Korean Job Discussion Forums

[newintown]

been to seoul five times in the last 4 months, and can't get enough of the place. i don't profess to know it at all well, but have done most of the touristy type sites. wondered if any of you could recommend some lesser known places of interest or quirky little areas?
we're thinking of staying in insadong just for a change, but are open to ideas
thank you

[kangnam mafioso]

done the touristy stuff, huh?

1. eat raw octopus at norangjin market
2. visit the red light districts
3. walk up hooker and homo hill in itaewon
4. go to one of the dog markets
5. visit a jim jil bang
6. make out in a dvd bang
7. get drunk along the changichang at night
8. gamble at the hilton casino
9. go to a room salon in kangnam
10. go to a sexy bar
11. eat kim ja tang in the back alleys of namdaemun
12. sleep at a themed yogwon
13. eat blow fish at a restaurant in shinchon
14. bring lots of money
15. oh yeah, there's the aquarium at coex

ps -- insa dong is kind of tourist central and so if you're looking for something new you might try a different area

[uberscheisse]

insa dong is nice - if you're looking for fairly high priced "authentic korean" accomodations. my friends stayed in a sleep-on-the-floor hotel and loved it. i couldn't tell you where it is.

but for nightlife - try hongdae, hongik university station. lots of places to see live music and nightclubs for dancing if you're into that.

other cool things:

seonyudo - near yeouido. a little islet that is now a bird sanctuary and park. it used to be a water treatment plant, now it's a park. you could do the 63 building, hanggang park and seonyudo all in one 2-3 hour swoop.

http://english.seoul.go.kr/today/infocus/specialreport/1217952_5093.php

daehangno - a cool little neighborhood off of hyehywah station. lots of bars and buskers and street art. a good place to go for lunch or coffee on a nice day. on sundays there's a filipino market which is kind of interesting... seeing a large congregation of "other" foreigners. hardly a korean in sight.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daehangno

seodaemun prison/independence park - i'm a history buff so this was my speed, but it's kinda depressing and over-the-top in spots. but i think it's pretty essential for anyone trying to get a little idea of the worst effects of the colonial era.
http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/seoul/322

of the old places, palaces, etc. i think jongmyo shrine is the coolest because it's right in the heart of downtown seoul but at times it seems like you're out in the boonies. in the park outside of jongmyo there's often hundreds of old folks with amplified karaoke machines partying all weekend. a fun atmosphere, and it kinda needs to be seen. really close to insadong, if that's where you're staying.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jongmyo

i also love the war museum.
http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/seoul/79

[Chamchiman]

If you're already going to be staying in Insadong I'll recommend a few nearby places to you:

1. Unhyeongung - a quiet, understated royal residence where you can catch a pretty different vibe from the big palaces; nothing special for some people, but for me it's one of the best places in Seoul
2. a walk through Samcheongdong (because you said "quirky little areas"); lots of neat shops, cafes and good restaurants (Seoul Moemaeul is nice) combine for a different feel than other parts of town
3. the Flying Bird Teashop - down a small alley off Insadong's main drag (look for a sign that says "Temple Cooking" on the east side of the street and go down the alley); the name says it all and the tea and ambience are very nice

Enjoy...

[leebumlik69]

[Bibbitybop]

Make a reservation for Carne Station at Hongik Uni. Station or Platinum at Gangnam station. All you can eat and drink for 25,000-27,000 won.

Go to Dongdaemun and Dongdaemun stadium (after drinking of course) and shop the streets and malls (open until 5am).

Hang out at Seoul Station and make friends with the homeless people. Bring them to Carne Station or Platinum if you have the money.

Go to a "Super Happy International Party" in Sinchon and be used and abused for your English language skill in exchange for using (but not abusing) a local or foreign girl.

[newintown]

thanks for the advice. some excellent tips. we loved dongdaemun, spent hours there & have been out a few times in hongdae. we only considered insadong as we had read about the traditional style accomodation available there. as i said, open to suggestions, so keep them coming.

[waltjocketty]

Cheonggyecheon Stream is really cool. Also, the cherry blossoms are out right now, but not for long.

[Chamchiman]