Seoul
From Korea
Seoul is the biggest city in Korea and located within an hour's drive from the North Korean border. Nevertheless its 10.1 million citizens live life here without much thought as to what goes on up north.
The best-known areas of Seoul to foreigners are Sinchon (not to be confused with Sincheon), Hongdae, Apkujung, Kangnam, and Chongno 3(sam) Ga. Sinchon, Hongdae and Ewha are subway exits along the green (number 2) line and boast a robust student nightlife. They are located very close to Yonsei University, Hongik University, Sogang University and Ewha University. The combination of student housing, cheap motels and unusual (western-style) bars makes this area a reasonable alternative to Itaewon. Take a photo tour of Seoul's neighborhoods.
Itaewon is renowned for being a "foreigner" area and has grown up around the US military base Yongsan. It is one of the best areas in Seoul for authentic "foreign" food such as Indian, Italian, French, German and even Irish. Itaewon is also home to the largest (only?) mosque in Seoul. Many foreigners come here often when first coming to Seoul though later shun it, calling it dirty and like to avoid the large crowds of foreigners especially after discovering other areas in Seoul. Close, but above Itaewon is Namsan Tower, which provides scenic views of south-central Seoul.
Kangnam and Sillim are student areas for Seoul National University of Education (Kyodae) and Seoul National University (Seouldae), respectively. Both provide a slightly upscale, but affordable nightlife. Close to the Kangnam subway station (exit 7) is the most famous TaeKwon-Do institute in the world. Sillim is famous for its dalk-kalbi (a chicken and glass noodle dish).
On the west you can find places like Mokdong, where the main Korean Immigration Centre is located.
On the east side of Seoul are a few neat places. The Samseong station on the green (number 2) line is home to COEX mall, the largest indoor mall in Seoul. Completed in 2001 and next door to the Korean World Trade Center, you can find upscale shopping, foreign chain restaurants and the only Apple Store in Seoul.
Down south but still on the subway line you can find places like Anyang, Suwon and Sanbon. Anyang has quite a vibrant night-life with many bars. Sanbon is a new city close to Anyang that is also quite pleasant, with coffee shops and a nice view of the mountains nearby.
The Seoul subway has over 500 stations and eight lines.
[edit] Explore Seoul
Bars,Clubs and nightlife in Seoul
Shopping in Seoul-general information
