Soul (서울 Seoul) [1] is South Korea capital. The name is sometimes written in Finnish Soul, which is perhaps a little closer in pronunciation to the right, though not Korean eo yes it's not the same.
Understand
Seoul is by far the largest city in South Korea, and up to half of Koreans live in its metropolitan area, or about 25 million people.
Come
By plane
Seoul has two airports:
- Incheon International[2] is a futuristic creation in the neighborhood Incheon in the port city about 50 km west of the center. Some Tokyo with the exception of shuttle flights, all international flights land in Incheon, including Finnair's direct flights From Helsinki starting in June 2008. The most convenient way to the city center is by direct limousine bus directly to the largest hotels (W13000) or by public bus to the city center (W8000). The journey takes an hour up depending on traffic and end point; especially during peak times, it is a good idea to leave for a return trip well in advance.
- Gimpo (Kimpo). The older airport, close to the city center, mainly serves domestic traffic. The AREX train to Incheon Airport runs every 12 minutes (33 min, W3100) and Metro Line 5 connects directly to the city center (approx. 50 min, W1400). Metro line 9 provides access to the south side of the river, the Yeouido and Gangnam areas.
By train
The train can only reach Seoul from the rest of South Korea.
Move
Seoul has a comprehensive metro network. Metro tickets are purchased from the vending machine at the metro station and the price depends on how far you travel. At the main stations, the vending machines are also in English. The stations also have ticket sales. A lot of people who use the metro should buy a T-Card, which can be used to load the desired amount from the machine. So you don’t have to buy a new card every time for every trip. With a T-Card, one trip costs about 900 - 1500 won (0.5-1 e).
See
- Namdaemun gate. The symbol of Seoul and one of the city’s most significant attractions was partially destroyed in a fire in February 2008. Reconstruction of the gate is estimated to take up to three years.
- Gyenongbok-gung Palace.
- War Memorial Museum. A huge museum, mainly focused on the Korean War. Free entry.
Tea
Mountaineering (or rather walking in the mountains) is a favorite pastime of Koreans, after all, 80% of the country’s land area is mountainous. You can easily reach the mountains by metro.
- Dobongsan Mountain (Take metro line 1 to Dobong Subway Station). You’re guaranteed not to have to hike alone, the mountains are teeming with local seniors in their state-of-the-art outdoor gear.
- Mount Gwanaksan (Between Seoul and Anyang cities). You can climb there from either the Seoul side or the south side. Both places are easily accessible by metro. For example, from Gwacheo station (438) (exit 7). Continue straight and left on the river until you reach the entrance.
Sowing
- Jimjilbang. Open 24 h. Korean spa. Most spas feature a variety of saunas, hot and cold pools, ice rooms, restaurants, cafes, massages, hairdressing and facials. Men and women take a sauna and wash separately, but you can go to the common areas wearing an outfit from the spa. Great places to relax if your head a little aches after the night before. Prices range from 3 to 10 euros..
Buy
- Namdaemun market. Bags, clothes and snacks for sale at a cheap price. Open through the night.
- Dongdaemun market. Clothes and bigger items for sale.
- COEX shopping center A huge shopping mall selling the biggest western brands. Everything can be found from Gucci to Apple, but the prices are in line with that as well. The mall also has an aquarium and a movie theater.
- Asian electronics products are sometimes slightly cheaper (10-20%) than in Finland. The product warranty is usually only valid in South Korea. The best and most comprehensive place to shop is Yongsan electronics market, [3]
Eat
Korean and Western food is available throughout.
Juo
Cafes
Bars & pubs
Nightclubs
Sleep
- Millennium Seoul Hilton, 395, 5-ga, Namdaemun-ro, ☎ 82-2-3173114.
Stay safe
Seoul is a safe city for its size. There are no or very few pickpockets and Koreans are a reliable gang anyway. Drugs are hardly used.
Stay healthy
In case of illness, the tourist can contact the Seoul Help Center Medical Service. Phone 010-4769-8212. The service is available in English.
Take contact
The Embassy of Finland is located in Seoul.
Continue your journey
The metro provides convenient access to the outskirts of the city, from where you can go hiking in the mountains for the day.
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