january-2012
january-2012
january-2012
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PALACE PAGODA CELEBRATING A NEW YEAR<br />
Tradition and high-tech<br />
A dynamic metropolis that never sleeps, Seoul is a city of contrasts, where centuries<br />
of Korean tradition and cutting-edge technology seamlessly merge, and ancient<br />
palaces stand in the shadow of modern high-rise buildings.<br />
WHAT TO SEE<br />
Centuries of style<br />
North of the Han River, the<br />
Jung-gu and Jongno districts<br />
are the main sightseeing areas.<br />
Gyeongbokgung Palace<br />
(royalpalace.go.kr) and<br />
Changdeokgung Palace (see<br />
Don't Miss) are two of the most<br />
impressive sights. Insadong and<br />
Samcheong-dong are the<br />
present-day cultural centres, with<br />
street vendors and high-end<br />
galleries selling traditional<br />
ceramics and contemporary art.<br />
WHERE TO EAT<br />
Hot and hearty<br />
For relaxed dining, the leafy<br />
streets in Samcheong-dong are<br />
crammed with inviting cafes and<br />
restaurants. In Jung-gu, try<br />
steaming noodles at<br />
Myeongdong Gyoja (24,<br />
Myeong-dong 2-ga; +82 2<br />
7765348) or smokey Korean<br />
barbecue at Chamsutgol (19,<br />
Mugyo-dong; + 82 2 7742100).<br />
WHERE TO SHOP<br />
Around the clock<br />
Insomniacs and bargain hunters<br />
alike can shop 24/7 in the<br />
sprawling Dongdaemun Market<br />
(dongdaemun.com). The bustling<br />
Namdaemun Market (49,<br />
Namchang-dong) keeps more<br />
civilised hours. Fashion lovers<br />
have plenty of opportunities in<br />
Myeong-dong, Idea-ap and<br />
Sinchon (the university district),<br />
Apgujeong's Rodeo Street,<br />
and Gangnam.<br />
HOW TO GET THERE<br />
KLM operates six direct weekly<br />
fl ights to Seoul Incheon<br />
International Airport from<br />
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.<br />
Tourist information<br />
visitseoul.net<br />
Looking for handy, up-to-date<br />
travel information? Check out<br />
KLM’s Destination Guide pages<br />
— and book your fl ight — on<br />
klm.com. Content provided by<br />
Frommer’s Unlimited © <strong>2012</strong>,<br />
Whatsonwhen Limited.<br />
TOUCHDOWN SEOUL<br />
Photo: Gina Smith/Shutterstock.com<br />
DON’T MISS<br />
Peace in the<br />
palace<br />
One of Seoul's most beautiful<br />
royal homes, Changdeokgung<br />
Palace served as the main<br />
seat of power for kings of the<br />
Joseon Dynasty for over 300<br />
years. The peaceful 'Secret<br />
Garden' (Biwon) behind the<br />
main palace building includes<br />
a lake, pavilion and 300-yearold<br />
trees.<br />
english.cha.go.kr<br />
SERENE SURROUNDINGS<br />
Holland Herald 79
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