Culture shock in Seoul

1. No tipping

 When you visit Korean restaurants, you might be surprised If you're from the western countries. In Korea, tipping is not required nor is it even expected. Even though we don't have tipping culture, the customer service in Seoul is unparalleled, and most staff works diligently to cater food to customer.

2. Using Wifi and calling freely in the public transportation.

 We freely call someone and send messages in the public transportation. When I stayed in Toronto, Canada, I couldn't use my cellphone in the subway. We don't have any problem to use the smartphone in the subway. In addition, from subways to buses provide people with free access to Wifi, so the people who have a smartphone usually search the internet or use SNS service like Facebook and Twitter in the public transportation.

Source : http://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=shinsuper&logNo=50136580671

3. Drinking outside

 In Korea, we can drink alcohol outdoors like parks and school campuses. If you visit the campus of Korean universities on a sunny days, you can see the students in group who drink alcohol on a lawn in the campus. Han river is a popular outdoor place for drinking beer with chicken. Especially in Summer, many people enjoy drinking beer with their friends and family sitting on the ground next to the river.

4. Korean dry sauna,  Jjimjilbang

 A Jjimjilbang is a large, gender-segregated public bathhouse in Korea, furnished with hot tubs, showers, Korean traditional kiln saunas and massage tables. There are unisex areas with a snack bar, ondol-heated floor for lounging and sleeping, wide-screen TVs, exercise rooms, ice rooms, heated salt rooms, the room for using computers, karaoke, and sleeping quarters with either bunk beds or sleeping mats. It has various rooms with different temperatures to suit guests' preferred relaxing temperatures. Most jjimjilbangs are open 24 hours and are a popular weekend getaway for Korean families.

Source : http://heraldk.com/article.php?id=18360

5.  Lots of stores that open 24 hours

 There are lots of stores and pubs that operate overnight. You can buy snacks, foods, household items, even alcohol anytime. Moreover, there are many pubs that you can enjoy drinking alcohol, and clubs you can dance all night long.  

Source : http://chunsk71.blogspot.kr/2010/09/blog-post.html

Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jjimjilbang

Clubbing

 There are three famous areas for clubbing : Gangnam, Hongdae and Itaewon. They have different atmosphere, so you can feel various excitement. You can dance and drink overnight because all clubs are operated all night long.

1. Gangnam

Source : http://guestofaguest.com/nightlife/beyond-gangnam-style-the-best-partying-in-seoul&slide=7

 Gangnam is one of the richest district in Korea and famous area around the world because of 'Gangnam style' of the Psy's song. Most of the people who go clubbing to Gangnam area are well dressed and look luxurious. The most famous club in the area is NB(Noise Basement). There are a mix of spaces including the main dance floor, a bar upstairs and downstairs and a large staircase where you can scope out the crowd. The main dance floor plays Hip Hop, and if hip-hop is not your thing, there are other rooms where you can pound away to the ever popular house music, or whatever else the DJ is spinning. If you want to people watch, the second floor offers a nice balcony, but works as a back-up dance floor, too. It's never a dull night at NB.

2. Hongdae

Source : http://www.flickr.com/photos/jykthemuse/2347073910/

 If you visit Hongdae area, you can see many people who have strong individuality and unique fashion styles. Hongdae respects people's personalities and diversity of style, so the dress code is more free and funky compared to Gangnam when you go clubbing in the area. There are more than 20 clubs within the area, and M2 is one of the most well-known of them all. It showcases some of the biggest superstar DJ's in the world. The genre is Electronic music such as House, Trance and Breaks.

3. Itaewon

Source : http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?year=2013&no=1123382

 Itaewon is well known as 'Foreign Town'. Many restaurants serving international dishes are found in this area including cuisine from India, The United States, Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, England, France and Mexico, which are not widely available in Korea. Therefore, the uniqueness of the clubs in Itaewon is that there are lots of foreigners and different age groups from 20's to 40's, whereas almost all of the clubbers are 20's in Gangnam and Hongdae. One of the most popular clubs in Itaewon is B One. It is very crowded even on weekdays as well as you have to wait for entrance at least 30 mins on weekends. It has different lounges which divides into distinctive themes such as authentic European funky lounge, Cross lounge and VIP rooms.

Night views of Seoul

 There are three popular places to enjoy captivating night views of Seoul : N Seoul Tower, The 63 Building Observatory, Han River Cruise. The lights of the bridges across the Han River mingled with those of the skyscrapers create a fantastic view at night. Also, almost all of the buildings in Korea are lit up until midnight, so it makes views more gorgeous. 

1. N Seoul Tower

Source : http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/GK/cms_list_3157.jsp?cid=1547291

Source : http://www.reformatt.com/blog/n-seoul-tower

 You can reach here by taking buses or cable car near Myeongdong Station. From the entry point of the elevator passing the media art connected to the interior, the beauty of Seoul spreads in front of you when you reach the Observatory on the 3rd floor of the tower. It offers 360º panoramic views of the entire city of Seoul at a glance.

Click on the official site : http://www.nseoultower.com/eng/index.asp

2. The 63 Building Observatory

Source : http://hskipnida.blogspot.kr/2011/01/seouls-scenic-spots.html

Source : http://www.advancedtechnologykorea.com/6574/

 It is a tallest building on Yeouido island, overlooking the Han River in Seoul. The observation deck is on the 60th floor, and it is a great site to see awesome night views with the lights of the bridges across the Han River. Observation elevators equipped with windows enable their passengers to view the city as they ride up to (or down from) the observation deck. In the evening, some elevators known as Love Elevators are available exclusively for couples. and these give guests a one minute exclusive ride.

To get detailed information, visit http://www.63.co.kr/home/63CITY/eng/main.do

3. Han River Cruise

Source : http://kimchicrew.com/han-river-evening-cruise-seoul/

Source : http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/06/153_754.html

 Taking a cruise is a great way to enjoy a romantic scene of Han River with the night views of Seoul. The cruises are operated between the seven docks which are Yeouido, Yanghwa, Sangam, Chamdubong, Jamsil, Seoul Forest, and Ttukseom along the river every one or two hours each day. There are three major places to get on or off the ferries: the Yeouido, Jamsil, and Ttukseom docks. Tickets cost 13,000won. The cruise from Yeouido to Ttukseom for 70 minutes is recommended. Don’t forget to take a place on the top floor that you can see the best view from there. 

Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/63_Building

Nanta show

 Nanta show is also known as Cookin or Cookin Nanta. It is non-verbal comedy performance that integrates Korea's traditional rhythm, Samulnori. Instead of using various Korean traditional instruments, it uses objects that you can find in a kitchen such as pans, knives and pots as its instruments. It has a simple story of three cooks attempting to finish preparing a wedding banquet within a strict time limit.

Source : http://kuweight64.blogspot.kr/2013/01/nanta-cooking-comedy-show-by-south.html

Source : http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/pages/20120723142616-korean-art-cooking-show-to-enchant-locals.aspx

 The show is composed of rhythm, beat and situation without any words, and involves acrobatics, magic tricks, comedy, pantomime.

 The specialty of Nanta is that audiences of all ages and nationalities can enjoy the performance because there is no language barrier as well as it combines Korean traditional rhythms with modern music and a comic storyline. In addition, it has strong audience participation. Spectators can be the bride and groom in a traditional Korean wedding ceremony, compete in piling up dumplings, and interact with the performers. You can play the rhythm on the stage and make the other audience more excited. Due to its popularity, it has become one of the must-see performances in Korea.

Source : http://www.globaltravelmate.com/asia/thailand/bangkok/bangkok-entertainment

 Nanta is the longest-running show in Korea. Since it first debuted in 1997, more than 8 million audiences in different ages and backgrounds viewed this performance.

It made its international debut in 1999 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it received an award for best performance. Since then, it has been staged in 18 countries around the world including New York's Broadway.

To get more information about the show and book tickets, visit the official site : 

http://nanta.i-pmc.co.kr/Nanta/en/Intro.aspx  

Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanta_(show)

                   http://nanta.i-pmc.co.kr/Nanta/en/Intro.aspx

The Theme Park : Lotte World

 Lotte World is a major recreation complex in Seoul and one of the most world-class theme parks in Asia. It consists of two main sections : the world's largest indoor theme park (a Guinness World Record), an outdoor amusement park called 'Magic Island', an artificial island inside a lake linked by monorail. There are 41 attractions, and it offers a variety of performances and festivals in the park. Since there are more of the rides and they are mostly performed inside the park, visitors can freely and conveniently access them regardless of weather.

Source : http://gracekimpai.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/reunited-at-last-part-2-lotte-world/

Source : http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lotte_World_Theme_Park.jpg

My recommendation for exciting attractions

1. The Conquistador

 It swings back and forth, almost reaching the ceiling of Lotte World at its maximum height. If you are extreme thrill seekers, the front and rear end seats are recommended. The seats at the ends of the ship rise 5 more meters and 24 degrees higher than the seats towards the middle. But if you choose the middle seat, you can ride quicker.

2. French Revolution

 Breathtaking, high-octane roller coaster. You can experience the electrifying thrill of rotating 360 or even up to 540 degrees at full speed. It also takes a picture during the ride that is available for check and pick up at the exit.(photos are for sale)

3. Flume Ride

 A log ride consisting of a 4-seat long boat that travels through a Jurassic jungle. you can enjoy the thrill of plunging into the waterfall, swept away by raging waters. If you choose the front seat, you may be wet a little bit when the boat slides down because of a splash of water. I recommend taking a cool pose at the waterfall plunge. You can see a picture of yourself with an interesting facial expression on the way out.(photos are for sale)

4. Gyro Drop

 It is the first playing facility in Korea for high-altitude, free-fall experience. You will experience the breathless fear of zero gravity for 2 seconds at the moment of falling. It goes up slowly, but it's so fast when it goes down. When it reaches on the top, it stops after rotating slowly. After it stops completely and you count one, two, three, it falls to the ground.

5. The Comet Express

 Twice the thrill in the dark! You can feel like riding a comet flying through dark space. It is a thrilling, futuristic dark coaster with seats rotating 360 degrees; it will give you one-step advanced excitement compared to the existing roller coasters.

Click on the official website for all about the theme park : http://global.lotteworld.com/main.asp

Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotte_World
                  http://global.lotteworld.com/main.asp

The useful apps for trip to Seoul

1. Seoul Walking Tour

 This is an audio guide app that will guide you through the history, culture and features of the popular places in Seoul. It is explained in English, Chinese and Japanese, and has the function of GPS. It makes the foreigners who visit Korea for the first time travel without any Korean tour guides.

2. i Tour Seoul

 The official travel guide app of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, i Tour Seoul gives you the essential information of tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping destinations and hotels in Seoul. In addition, it automatically finds your current location and gives you the most highly recommended places nearby with detailed maps and information on the closest and most convenient public transportation spots. It was designed with built-in content so that you can use it anytime, anywhere without having to access a wireless network. However, maps and driving directions require a wireless connection. The people who use both i-phone and android can download this app.

3. Seoul Subway

 It provides you with the subway map as well as various information that which subway line you have to ride, which gate for quick transfer is, when the subway comes and how long it takes to arrive at your destination. It is also a widget, so you can directily check the information on the homepage of your phone. If you go to some places regularly, you can set your journey through option menu and it will automatically show up near the time on widget.

4. Genie Talk

 It has the function of translation. If you tell the sentence you want to know after clicking on the button of the figure of microphone, it translates English into Korean and show the sentence on the screen. It automatically searches the other expressions which is similar with the result of voice recognition and the expressions pretranslated by other people. You can also revise the result of voice recognition, so it helps you tell more exact and various sentences. Moreover, you can get diverse expressions related to tour and daily life by browsing.

Reference : https://play.google.com/store/search?q=seoul&c=apps&price=1&hl=en

The weather and related activities

 Korea has four distinct seasons : Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. 

We have different kinds of activities in each seasons. After getting information about the weather, I hope you prepare appropriate clothes and get ready to enjoy the related to activities or festivals. 

1. Spring(March to May)

 The weather is usually mild and pleasant. The highest temperature on average is 18℃ and the lowest's is 8℃. There is a great temperature difference between day and night. Sometimes a series of severe yellow dusts from China badly affects the weather. It's good time to do outdoor activities, though. In addition, the flowers including magnolia and cherry blossoms become in full bloom.

 The cherry blossom festival takes place in Yeouido around the middle of April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The street behind the National Assembly Building, called Yunjungno, is lined with about 1,400 cherry trees and is the most famous cherry blossom street in Seoul. At night, the cherry blossoms are lit up with various colored lights. Visitors can stroll next to the Han River while enjoying the blossoms.

Direction : Exit 1 or 6 of National Assembly stn. on subway line 9 (5-minute walk)

2. Summer(June to August)

 It is really hot and humid, but it rains a lot early in Summer. When the rainy season begins near the end of June, it continuously rains and usually lasts about a month. In addition, a typhoon strikes Korea almost every summer. When the rainy season is over, the heat wave hits the country. The temperatures can go over 35°C with an average of 22°C and we frequently suffer from the tropical nights phenomenon.

Source : http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=88103

 The most popular activities are to go swimming and camping to escape the heat. There are lots of places to enjoy swimming including indoor and outdoor pools, water parks and valleys. Click on the site (http://www.lifeinkorea.com/activities/swimpool.cfm) for checking the list of the swimming pools. Especially, public outdoor swimming pools are very cheap, but it's very crowded. If you want to relax more, I recommend going camping to the valleys.

Source : http://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=theclass0559&logNo=192610044

 This is Wooyidong Valley, which has clear and cool stream. You can pitch a tent by the valley and put your feet in the water or just take a rest while enjoying the fresh nature. It'll make you more relaxed and cool. You can use the private rental room service to stay there for one night, and the restaurants are lined near the valley. 

3. Fall(September to November)

 The weather is cooler and dryer, but still pleasantly warm and sunny. The highest temperature on average is 19℃ and the lowest's is 10℃. They're comparable to those of Spring and the temperature fluctuates a lot, so you have to be careful not to catch a cold. As the season progresses, the leaves turn yellow and red color. Fall is the best time to explore Seoul. 

Source : http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Travel/view?articleId=103231

 This place is 'Bukhansan national park', which is the only national park and famous for the hiking trail in Seoul. The leaves of the trees in the mountain change the color from the middle of October, so it's the perfect time to go hiking to appreciate the beautiful scenery.

4. Winter(December to February)

 It is generally cold and very dry. The temperatures sometimes go below zero with an average of 3°C. It scarcely rains during this season and sometimes it snows when the temperature goes below zero.

Source : http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/12/115_36046.html

 You can enjoy winter sports like ice-skating, sledding and skiing. Among them, there are the most places for ice-skating. The place of the picture above is an ice rink at Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall. The ice rink is open to the public for 1,000 won (just $1 USD) per person from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and to 11 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Reference : http://weather.sg.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:KSXX0037&q=Seoul%2c+KOR+forecast:averagesm