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Others in Seoul
Others in Seoul
World Comic Convention, (Metro Line 3, Hagnyeoul station), . Twice a month the SETIC convention center hosts Seoul's World Comic con Festival. Admission is 4,000W but the inside is rather bland unless you are extremely familiar with Japanese and Korean anime. Your best bet is to go during convention hours and mingle with the crowds of Korean teenagers in elaborate cosplay costumes dressed as their favorite anime characters. Most are excited to see foreigners and very glad to have their pictures taken. As mentioned, this convention only takes place twice a month, so check the website (Korean only) to make sure it will be in session while you are in Seoul. �
Bukchon, (North Village). The collective name of the few tiny suburbs ('dong') wedged between Gyeongbuk Palace and the Secret Garden, just north of Insadong and Anguk Station. This area was where relatives of the royal family, high public officials and other important families lived for over 500 years as they serviced the nearby palaces. Today, some 900 of their traditional Korean 'hanok' houses remain, making this area one of Seoul's most picturesque centers of arts, culture, food and fashion.
Namdaemun, (남대문,南大門), (formally known as Sungnyemun (숭례문,崇禮門), (Metro Line 1, City Hall stn). The Great South Gate is a symbol of Seoul and has been designated as National Treasure Number 1. Particularly beautiful when floodlit at night, and best combined with a visit to the adjacent Namdaemun Market. Unfortunately, an arson lit fire in February 2008 destroyed much of the structure,and rebuilding is not expected to finish until 2012.
Dongdaemun, (동대문,東大門), (Metro Line 1, Dongdaemun stn). More formally known as Heunginjimun (흥인지문,興仁之門), the old eastern gate of the city still stands. Though not as impressive architecturally as Namdaemun, the Dongdaemun market is infinitely more interesting than the its couterpart. Since Namdaemun was burnt down in February 2008, it is one of 3 original city gates still standing along with Bukdaemun (북대문,北大門), the Great North Gate more formally known as Sukjeongmun (숙정문,肅靖門) and a smaller minor gate known as Changuimun (창의문,彰義門).
Seodaemun Prison, 101 Hyeonjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu, (Metro Line 3, Dongnimmun stn, exit 5). Tue-Sun 9:30 AM-6 PM (5 PM in Nov-Feb). Originally built in 1908, the prison became infamous during the Japanese occupation, when it was used to torture, starve and execute Korean political prisoners. Actual prison cells, wax figures and videos are used to demonstrate the shocking brutality; most signage is only in Korean, but volunteer guides can describe the sights in English. Obviously due to the content, this site is not suitable for young children or those of a sensitive nature. ₩1500.
COEX, (Metro Line 2, Samseong stn). This very large mall is located in Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu. This state-of-the-art complex was designed for international conferences, and holds 150 specialized exhibitions and 15,000 conventions/events a year. The center also plays a role in promoting international trade by connecting international buyers with local businesses. A variety of stores and attractions can be found in the COEX including: the COEX Aquarium ; a large Western-style "luxury" cinema; the Kimchi museum ; a traditional video game arcade; a PC Lounge; hair and nail salons; a large bookstore with many Korean, English, and Japanese publications; and a pharmacy. There are also shopping options in COEX and include mens and womens clothing, jewelery, sportswear, souvenirs, shoes, and electronics. As far as food options, there is a large food court serving several types of contemporary and traditional food cafeteria-style, and western chains such as TGI Friday's, as well as restaurants, hofs and cafes located all throughout the interior and exterior of the COEX. The COEX is also directly connected to the COEX Intercontinental Hotel and the City Air Terminal. Yearly conventions at the COEX include online gaming conventions (such as the popular Korean-originated MMORPG Lineage), anime conventions, and auto shows. It is possible to spend the entire day in this covered mall without setting foot outside, which can be a blessing if very bad weather hits outside.
N Seoul Tower, (Namsan Tower), (Metro Line 3 or 4, Chungmuro stn or line 3 Dongguk University). Once the tallest tower in Asia, it has the best panoramic view in all of Seoul. Many Seoulites and visitors have visited the tower to catch a glimpse of the city’s landscape while enjoying the nature of Namsan Mountain and a host of other attractive facilities. Owing to the tower's unique structure, the observatory section boats spectacular views of the changing foliage throughout all seasons. N Seoul Tower was renovated in 2005 with a newly designed high tech multimedia. The tower can be reached on foot, by taxi or, on the south side, by cable car. The cable car is available from 10AM-10:30PM and is reached by a 10 min uphill walk from Myeongdong stn, from exit 2 or 3. Centrally located, it can be seen from nearly anywhere in Seoul and is a helpful reference for travelers on foot. There's also a Teddy Bear Museum at the tower which has lively illustrations of Korean culture. Of course all characters are Teddy Bears.
The National Museum of Korea, (Metro Line 4 and Jungang Line, Ichon stn). Houses the best of the best collection of artifacts and relics from across Korea throughout different periods and dynasty. Also has some West Asian pieces from Japanese Governor-General of Korea. Closed every Monday.
Cheonggye Stream, (near Cheonggye Plaza near Insa-dong). This stream has recently been converted into a verdant tourist attraction from its previous state as a busy freeway.
Korean Folk Village, (한국 민속촌,韓國民俗村). (Metro Line 1, Suwon stn.; free shuttle bus departs from Suwon stn to the Folk Village; ask at the Tourist Information Center). A nice outdoor museum located in the Yongin suburb with displays that depict the lives of the different social classes and regions of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. Also has some live performances of traditional Korean skills. ₩12,000-18,000 depending on the admission package you purchase
Unhyeongung, (운현궁,雲峴宮). A museum located in Jongno-gu, formerly the residence of a Joseon Dynasty prince and where the wedding of the second last king of the Joseon Dynasty was held, it has several mannequins depicting the dressing style of the yangban or noble class during the Joseon Dynasty.
National War Memorial, (전쟁기념관), (line 4 and 6, Samgakji stn). A museum about Korean military history and Korean War. Ancient, Middle Ages, and modern Korean weapons are on display. Also several fighter, bomber, and trainer aircraft which used during Korean War are on display.
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Seoul Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.