Built on 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of land reclaimed from the Yellow Sea off Incheon, about 35 miles from the South’s capital Seoul, the Songdo district is the most significant private real estate development in history. 209
Hannam-dong, Namsan Tower, and Haebangchon in Seoul
Hannam-dong is one subway station away from Itaewon but is more relaxed, quiet, and luxurious. Namsan Tower has the highest observation deck in Seoul. The Haebangchon neighborhood still retains its old Seoul Street feel. Gyeongridan-gil has many fashionable coffee shop and restaurants. 208
Itaewon – Rodeo Street, International Food Street, and Usadan-10 Road, Seoul
Itaewon is renowned for its diverse dining and nightlife scene, featuring Korean BBQ restaurants, upscale bistros, and low-key kebab shops. Casual beer bars and gay pubs sit alongside hip dance clubs. The streets are near the Itaewon subway station. 207
Myeong-dong Cathedral, Lotte Department Store, and Golbangyi Street in Seoul
Myeong-dong Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul. Lotte Department Store in Myeong-dongg offers a wide selection of name-brand clothing. Golbangyi Street serves moon shell-based food on the street. 206
Costco in Hanam, Seoul
The Hanam Costco is as extensive as one in the US and appears to carry a similar number of products. 205
Mongchontoseong Fortress, Seoul Hanseong Baekje Museum, and Seoul Olympic Museum of Art
Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortification is an ancient earthen rampart dating from the Baekje kingdom. The Seoul Hanseong Baekje Museum displays artifacts found in the Baekje kingdom. The Seoul Olympic Museum of Art exhibited a diverse range of art pieces. 204
Yangpyeong Dumulmeori, Semiwon Garden, and Waltz & Dr.Mahn Coffee Museum, South Korea
Yangpyeong Dumulmeori is about an hour and 30 minutes from Seoul by subway or by bus. It is where two rivers meet to form the Han River, which flows through the center of Seoul. Nearby is the Semiwon Garden, the garden of lotus. Waltz & Dr. Mahn Coffee Museum is a coffee shop located next to the river. 203
Incheon Chinatown, South Korea
Incheon is approximately an hour and a half away from Seoul by subway. Because Incheon is close to China, Chinese workers immigrated to Incheon in the late 19th century to find work in Korea. When Japan annexed Korea in the early 20th century, it also identified Incheon as a strategic area to establish its business due to the seaport and its proximity to Seoul. 202
Food I tried in Seoul
The food I tried in Seoul was very good. It is reasonably priced, filling, healthy, and tasty. 201