What can I do in Seoul? Pt. 1 (Sightseeing)

Seoul has something for everyone...just about. Seoul, being 10 million people certainly should. For those who come here there is something that should lure you in particular. It is a city for shoppers, sightseers and of course the people drawn to night life. Having been living here for almost eight months  I have gotten a good taste of what the city has to offer. Here is my list, not rankings, of things that I enjoyed so far being in the megapolis of Seoul.

People who appreciate sightseeing will have plenty to see in Seoul. Here are a few of my favorites.

The Five Palaces of Seoul

• The Five Grand Palaces of Seoul were built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Gyeongbokgung is the most famous of the five and is located at the end of Seoul's main plaza. The other four are Changdeokgung, Changyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung and Deoksugung. They are an excellent example of Korean architecture and you can spend a good hour at each. Gyeongbokgung is the most extensive in size and has daily changing of the guard ceremonies that draw crowds. Deoksugung also has an entertaining changing of the guard ceremony and is only a short walk from the main plaza. 

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/01/24/2012012400190.html

 Gyeonbokgung

 Gyeonbokgung

 Gyeonbokgung

 Gyeonbokgung

 Deoksugung "Changing of the Guard"

Gyeonbokgung "Changing of the Guard"

• War Memorial of Korea

This is an excellent stop for those interested in the history of the Korean War. The memorial is not just a memorial but a very large museum. The memorial consists of several displays outdoors and you can see up close the military equipment used by the forces involved in the Korean conflict as well as some post-Korean War equipment. Indoors you will be treated to a very well designed museum with highly interactive exhibits. You will be taken through not only the history of the Korean War but the entire military history of Korea up until modern times. You can expect to spend at the very least three hours at the museum. If you plan on coming to the you should make a day out of it to really appreciate what the memorial and museum offers its visitors. Like all national museums and memorials it is completely free to the public.

http://visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=268131

• Seoul Arts Center

The Seoul Arts Center will have something year round for the music and art lover. Operas, Philharmonic Orchestras and classical Korean music are some of the many types of music that play at the Seoul Arts Center. Seoul Arts Center boasts three concert halls, an opera house, two performing arts stages as well as art and design museums within the complex. It is located just a few hundred meters from Nambu Bus Terminal.

Seoul Arts Center

• The National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea is the premier museum for Korean history and art within the country. It holds over 300,000 pieces and contains some of Koreas most cherished national treasures. It is a must see for the Seoul visitor. Over 3 million visitors walk its halls each year. Some of the items you will see will be very hard to miss. I loved the beautifully crafted ten story stone pagoda from the 14th century housed within the museum. The pieces in the museum date from the Paleolithic era to the modern era. One could spend hours within the museum so it is wise to plan to spend multiple hours at the museum. 

National Museum of Korea

To be continued with...

• Insadong/Bukchon Hanok Village
• Namdaemun Market
• Seodaemun Prison Museum

South (남) of the River (강). Living in Gangnam (강남)

Tomorrow marks 6 months of living in Gangnam. It is the halfway point of my year long stay in Gangnam. I have regrettably neglected my blog once again. I want to credit this to the disease of "Gangnam Style" that has finally filtered itself out of the airwaves in Seoul. I feel it is now safe for me to emerge form my bunker and describe the area of Seoul called Gangnam.
Gangnam certainly lives up to it's overhyped repute as the "Beverly Hills of Korea". While the rest of the country is driving Hyundais, KIAs and other Korean made vehicles, Gangnam's residents strive to drive the finest foreign cars. Seeing a BMW or Mercedes is about as common as seeing a bicycle on the streets of Amsterdam. For the lowly pedestrian that may get in their way on the crowded streets of my neighborhood they will be the recipient of a honk or perhaps even a little love tap from the bumper, as some of my acquaintances have learned. I have never seen so many luxury vehicles per capita anywhere else in the world. There is a Ferrari and Porsche dealership only a short walk from my apartment. Ironically, the apartments that many of these affluent drivers live aren't much bigger than my small studio apartment.
Indeed, the cost of living of living in Gangnam sets it far apart from other places in Seoul, certainly with other places in Korea. The monthly rental for a one room studio apartment probably ranges from $500-$1000. If you are looking to buy an apartment the median price is going to set you back $700,000. Housing is just one of the things you will notice about Gangnam. Food is much more expensive in Gangnam. The Korean BBQ that costs you 8,000 won (8 dollars) will probably costs you 10,000 won (10 dollars) in Gangnam. The 15,000 won and hour rate for noraebang (karaoke room) will costs you at  least 20,000 won in Gangnam. Money aside, Gangnam is a major draw to the young and aspiring Korean. Gangnam is a symbol of money in Korea and money is of the utmost importance to Koreans, especially the Seoulite.
Personally, I didn't come to Seoul for the Gucci, Luis Vutton and Ferraris. I am not really drawn to the clubs and nightlife. I just happened to land a job here that placed me close to where my girlfriend works. There are certainly things that I dislike about Gangnam. However, there are things that I find so convenient about it. Just within walking distance from me are several Seoul hotspots. I am certainly thankful to have the COEX (large underground shopping mall), the beautiful Bongeunsa Temple, Seolleung Joseon Burial Tombs near me. Not to mention the endless variety of food and shopping that can be found here. Living in Gangnam has also been a convenient experience for me.

 My Street

 Just around the corner from my street

 Near Gangnam Station

 Seolleung Station, the closest station to my apt.

 Gangnam crowds

 Every once and a while a good musician has a concert here.

 The remnants of "Gangnam Style" still echo in the streets

 Seolleung Tombs offer some quiet and solitude from the busy streets

 Seolleung Tombs in winter

 Bongeunsa and the World Trade Center/COEX in the background

Bongeunsa in fall