'N Family' Seoul

Date：95/Mar/28-31 (4 days)

It was a very strange experience to fly over Mt. Fuji, and go to another country instead of coming back to Japan. We had decided to stay at Seoul for 4 days on the way after leaving Honolulu. It was the first visit for all of us.

I had already made a reservation of Hotel President in front of the City Hall because 50% discount was available for the members of ABC (Asiana Bonus Club(FFP)). Seoul was a big capital city, not a resort as Honolulu. So, when we arrived at Kimpo airport and got off the plain, I was very strained because I had to watch my little daughter at any moment.

We took part in an optional city bus tour. The members of it were only my family, and a young beutiful lady introduced us the capital city of Korea.
At the beginning, we visited Kyongbokkung and the National Museum. The museum made of marble stones, which was built as the building of Japanese government-general at first before the World War 2, would be broken down in that summer. The more dignified it was and the more firmly it stood, the more Korean people must hate it, I thought.
I could see the traditional culture of Korea by a lot of ceramics. After that, we visited the front street Ch'ongwadae (the president house), Pugak Park and Insadong.

I could felt the fever of Korean people at Namdaemun Market. A lot of colourful goods were overflew here and there. The most of all were clothes and miscellaneouse goods. When I walked to Namdaemun Market alone in the early morning 5 a.m. in another day. morning, it was crowded by a lot of merchants from rocal cities with many goods on their backs.

By the hand of JCB plaza, we made a reservation of Kumsujang, a small theater restaurant in Sofitel Ambassador Hotel because we wished to enjoy the Korean traditional dances and dinner.The clothes of the dancers and the plates were all very colourful. All of foods were served little by little and very delicious. Of course they were hot.

I felt the city view of Seoul was not so much different from that of cities in Japan except for hankul letters and the right side traffics. I found the neighbor country was very attractive and made me wish to visit again and again.

Other Informations

Activity)You may feel Lotte World is a little smaller if you have been to TDL(Tokyo Disney Land) and other Disney Land or World in the United States.
Dining)1)At Chance Kalbi at Myong-dong, which is famous among Japanese travelers, Japanese menu makes it easy to order. One plate of Kalbi is not enough for one person to taste. (Reference：Korean restaurants in Seoul) 2)At Sky Caffeteria at the 37th floor of Lotte Department Store, you can eat Korean foods at low cost. It is bright in this shop, so you cannot so much enjoy the city night view from the 37th flour.
Shopping)You don't have to buy cigarettes at duty free shops because you can buy them at low cost in the town.
Transportation)1)You had better confirm the colour of the line and the station before you get on the subway because almost of letters on the board are hankul letters except for those of some main stations. 2)The fee of taxi is much cheaper than that of Japan. You had better get on the Deluxe Taxi painted black. You can find it easily at the front of some famous hotels.

Referense

Seoul Information

City Net "Seoul"

Seoul - MAHA Internet Service

The Capital City, Seoul - Joong-ang Daily News

Tourist Information (gopher) - The Korea Overseas Information Service

WWW Server

Korea Directry

WWW Servers in Korea

Airline

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