Shy guys and soju, aka not-so social lubricant, aka jet-propellant. You have been warned…
Once the ‘Land of the Morning Calm’, the Korean capital is now anything but. She’s packed with a panoply of treats tucked inside, between, under and above the traddy hanoks and glitzy skyscrapers.
Overview
In this sprawling, traffic-jammed metropolis you’ll need plenty of time to get around, especially if you’re crossing the river. Taking Namsan Park as your centre, to the north are Dongdaemun, Samcheong-dong and Myeongdong and Insa-dong, north-west is Namdaemun Market, south is nightlife-y Itaewon, and south-east are glam Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong.
Need to Know
Communication: Outside hotels, almost no one speaks English, so arm yourself with a Korea-friendly mobile at ALL times, and keep an interpreter on speed dial
Weather: There are four distinct seasons: winter (Dec-Feb) is icy, dry and hazy; spring can be windy and dusty, but with bloomin’ marvellous blossoms; summer (Jun-Aug) is steamy and wet; autumn months are foliage fabulous and clear
Getting Around: Helpfully (not), there are multiple address systems in Korea as few have truly adopted the official naming system – this can be very confusing, so always call ahead and use landmarks
Best Face Forward: Seoulites are extremely image conscious and often outwardly conservative; you will be judged on your appearance so avoid plunging necklines and and g-strings as outerwear – you will be treated accordingly
Hot Topic: When meeting locals, note that your age will be the first topic of conversation – be prepared to divulge, or tactfully dodge the question
Talking Points
Bukchon Hanok Village: Old Seoul’s not as hard to find as you might think; Bukchon offers a charming glimpse into a one-time dynastic homestead complete with narrow alleyways and curved tiled roofs. Swerve the selfie-stick yielding swarms and arrive in time for sunset
Drinking Culture: Alcohol consumption in Korea requires Olympian levels of endurance. Throughout the evening, conversation will degenerate to increasingly frequent shouts of ‘gunbae’ (cheers), interspersed with the dreaded call of ‘wonshot’, which means you MUST empty your glass
Etiquette: Is everything – remain deferential to your elders and authorities and never, under any circumstances, fill your own glass
Jjimjilbang: aka public bathhouses, are a perennially popular pastime for permed, pruned ajummas and visitors alike. It’s an experience like no other, but remember, no soap in the pool
Events: Seollal Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb); Seoul Living Design Fair (8-12 Mar); cherry blossom season (mid Apr)
Skiing: Season lasts until mid April – for powder perfect pistes, try Yongpyong (good for beginners, three hours away), High1 Resort (highest altitude and fluffiest dumps, four hours away)
