The most wired city in the world, Seoul is an ultra-modern, urban hub buzzing with hi-speed people, hi-tech places, and hyper-kinetic things to do. Banks of gigantic TV screens sprinkle the sprawling skyline, mass transit is sleek and simple, convenience ubiquitous, eye candy diverse, cuisine divine. Considering over 10 million people live, work and play here, Seoulites' rush to push, push, push often makes impatience feel like a virtue.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
Last names first. Koreans attach family surnames at the beginning rather than end of their full name. |
| 02 |
Say thank you with a slight nod: it's "kamsa-hamnida" (to seniors/strangers) or "koma-woyo" (to juniors/friends) . |
| 03 |
A 10 per cent service charge is usually added on to a restaurant, bar, or taxi tab, so tipping is neither the norm nor expected. |
| 04 |
Due to Seoul's stifling traffic jams, "Korean time" pushes the envelope of fashionably late. Arrive on time by doubling your transport calculations. |
| 05 |
Kimchi may be the national dish but Korean pork and beef barbecues are definitely worth sampling. Go for a grill that is fired up at your table and swig some shots of sweet rice wines such as baekseju or cheongwha. |
| 06 |
Late at night, Korean pojangmacha food stalls set up on pavements, in alleyways - even in car repair shops. Fried and salty these dishes may be, but they are irresistible. |
| 07 |
Koreans are often shy in speaking English, so if you need directions, dial the BBB hotline (1588-5644) for free, 24-hour translation services in 17 languages. |
| 08 |
For digital devotees, the Yongsan Electronics Market is the mecca for sexy tech toys. |
| 09 |
Quality downtime in central Seoul can be had with a stroll along the rejuventated Cheonggyecheon River. |
| 10 |
Always offer to pour alcoholic drinks to older people with both hands (right hand first, left hand as support). Juniors get the standard one-handed bottle dribbling; self-service is a no-no. |
02
Hotels
Independent and easy
Metro Hotel: Myungdong
199-33 Euljiro 2ga Jung-gu
+ 82 2 752 1112
metrohotel.co.kr
Dependable chain
Park Hyatt
995-14 Daechi 3-dong, Gangnam-gu
+82 2 2016 1234
seoul.park.hyatt.com
Premium
W Hotel: Seoul-Walkerhill
21 Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu
+ 82 2 465 2222
wseoul.com
03
Dining
Fast breakfastKitchen at W Hotel
21 Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu
+ 82 2 465 2222
wseoul.com
Business breakfast
The Ninth Gate at the Westin Chosun Hotel
87 Sogong-dong, Jung-gu
+ 82 2 771 0500
chosunhotel.co.kr
Mid-morning coffee
Café Des Verts
Apkujeong-dong/
Yeoksam-dong
+ 82 2 563 5740 cafedesverts.com
Working lunch with colleagues
Muvi
99-5 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 518 2924
muvi.co.kr
Need-to-impress-clients lunch
Marco Polo
52F Korea Trade Tower, Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 559 7620
marcopolowtc.com
Lunch on your own
Slow Food
631-34 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 515 8255
Afternoon tea/drink
Café Byul
Karosu-gil (near J Tower), Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 548 7779
Dinner on your own
Market O Deli
94 Nonhyeon-dong Gangnam-gu
+82 2 515 0105
marketodeli.com
Dinner with colleagues
Episode 2
646-6 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 512 4250
tellmeaboutit.co.kr
Private dinner
Nomadic Bistro Tani
1F Komo B/D, 116-3 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 3446 9982
tani.co.kr
Big dinner with partner clients
Do Ga Hun
109 Sagan-dong, Jongro-gu
+ 82 2 3210 2100
dogahun.com
Drink after dinner
Hello
B1 Hokyung Building
541-2 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 541 4427
Late bite
Miss Park Dining Bar
97-8 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 3443 2221
Late drinks
Soulsome
B2 Kadang Bldg
99-3 Cheongdam-dong Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 542 5667
On the tiles
Club Circle
91-2 Dongkoong Town, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu
thecircle.co.kr
04
Reading
Books & CDs
Kyobo Bookstore
Central Seoul/Kangnam
+82 2 397 3432
05
Shopping
Something you can't get anywhere else
Korean artworks from Ssamziegil at Insa-dong Market
38 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu
ssamziegil.com
Lost luggage - where to buy dress shirts, socks and undies
Galleria Department Store
Apkujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu
galleria.co.kr
Something for the kids
Toys from Kinki Robot
COEX Shopping Mall, Apkujeong-dong
kinkirobot.com
Something for someone you love
Design from Second Hotel
647 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 542-2229
Something for yourself
Pop culture treats from Daily Project
1-24 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 3444 8132
06
Thank yous
Flowers
La Fete
93-11 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu
+ 82 2 3446-4668
lafete.co.kr
07
Two hour tour
| 01 |
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Ancient royal palace in the heart of central Seoul. |
02 |
Leeum
Museum of traditional, modern, and contemporary Korean art.
+ 82 2 2014 6900
leeum.org |
08
Limousine/car
Mobum Taxi
These black-and-yellow taxis can be found at hotels, shopping districts and business centres.
09
Transport
Metro
Seoul Metro
seoulsubway.co.kr
The cheapest and fastest option.
Airport pickups
Airport Limousine
airport.or.kr
These buses leave every 20 minutes to and from the city's major hotels.
10
Fitness
Good gym
Marquis Thermal Spa & Fitness Club
JW Marriott Hotel Seoul
19-3 Banpo-dong Seocho-gu
+ 82 2 6282 6262
marriotthotels.co.kr
Good running route
World Cup Park
On Nanji Island