Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Attractions in Seoul in three days

Teo running Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
Asia is one of the most addictive continents and is full of places that leave you with your mouth open. The trip to Korea are increasingly popular in the Far East and are an interesting alternative to classical China and Japan .
Korea has become a fascinating destination and the great attraction of Western tourism have little if compared to its closest neighbors. It is not uncommon to enter the country by Seoul, a vibrant city where more than 10 million people live and whose metropolitan area reaches 25 million. Given these enormous dimensions the traveler may feel a bit overwhelmed and have the feeling that it is an ant over the crowds. To provide a little adventure to discover the capital of Korea we will recommend what to see in Seoul in three days.

How to get to Seoul?

Emirates plane at the airport in Dubai
First truism, the quickest way to reach this destination in the Far East is on board a plane. There is a direct flight on Korean Air between Madrid and Seoul, although it is a tad expensive, so if you are looking for other alternatives will play calling at any European or Asian capital before landing at Incheon International Airport spectacular. We travel via Dubai on Emirates flight to Seoul .
Once in Incheon, there are several ways to get to Seoul. The easiest way is the Airport Express train running between 5 am and midnight. The journey takes about 45 minutes to the central station of Seoul and costs 3,950 KRW (about 2.7 euros). It is the option that we use around.
Limousine bus from Incheon Airport to Seoul
On the way we use the bus service there just outside the terminal. The reason we chose this option was because there was a bus line with a stop right at the door of our hotel. The planner can use the KAL limousine bus to calculate rates and show times, although depending on the traffic is slower than the Airport Express.
There are also night buses, vans or hire private taxis.

How many days do you recommend I be in Seoul?

N Seoul Tower, Seoul Tower
As always it depends on the time you have every traveler. Reach South Korea is not exactly easy, or cheap. If you plan to be only a fortnight in this destination, it is best to dedicate a minimum of five days in Seoul, even a whole week.
In our case we were only ten days in Korea, of which four and a half we were in Seoul. The feeling with which we stayed is having enjoyed only the most basic, a delicious taste that we would have liked more appetizer, so if you like big cities try to spend as much time as you can to the Korean capital.

Is face life in Seoul?

Korean masks in Insa-dong
On the subject of prices there are things that surprised us very pleasantly, such as food or taxis which are much cheaper than you can find in Europe. On issues of accommodation and leisure is everything, prices may be similar to those we have here, as is the case with clothing or technology.
Being the capital, prices are higher in Seoul than in other cities. With the exception of housing, which we were a little delicious, we had the feeling that life in Korea was more expensive than in Europe, although not as cheap as other countries in Asia.

What to eat in Seoul?

What to eat in Seoul pajeon
Our previous experience with Korean food was almost testimonial and that was a great advantage when you go from one surprise. We are of good food and cheap prices and exotic dishes often made us throw the pool with very mixed results.
Usually you order a main course accompanied by many small dishes, so in one fell swoop you can experience many flavors, including typical kimchi. There are restaurants of Korean food stalls in some neighborhoods and international cuisine for the less brave. Perhaps the excessive boldness led us to meet octopus bibimbap, which we describe as the world's spiciest dish . Special mention beef bulgogi is excellent and raw fish of exceptional quality at a great price. Dog meat restaurants do not try, but if any Hayles.

Where to stay in Seoul?

Seoul from the window of The Plaza
In a city of over ten million people logically no accommodation in all price ranges and for all tastes. As in the rest of the trip we had chosen more modest sleeping places in Seoul we throw the house through the window and stayed at a luxury hotel called The Plaza Hotel Seoul , ideally located and with all the luxuries you can imagine. With a toddler does not want to play us.
It was located next to the Town Hall Square and from there we were able to walk to visit many attractions of the city. The room was very modern and the view from the great room.

What to see in Seoul in three days?

The stream Cheonggyecheon Seoul
The truth is that Seoul is one of those cities alive and full of interesting proposals that do not get the'd end up in months. However, as surely the time you have in the Korean capital will be limited we will recommend some places to visit in Seoul in three days:
  • The first would be to learn a bit of the glorious past by visiting Korean impressive royal palaces. Of the five, we visited the most important: Gyeongbokgung , Changdeokgung , and Changgyeonggung . Although they are close together, not beat me binge palaces followed, because in the end it is difficult to appreciate the differences.
  • Near the palaces is the Jongmyo Shrine , one of the most important treasures of Korea and a place for walks surrounded by gardens and trees.
  • Must wander through the area of Insa-dong and its streets. It is packed with shops and entertainment options as well as stalls and art galleries. A good place to take the pulse of the city.
  • The Jogyesa Temple is the core of Zen Buddhism in Korea and its altar is one of the holiest Buddhist Koreans. Small place, very colorful and peaceful.
  • One of the places that most surprised us was the the Cheonggyecheon stream . It is the parentheses, an oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle that Koreans try to visit as often as possible. Nearby is the peculiar tower Jongno, Tapgol Park and Bosingak bell.
  • If you want to know where the hit PSY originated, you can equipment moves to Gangnam . In addition to huge shopping centers, it is a cocktail of avant-garde buildings, beautiful people who wears the latest, spiced with a bit of taekwondo.
  • However, if you want quiet in Gangnam you have the Bongeunsa Temple , a haven of peace in the middle of the maelstrom of the metropolis.
  • If you travel with children , the traditional Korean village of Namsangol will love. An outdoor space with traditional hanok style houses and many fun plans to have a great time.
  • For those who like good views, his place is the N Seoul Tower , one of the great icons of the city with its 236.7 meters of altitude to which you add the Mount Namsan.
  • A nostalgic and sports enthusiasts recommend you take a look at Olympic Stadium in Seoul .
  • If you want to do some shopping you can go to Dongdaemun Market and the Myeong-dong.

What places you stayed wanting to see in Seoul?

Lanterns in Jogyesa Temple Seoul
In three days it is impossible to see everything in Seoul. When the journey ends there is always someone somewhere recommends that you did not visit. We were eager to stroll around the university area of ​​Hongdae or get on the 63 city to see the panoramic views of the city from another perspective.
In addition, we would have loved to have more time to investigate the country's history at the National Museum of Korea or visiting the Old Seodaemun Prison. However, what we miss most was having free time to explore the city leisurely.

How to get around Seoul?

Metro Seoul
The best and fastest is to move with the extensive and efficient network of meters in Seoul. They cover much of the interesting points of the Korean capital.
Another highly recommended option is taxis, as they are not too expensive and can get you in trouble when you're traveling with children or more loaded account

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