SOUTH KOREA, SEOUL

SEOUL SPECIAL CITY

SEOUL is capital and largest metropolis of South Korea, forming the heart of the Seoul Capital Area which includes the surrounding Incheon Metropolis and Gyeonggi province, the world's second largest Metropolitan area with over 25.6 million people. Furthermore, it is over half of South Koreans along with 632,000 international residents. Next, Seoul is surrounded by mountains, the world most visited national park per square foot. Modern landmarks include the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower, heaven for female, Myeondong is a place for going shopping, the gold clad 63 building, Lotte World, the world's second largest indoor theme park, Moonlight Rainbow Fountaint the world's longest bridge fountain. Besides that, South Korea is a birthplace of K-Pop and the Korean Wave. Seoul was voted the world most wanted travel destination by Chinese, Japanese and Thai tourists for three consecutive years in 2009- 2011 with over 12 million visitors and in 2013 making it with 10th most visited city and 6th largest earner in tourism. Now, lets take a look about the places in Seoul that attract tourists:

1.. NAMSAN TOWER
                                                 
                       

• Namsan opened to the public on October 15,1980
• Since that this place has became a major tourist attraction
• The 236.7 m Seoul Tower sits a top Namsan Mountain (243m), Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of Seoul and surrounding areas.
• The view is so stunning that makes Namsan Seoul Tower becomes the best tower Asia in the eyes of tourists.
• The attractions from this tower is with the latest LED technology lightning which constantly changes colours and patterns, it has become, it has become a "light art" providing various media art together with an unusual cultural art experience.
• Now, Namsan Seoul Tower became a proud landmarks of Seoul.

   a) Namsan Cable car

                                     

Namsan Cable car runs from the base of Namsan Mountain (located in central Seoul) up to the Namsan Tower, one of the most representative tourist attractions in Seoul, loved by tourists and residents alike. 

   

b)Love padlocks at Namsan Tower

           

Namsan Seoul Tower is one of the iconic symbols of Seoul. This place has now become a popular date spots, Like the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris, couples head to the tower to lock their "padlock of love" onto the railing that their love will last forever.

2. MYEONG-DONG

   

•  is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul.
•  many brand name shops and department stores line the streets and alleys, such as Etude House, Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square and M Plaza 
• The department stores carry many premium labels and other fashionable goods at reasonable prices.
• That's why this place known as "shopping paradise" for women.

3. INSADONG

  

•  Located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display.
• Furthermore, there are traditional performances and exhibits as well despite that, this place popular with foreign tourists.
• The available facilities in Insadong such as we can get souvenir, restaurants.

4. HONGDAE AREA

• is a region in Seoul.

   a) Hello Kitty Cafe Hongdae
       

This place located in Hongdae Area. This one of the attraction places that attract tourist to come. Furthermore, what make it become interesting is they also decorated the food and drink accordance with the concept Hello Kitty.

5. 63 BUILDING

   

• with 63 floors measuring a height of 264m, the 63 Building is Korea's tallest and most recognized building.
• boasts spectacular views of the Hangang River and the surrounding mountains of Bugaksan Namsan and Gwanaksan.
• has undergone considerable renovation and the basement floor boasts convenient facilities including 63 Sea World, 63 IMAX theater, Korea's greatest buffet restaurant "Buffet Pavilion," and a host of other of other restaurants.

6. ITAEWON

• Itaewon is a part of the greater Seoul area that is often described as a foreign country within Korea.
• Though Muslims visitors to Seoul may be hard-pressedto find food and places of prayer in other regions, visitors can cast these worries aside.

The mosque opened in 1976 to promote friendly ties between Korea and Muslims countries. Despite that, to introduce Islamic culture to Korean people.

     

Also there no need to worries for Muslims because there also provide halal food restaurant here.

7. LOTTE WORLD THEME PARK
   

   "Perfect Place for Thrilling Entertainment Fun and Rides"

It is a theme park filled with thrilling rides, an ice rink, different kinds of parades as well as a folk museum, a lake and much more. One of the major reasons tourists are attracted to Lotte World is the amusement rides. These top two rides is Gyro Swing and Gyro Drop are the top pleasers

8. HAN RIVER

• Is a major river in South Korea and the fourth longest river on the Korea Peninsula.
• The Han River and it's surrounding area have played an important role in Korean history,such when The Three Kingdoms of Korea strove to take control of this, where the river was used as a trade route to China ( via the Yellow Sea). 

  a) Hangang River Ferry Cruise

Hangang River Ferry Cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery around Hangang River that flows through Seoul. Furthermore, cool wind from the river, the surrounding scenery, which get more beautiful in the evenings, are the rewards from ferry cruise can offer the tourists. On the cruise, you can see Hangang River's  beautiful scenery, the surrounding islands, Jeoldusan Park, 63 City Building, N Seoul Tower, Jamsil's Multi Sports Complex, and other famous tourist spots.

b) Ttukseom Hangang Theme Park

In summer, which was originally designed as a large swimming pool, boasts special features including a fountain in the adult pool and along winding pool resembling a stream.

While in winter, the area is covered in snow, giving visitors the chance to go sledding, build snowmen and enjoy snowball fights.

9. CHEONGGYECHEON STREAM

  

Until it was restored in 2005, Cheonggyecheon Stream existed only as a neglected watercourse hidden by an overpass. Today, it has been transformed into a heaven of natural beauty amidst the bustle of city life. This sream close to Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, the Sejong Center, Insa-dong Street, allowing visitors to easily visit major tourist sites after a leisurely stroll along the stream. 

10. GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main Royal Palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It was built in 1395 and it's located in northern Seoul. It was the largest of the Five Grand Palace, built by the Joseon Dynasty. Furthermore, Gyeongbokgung Palace served as the home of of the Kings of Joseon. today, the access of this palace is it was opened to the public and houses the National Folk Museum of Korean, the National Palce Museum of Korea and Traditional Korean Gardens.

                     

 

SOUTH KOREA

JEJU ISLAND

Jejudo or Jeju island is a volcanic island, about 130 km from the southern coast of Korea. It is the largest island and smallest province in South Korea. A central feature of Jejudo is Hallasan, the tallest mountain in South Korea. Jejudo has a mild oceanic climate throughout the year with the smallest annual temperature range in the South Korea. Annually, Jejudo attract about 9 million tourists and visitors. Jeju Island is Korea’s Most Treasured island and become one of the world ‘treasure island of environmental assets'. Jeju Island is a place where you can enjoy the beauty mother nature. So, let see 10 places Must-Visit in Jejudo (Jeju Island), South Korea!

1.  Hallasan National Park (UNESCO World Heritage)

   

    

    

    

    

    

    
   
    Hallasan or Halla Mountain is the tallest mountain in South Korea, located at the center of Jeju Island. It also called Mountain Yeongjusan with the meaning of ‘mountain high enough to pull the galaxy’. Hallasan Mointain rises 1950 meter above the sea level but it is still relatively easy to hike mountain, simply follow one among 7 of the well-developed mountain hiking trails. All of the hiking trails are less than 10 kilometer and you could make it to the peak plus back in a day. However, preparation is needed as the weather is very dynamic and windy. Please make sure you bring jacket, advisable to use proper shoe, check the weather forecast before go for the hike and a camera is a must! You will be surprise by the views from the top of Hallasan.
   
   

   2.  Jungmun Daepo Coast Jusangjeolli Cliff

    

   Southwest from Depo-dong, at the end of the pine tree forest there is a cliff called Jusangjeolli Cliff. The Jusangjeolli Cliff was formed 250,000 and 140,000 years ago, by the lava from Mountain Hallasan erupted into the sea when it is still an active volcano. Those rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons of different sizes were named by locals as 'Jisatgae Rocks' with 2 kilometers along the Daepo coast and 20 meter up to the sky. Jusangjeolli Cliff makes one of the popular spot in Jejudo and it is a place to enjoy the breath taking ocean view as the waves of the high tides crashing into the side of the rock pillars.
    
   

   3. Manjanggul Cave (UNESCO World Heritage)

     

   Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) or in short Manjang Cave, a lava tunnel that has a variety of natural structures inside including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels. Only 1 kilometer of the 13422 meter of Manjanggul Cave is open for visit. The temperature inside the in Manjanggul cave is in the range of 11-21℃ and only small number animals (bats) living in the tunnel which create a comfortable atmosphere for visitor and valuable for researchers as well.
   
   

   4.  Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (UNESCO World Heritage)

     

   In South Korea, especially in Jeju Island, there are numerous of breathless mountains for spirited mountaineers to hunt for. Extinct volcano Ilchulbong, also known as (Sunrise Peak) is truly a scenic tourism attraction you shouldn’t miss. Around 100,000 years ago, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption which its summit shaped like a punchbowl is approximately 182m from sea level .On the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, east of Jeju Island, you could see a huge crater at the top it. The crater, 600m in diameter and 90m high, surrounded by 99 sharp rocks, making it seem to be a giant crown. The southeast and north sides of Ilchulbong are cliffs, and the northwest part is a sensational lush hill that you could walk to Seongsan Village nearby.
   
   

   5.  Oedolgae Rock 

   
    

   Just near to the Sammaebong Seougwipo City, there is an incredible rock (10 meters circumference and 20 meters in height) which is also widely known as Changgun Rock. Oedolgae, a lone rock pillar is a gigantic rock pile arising from the azure sea along with pleasant smell of flowers and coffee bean from the café nearby. Oedolgae was a shooting venue of Daejangguem (Jewel in the Palace) where Hansangoong encountered her death under a false accusation while being carried on Daejanggeum's back. Among 19 Olle in Jeju Island, Olle 7 has most fame and majestic scenery. From Oedolgae, the sunset of Bum Island is also a famous attraction for tourists, especially for honeymooners to visit and spend their romantic moment on Jeju Island.
   
   

   6.  Cheonjeyeon Falls

     

   Cheonjiyeon Falls create a splendid view of water falling from a steep cliff with a sound that drowns out all others. Cheonjiyeon, meaning “God’s pond,” derives its name from the legend that the seven fairies serving the King of Heaven came down to the pond on stairs of cloud and bathed in its clean waters. The waterfall is 22m high, 12m wide and 20m in depth. The clear and deep water of Cheonjiyeon Falls is renowned as a habitat for Mutae eels. Also, the annual Seven Fairies Festival is held every May.
   
   

   7.  O’sulloc Museum (Green Tea Museum)

     

   The o’sulloc Museum or Green Tea Museum, located near Seogwangdawon Jejudo, visitors can learn about Korea’s traditional tea culture. The meaning of o’sulloc”, can be interpreted “o” as appreciate and enjoy, and it also stands for the origin of sulloc.  The two storeys famous Korea’s museum green tea cup shape building consist of an indoor garden in first floor and an observatory in second floor Those places are for visitors to enjoy the surrounding with great atmosphere while tasting unique o’sulloc teas. Do remember to experience the Korea’s traditional tea culture, ways to make a cup of good green tea and also tasting different kind of green tea made cakes, cookies and yogurt ice-cream.
   
   

   8.  Teddy Bear Museum

     

   Teddy Bear Museum, one of the unique museums must go in Jejudo. The museum exhibiting various kind of terry bears with different sections: the History Hall, Art Hall and Project Exhibition Hall. In this Teddy Bear gallery, you can witness the 100 years history of teddy bears including famous scenes, in different eras, teddy bears grouped in exhibition theme and antique teddy bears especially The Mona Lisa Teddy Bear. One of the Teddy Bear that you shouldn’t miss is the world smallest Teddy Bear with the size of 4.5 millimetres. During the visit if you feel tired and hungry, you can take relax in the museum garden or enjoy your meals in the museum restaurant.
   
   

   9.  Seongeup Folk Village 

   
    

   Situated at the bottom of Mt. Halla on Jeju Island, Seongeup or Sungeup Folk Village is well-known for its original folk village and its traditional life culture. Cultural treasures in the folk village have been passed down from a generation to another generation such as Confucian shrines, ancient government offices, stone statues, large millstones, fortress ruins, stone monuments and so on. In the folk village, you get the chance to try traditional folk plays, local folk craftsmanship, native dishes and learn some local dialects. Even the trees are an important part of the area’s heritage. Located at the centremost of the village, there are well-preserved hundreds years old trees such as Zelkova and nettle trees that conserve the pure, unpolluted atmosphere of Seongeup Fork Village. The black lava rock walls which are used to block the wind and the stone grandfather statues (Harubang) reveal the exclusive culture of Jeju Island along with its dignified landscapes.
   
   

   10.  Seonimgyo Bridge

     

   Seonimgyo Bridge is an arch bridge on Jeju Island  over Cheonjeyeon Waterfall that has seven nymphs carved on both sides. The bridge is also called Chilseonyeogyo (칠선녀교) or Seven Nymphs Bridge. The nymphs symbolize the Korean legend of the descent of seven beautiful nymphs from heaven at night. Seonimgyo Bridge is the first arch bridge or Ojakgyo  (오작교) design in the region.
   

    

VENICE , CITY OF DREAMS

VENICE

CITY OF DREAMS

From the 9th to the 12th century, Venice developed into a city state(an Italian Thalassocracyor Repubb