december-2011

SOUTH KOREA
INCHEON (SEOUL)
COUNTRY CODE +82
CURRENCY KRW100 = PHP3.86/US$0.09
TOUCHDOWN Look for taxis with stickers that
say “Foreign Language Service.” Cabs can be
shared except for those with black and yellow
tops. Thanks to a new bridge, the trip takes 15
minutes. Eight subway lines serve the main areas.
BY DAY Go sightseeing at some of the city’s
historical palaces. The Gyeongbokgung, built in
1395, is one of the fi ve royal palaces built during
the Joseon Dynasty. Its beautiful and grand
façade is most impressive.
BY NIGHT Head over to the arty, trendy
Hongdae area surrounding Hongik University.
Hongdae Club draws students and the younger set
for all-night dancing. Also catch the hit production,
Legend of Flower 2. www.sheratonwalkerhill.co.kr
SLEEP Indulge yourself with a stay at W Hotel-
Walkerhill, which rests on the slope of Mount
Acha overlooking the Han River but is just 15
minutes from Gangnam. www.wseoul.com
An Su-
Kyung
dental hygienist
BEST BREAKFAST For
aromatic baked goodies, check out
the Bakery at Chosun Hotel.
BEST SOUVENIRS Take home
lots of Korean ginseng for family and
friends back home.
BEST DINNER Be adventurous.
Bring friends along to the Noryangjin
Fish Market — and try the excellent
raw fi sh.
DID D YOU
KKNOW?
SEONG JOON CHO
trip journal
SOUTH KOREA
BUSAN
COUNTRY CODE +82
CURRENCY KRW100 = PHP3.86/US$0.09
TOUCHDOWN From the Busan Gimhae
International Airport, take the bus, the Busan
Subway Line or railroad line. Make sure to plan
your transfers carefully, so you don’t miss your
fl ights. gimhae.airport.co.kr/eng
BY DAY Visit the HaeDong YongGungSa (The Water
Temple), located just past Seong Jeong Beach.
Ride the gondola from Oncheongjang to the top of
Busan’s outer mountain range, where you can take
in a panoramic view of the city.
BY NIGHT Stroll along the neon-lit boardwalk
of Gwangali Beach. The Diamond Bridge is lit up
beautifully, and the cafés and restaurants along the
beach provide great views of the water. Seomyeon
is another fun area full of bars and restaurants.
SLEEP The Westin Chosun Hotel is a fabulous
hotel with a great location on Haeundae beach.
The rooms are beautiful and the staff incredibly
helpful. busan@chosunhotel.co.kr
Amy
Zimmerman
English teacher
BEST BREAKFAST Bucella’s,
on Haeundae Beach, offers a
wonderful brunch!
BEST FESTIVAL The Fireworks
Festival on Gwangali Beach in
October is unbelievable.
MUST-TRY Take a kimchi-making
class — the process and the history
are fascinating! Try other food or
cooking classes too.
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INDONESIA
JAKARTA
COUNTRY CODE +62
CURRENCY IDR100,000 = PHP480/US$11.19
TOUCHDOWN Hire a Bluebird or Silverbird
taxi from the airport to the city, which costs
IDR180,000 (PHP865), plus toll. Alternatively,
the DAMRI bus goes to any city bus station for a
very manageable IDR15,000 (PHP72).
BY DAY Shop for vintage clothing at Pasar Senen.
Hold on to your wallet, and don’t bring expensive
items when shopping here. If you’re into fancier
boutiques, head south to Kemang Raya. You’ll fi nd
amazing furniture and clothing.
BY NIGHT Dine on the best nasi uduk (steamed
rice cooked in coconut milk) in town at Kebon
Kacang, Central Jakarta. Then chill out at Ocha
Bella (www.ochaandbella.com) in Wahid Hasyim
for the great ambience and excellent lychee tea.
SLEEP Harris Hotel in Kelapa Gading is a
relatively new, budget-friendly establishment
that’s right next to a shopping mall. kelapagadingjakarta.harrishotels.com
Admira
Pustika
graphic designer
and artist
BEST BREAKFAST Bubur
ayam (chicken porridge) with cakwe
(dough fritter) at Gelora Bung Karno.
BEST SOUVENIRS At Plaza
Indonesia, fi nd “The Goods Dept” for
curated items by local designers.
BEST DINNER Hawkers are the
best! Try the noodle dish mie blo’on
at Menteng, a pushcart next to St
Theresia Church.
Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) was recently voted as the best
Korean dish in Seoul by foreign nationals.