january-2011

SOUTH KOREA
INCHEON (SEOUL)
COUNTRY CODE +822
CURRENCY KRW1 = PHP0.034 / US$0.007
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 From the top of Mt Namsan, you get
fresh air and a great view of the city. You should
also make it a point to spend time exploring the
historical Insadong street, aka antique street. It’s
lovely for shopping for souvenirs.
BY NIGHT Go to Hongdae club on a Friday night.
This is a center for the youth in Seoul, located
around the Hongik University. On the last Friday
of every month, the bars host Club Night, and that
turns into a wild youth festival.
SLEEP Park Hyatt is one of the best hotels but it’s
also one of the most expensive hotels. W Hotel
Seoul is another option if you want a fancy room.
Or you can try the Metro Hotel Myungdong.
Seong
Joon Cho
photographer
BEST SOUVENIRS Shop for
original Korean movies on DVD as well
as K-Pop music CDs.
MUST DO Go to Gwangjang
Market food alley and try local street
food with soju (Korean rice wine).
INSIDER TIP Around universities
(there are a number in Seoul), you can
fi nd restaurants and bars in the area
that are cheap and good.
trip journal
SOUTH KOREA
BUSAN
COUNTRY CODE +82
CURRENCY KRW1 = PHP0.034 / US$0.007
TOUCHDOWN From the Busan Kimhae
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 Beomeosa Temple is a great spot for
taking in Korea’s Buddhist culture which dates
back to the Silla Dynasty. You can also opt for an
all-day Busan City Tour. You’ll cover all the major
sights and get helpful information, too.
BY NIGHT If you want to be spoilt for choice,
explore the area surrounding Kyungsung
University. This is the place to be in the evening as
it has a ton of great bars and restaurants to choose
from all in one area.
SLEEP Theme Hotel in Haeundae has clean
rooms with cool designs at reasonable rates. The
big draw? You’ll have a great view of the sea.
www.hoteltheme.com
BEST SOUVENIRS Korea is
famous for celadon pottery. Pick it up
at any of the outdoor markets.
INSIDER TIP The city’s public
transportation is great, but take a taxi
everywhere — they are cheap!
BEST DINNER Anga has great
Korean BBQ in Haeundae. Millak
Fish Center in Gwangan-li has a ton
of great spots for raw fi sh.
{ 85 }
Bobby
McGill
editor in chief
Busan Haps
INDONESIA
JAKARTA
COUNTRY CODE +62
CURRENCY IDR100,000 = PHP492/US$11
TOUCHDOWN Hire a Bluebird or Silverbird
taxi from the airport to the city, which costs
IDR180,000 (PHP875), plus toll. Alternatively,
the DAMRI bus goes to any city bus station for a
very manageable IDR15,000 (PHP74).
BY DAY For a slice of history in the Indonesian
capital, visit the Monas or the National Monument
located in the center of Merdeka Square. From
there, you can easily check out the museums
surrounding it.
BY NIGHT Experience the lively Jakarta nightlife
at the sleek bar-and-lounge Dragonfl y club (23
Jl Gatot Subroto) and acclaimed Japanese
restaurant-and-bar Blowfi sh (CityPlaza, Wisma
Mulia, Jl Je).
SLEEP For upscale and secure accommodations,
Hotel Mulia has some of the more swanky suites
in Jakarta. Jl Asia Afrika Senayan, tel: 574-7777,
www.hotelmulia.com
Ernest
Custodio
technical advisor
BEST SOUVENIR Sambal,
their homemade chili paste; and
teak items if they fi t in your luggage.
MUST TRY Rent an ojek
(motorcycle) to negotiate Jakarta
traffi c — but hang on for dear life.
BEST DINNER Ayam Suharti for
the ayam goreng (fried chicken) and
Meradelima for Indonesian cuisine
meets fi ne dining experience.