheongnyangni Station, youll need to exit the terminal, parking lot walk out the entrance (exit #1) and down the steps to the #4 entrance for subway line 1 (also located at Cheongnyangni return to Station). Transfer to line 1 and take the train to Jongno-3(sam)ga Station. Seoul. e. Exit the train at Jongno-3(sam)ga Station (exit #1).

Enjoying

Insa-dong

After a full day at Nami Island, the bus or train will eventually bring you back to Tapgol Parks western wall. That means youre also just a few steps from the very popular Insa -dong area. Instead of venturing far away, why not explore the neighborhoods always-interesting streets and alleys?

After doing some window shopping and even picking up some traditional gifts, Insa-dong is one of the best places to enjoy a traditional dinner. If your appetite has recovered from lunch, many neighborhood restaurants (many of them serving vegetarian-friendly fare) that also offer traditional music or dance performances. Heres a short -list of great dinner destinations:

Dimibang Hanuso Sanchon Baru Named for a kings Located inside the Fraser This Insa-dong favorite Located within Jogyesas eating quarters, this Suites building, Hanuso is is loved for its healthy (Temple) Templestay restaurant is famous famous for its beef barbeque vegetable cuisine and Complex, Baru specializes for its vegetarian cuisine dishes and beef rib soup. live traditional music in temple cuisine, which incorporating traditional Ph: 02-739-9990 and dance performances. emphasizes wild vegetables. Ph: 02-735-0312 Ph: 02-2031-2081 herbs.
Ph: 02-720-2417

Insa-dongs

Tea

Shops

After (or in lieu of) a delicious dinner, why not relax with a cup of tea? Records show that tea was offered to the spirit of King Suro over 1,300 years ago in the ancient Korean kingdom of Gaya. Today, tea remains an important part of Korean culture, although you might guess that coffee is winning the popularity contest these days! Nevertheless, many of Seouls best chatjips, or teahouses are located in Insadong. These fun and special places are a great way to take a break from the bustle of shopping or sightseeing to enjoy a traditional part of Korean culture. Most of Insa-dongs teahouses offer a large selection of hot and cold teas, ranging from quince and plum to jujube and pear.

Perhaps youre more of a green tea drinker? Of course, you can order that, too! If you want something tasty to enjoy with your tea, most teashops offer fruit or snacks that will complement your special beverage. Also, unlike many of the neighborhoods museums and galleries, Insa-dongs teashops typically stay open until 21:00 or later.

Gwicheon The New Old Teahouse The Old Teahouse Sogeum Inhyeong A small teahouse thats a Located inside the Located at the end of an This teahouses traditional favorite among poets and Gyeongjin Art Gallery, alley, this quirky teahouse motif is betrayed only by the writers, Gwicheon has the charming teahouse is is famed for its resident K-pop music. Its quince tea received international situated amongst an finches and frozen is especially recommended. Ph: 02-725-8587 attention. open garden. pomegranates.
Ph: 02-734-2828 Ph: 02-732-5257 Ph: 02-737-5019

Conclusion
So, there you have it, a quick escape to Nami Island, and then back to Seoul for a foray into traditional Korean tea and cuisine in charming Insa-dong. I hope you enjoyed the tour. Thanks for coming along and come back soon for another course!

Day5: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 (Jeju Island Tour)

Yeha Tour http://www.yehatour.com/jeju/service/daytour/daytour.php?lang=eng Bus Tour 79,000won; Hotel pick-up, Lunch & admissions 8:30 AM-6PM West Course (MWF) o Hallim Park o Suweolbong Trekking (OSulloc at rainy-day) o Lunch - Wellbeing Buffet o Spirited Garden o ALTHR Airifield o Mt. Sanbang o Cheonjeyeon Waterfall (or Teddy Bear Museum) East Course (TTHS) o Trick Art Museum o Seongeup Folk Village

o o o o o

Lunch Woman Diver Show (Haenyeo Musem at Rainy-day) Seongsan Sunrise Peak Jongdalri Shore Road Manjang Cave

Day6: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 (Jeju Island Tour)

Yeha Tour http://www.yehatour.com/jeju/service/daytour/daytour.php?lang=eng Bus Tour 79,000won; Hotel pick-up, Lunch & admissions 8:30 AM-6PM West Course (MWF) o Hallim Park o Suweolbong Trekking (OSulloc at rainy-day) o Lunch - Wellbeing Buffet o Spirited Garden o ALTHR Airifield o Mt. Sanbang o Cheonjeyeon Waterfall (or Teddy Bear Museum) - East Course (TTHS) o Trick Art Museum o Seongeup Folk Village o Lunch o Woman Diver Show (Haenyeo Musem at Rainy-day) o Seongsan Sunrise Peak o Jongdalri Shore Road o Manjang Cave o Day7: Thursday, November 14, 2013 (Jeju Island Tour) - Yeha Tour http://www.yehatour.com/jeju/service/daytour/daytour.php?lang=eng - Bus Tour 79,000won; Hotel pick-up, Lunch & admissions 8:30 AM-6PM - West Course (MWF) o Hallim Park o Suweolbong Trekking (OSulloc at rainy-day) o Lunch - Wellbeing Buffet o Spirited Garden o ALTHR Airifield o Mt. Sanbang o Cheonjeyeon Waterfall (or Teddy Bear Museum) - East Course (TTHS) o Trick Art Museum o Seongeup Folk Village o Lunch o Woman Diver Show (Haenyeo Musem at Rainy-day) o Seongsan Sunrise Peak o Jongdalri Shore Road o Manjang Cave -

Day8: Friday, November 15, 2013 - The Best Course North of the Hangang (River) (1)
When you come out of Anguk Station (line3) exit 1, youll see a Starbucks coffee right in front of you. Go about 50 meters passed it, and take a right, and youll see a photography place. Go straight in the direction of the arrow. The street has well-made, detailed signs along it, so once youre on it, youll be able to find everything easily. Samcheong-dong o Home to cafes, art galleries, cultural spaces, and artists workshop o Tokino Museum (for kids actions figures) o Silk Road Museum (artifacts such as ancient weapons, clothing) o Buckchon Life Museum (Korean style house) o Owl Museum* o Buckcheon Museums: Seoul Museum of Chicken Arts, Museum of Buddhist Art, Gahoe Museu, Donglim Knot Museum and the Hansangsu Emboridery Museum o Many of the museums charge 2000-5000won. But you can purchase passes that allow you to visit 5 museums in this area for 10000won and 5 museums in the Buckchon area for the same price. Buckchon Hanok Village o Renovated Hanoks (traditional Korean houses) o Joongang High School (Winter Sonata) o Artist workshops ; can take classes as well Chandeokgung Palace (close on Mondays) o Admission for Adullts: 3000won; Additional fee for Secret Garden tour o Home to many Kings o One particular part of the palace you shouldnt miss is the garden. o Buyongji Pond o Aeryeonji Pond Daehangno o Center of Koreas pioneering performing arts scene o Marronnier park o Lock Museum o Robotmuseum o Naksan Park located on the hill. 10 min walk up one of the alleys o In the residential area surrounding the park, youll find many murals on walls and staircases that are fun to look at. Dongdaemun o Seouls fashion district o It means Great East Gate one of the 8 gates built as part of the wall that originally rounded Seoul. o Dongdaemun History & Culture Park o Dongdaemun Fashion Town open 24/7 (prices are affordable!)

1. From Anguk Station exit 1 to Samcheong-dong Samcheong-dong Museum (Admission and Guide)

09:00 ~ 09:15 (15 min.) 09:15 ~ 12:00 (2 hr 45 min.)

Walking Museum day pass 15,000 won

[Lunch] Nunnamujip [Location Change] From Samcheong-dong to Bukchon Hanok Village 2. Bukchon Hanok Village Recommended Course [Location Change] From Bukchon Hanok Village to Changdeokgung Palace 3. Changdeokgung Palace [Location Change] From Changdeokgung Palace to Daehangno 4. Daehangno

12:00 min.)

12:40

(40

Tteokgalbi (short rib and pork meat patties) 7,000 won; Kimchimaliguksu (cold noodles in kimchi soup) 4,500 won

12:40 ~ 13:00 (20 min.) 13:00 ~ 14:30 (1 hr 30 min.) 14:30 ~ 14:40 (10 min.) 14:40 ~ 16:00 (1 hr 20 min.) 16:00 min.) ~ 16:10 (10

Walking Museum tickets 10,000 won

Walking Admission 3,000 won

Taxi 3,000 won Walking Tour Beef Samgyeopsal (pork loin) 11,000 won; Daejang jjigae and bibimbap (soybean paste stew and rice mixed with vegetables and beef) 5,500 won

16:10 ~ 18:10 (2 hrs)

[Dinner] Sanbonghwaro Gui [Location Change] From Daehangno to Dongdaemun Gate 5. Dongdaemun Gate Total time and cost

18:10 ~ 19:10 (1 hr) 19:10 min.) 19:20 ~ Duration 10 hr 20 min. ~ 19:20 (10

Subway 900 won Minimum Cost 34,900 won

Day9: Saturday, November 13, 2013

Free time