Discover Seoul
The XXIII IUFRO World Congress coincides with the Visit Korea 2010-2012 campaign. Seoul is a city where the contemporary and ancient worlds exist harmoniously, where cutting-edge technology meets rich cultural traditions. The city that never sleeps awaits its guests with fine cuisines, traditional or hip-hop music, exceptional blend of landscapes and much more.
Climate
The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Spring lasts from late March to May and is warm while summer lasts from June to early September which is a hot and humid time of year. The average temperature at the end of August may range from 21 to 28 degree Celcius but may also rise up to 35 degree Celcius. Autumn lasts from September to November, and produces mild weather. Winter lasts from December to mid-March and can be bitterly cold due to the influx of cold Siberian air. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea provides favorable skiing conditions.
Cultural Heritage
1) Language
Koreans speak Korean and written form is Hangeul, the official orthographic system that contributes to the country’s national unity. Hangeul was invented in 1443 by King Sejong the Great (1397-1450), the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and was promulgated from 1446. Before the creation of Hangeul, only a relatively small percentage of the population was literate as few could master the difficult Chinese characters used by the upper classes. Modern Hangeul consists of 10 vowels and 14 basic consonants that can be combined into numerous syllables. Hangeul was designated by UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme as an item of global documentary heritage in 1997.
Useful Tips:
Here are some common phrases that may be useful during your stay:
English Korean (한글) Pronunciation
How are you? Annyeong haseyo? (안녕 하세요?) An-yong ha-say-yo?
Thank you. Kamsa hamnida (감사 합니다) Kam-sa ham-ni-da (‘a’ pronounced as ‘ah’)
It is alright. Gwaencanayo (괜찮아요) Kwen-cha-na-yo
How much? Olmayeyo? (얼마에요?) All-ma-yay-yo?
Yes. Nae / Yea (네 / 예) Nay / Yea
No. Anio (아니요) A-neo
I love you. Sarang hae-yo (사랑 헤요) Sa-rang hay-yo
2) Music
Music and dance were means of religious worship and this tradition continued through the Three Kingdoms Period (57 B.C. - A.D. 668). During the Joseon Dynasty, music was respected as an important element of rituals and ceremonies. More than 30 musical instruments were used during the Three Kingdoms period, and particularly noteworthy was the "hyeonhakgeum" (black crane zither). Also notable was the "gayageum," a zither used in Gaya (42-562) made in the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. - A.D. 935). The 12-string gayageum is still played in modern Korea. There is also modern adaptation of "gayageum" consisting of 20 to 25 strings also popular among learners of traditional music.
3) Costume
The “Hanbok" is the traditional costume of Korea. Its history dates back from the Three Kingdoms' Period (57 B.C. - A.D. 668). During that period, Koreans weaved cloth with hemp and arrowroot and raised silkworms to produce silk. The costume comprises daywear and ceremonial wear, with differences between each age, gender and season. “Hanbok” boast vivid colors based on natural hues in accordance with the ‘yin’ and ‘yang’ theory of East Asia. White is the basic color widely used by common people, symbolizing a modest and pure spirit. Red signifies good fortune and wealth, commonly used in women's garments. Indigo was the color of constancy used for skirts of court ladies and official coats of court officials while yellow represents the center of the universe, was worn by royal families.
Sightseeing Around COEX
Bongeunsa Temple
Located nearby COEX, the Bongeunsa Temple is an auspicious sight to behold. An ancient Buddhist temple established in the 8th century, Bongeunsa prospered during the mid-Joseon period thanks to the devotion of Queen Munjeong (1501~1565). The depository contains a collection of 3,438 blocks engraved with Buddhist scriptures and the Hanging Board with Calligraphy made by Kim Jeonghui, one of Joseon's greatest scholars.
http://www.bongeunsa.org/
Apgujeong Rodeo Street
Apgujeong is popular for shopping as the stores provides everything from luxury brands to discounted items, as well as accessories and shoes. There is a number of dermatology and plastic surgery clinics as well as hair salons. Luxury-brand fashion is also available in a lavish department store in the wealthy district of Apgujeong-dong. Apgujeong also features a wide selection of restaurants and bars and which includes jazz cafe.
Historical Heritage
Gyeongbokgung
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is located more toward the north, compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all the five palaces. In 1873, when King Gojong built the Geoncheonggung Residence, he had a pond dug to the south and created an islet in the middle. A two-tier hexagonal pavilion named Hyangwonjeong, was built on the islet amidst a mesmerizing landscape. The National Folk Musuem is also located inside Gyeongbokgung. The palace can be accessed by subway at Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) Exit 5.
http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/
Changdeokgung
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Changdeokgung was first built in 1405 and was reconstructed in 1592 after being burnt down during the Japanese invasion. The palace is a masterpiece of architecture and design particularly the Secret Garden (Biwon), which is known for its beautifully landscaped and creative gardens. The garden comprises almost three quarter of the 405,636 square metres palace grounds and is tastefully landscaped with all the essential elements of a traditional Korean garden: picturesque pavilions and halls, lotus ponds, uniquely-shaped rocks, stone bridges, stairways, water troughs and springs scattered among dense woods. Go to Anguk using the subway (Line 3-Orange) Exit 3.
Changgyeonggung
Changgyeonggung is located east of Changdeokgung and was built by King Seongjong (r. 1469~1494). The palace was primarily designed as a residence for elders of the royal family and therefore has a larger inner court than the outer court. The main entry gate, Honghwamun, has ceiling features with striking lotus blossom motifs that date back to early Joseon. At Myeongjeong-jeon, a pair of gold-leafed phoenixes in the center of the ceiling in the hall depicts the site of the queen’s administration.
Recreation & Nature Walks
Cheonggyecheon Stream
In hot summer, try dipping your feet in the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a symbol of past poverty and present modernization. Get off at the Gwanghwamun Station (line 5) Exit 5 and you’ll find the “Spring” sculpture. The Cheonggyecheon was a natural stream before the Joseon Dynasty designated Seoul as its capital. As there were no particular drainage systems trash and wastewater flowed into the Cheonggyecheon. When the nation was liberated from the Japanese colonial rules in 1945, Cheonggyecheon was filled with trash and soil, and severely contaminated with wastes from makeshift houses alongside. It was finally covered up with concrete. Restoration work which started in 2003 is aimed at providing clean water and environment for fishes and plants besides regaining past pride of the nation's history as well as turning it into a business hub.
Seonyudo Park
In order to capture the magnificent views of mountain ranges structuring Seoul and the Hangang (River) that runs from the east to west across Seoul, Seonyudo Park offers a spacious area as observation point. This park is an effort to rejuvenate the Hangang (River) by restoring its ecology. Here you’ll find gardens which were once either a settling basin for chemicals or a filtration plant providing habitats to aquatic plants. There is also a gallery that holds information on the park’s history and a pavilion (Seonyujung) that holds beautiful panorama of Seoul. To get here, catch the subway train to Hapjeong Station (Line 2) Exits 2 or 8.
National Museum of Korea
Ranked the 6th biggest museum in the world, the National Museum of Korea is dedicated to preserve, exhibit, and interpret Korean cultural heritage. The museum holds permanent exhibits and also special exhibitions. The Special Exhibition Gallery is featuring “God, Heroes and Mortals: art and life in ancient Greece” which focuses on Greek civilization until the 29th August 2010. Take the subway to Ichon (Line 4) Exit 2.
http://www.museum.go.kr/EngMain.do
Shopping spree
Looking for sophisticated clothings, Hallyu (Korean wave) items or souvenirs? Read along….
Myeongdong
At the Myeongdong Station (line 4-blue), use the Exit 5. Myeongdong is the right place for those seeking fine clothing shops, restaurants and beauty salons. Many tourists look for merchandise like T-shirts and calendars imprinted with the images of their favorite Hallyu stars. The secret to Korean women’s silky smooth skin may also be found here, with dozens of beauty shops offering a wide range of skincare products and cosmetics at reasonably fair prices.
Namdaemun Markets
If you’ve just broken your glasses or left them at home, your help is within reach at Namdaemun, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hop-off at Hoehyeon Station (line 4) and you are bound for adventurous markets along narrow streets. Visitors will also find numerous food stalls selling scrumptious seafood and irresistible Korean dishes as they navigate along the narrow streets besides rows after rows of shops displaying Korean ginseng products, accessories, beddings, clothes and many more.
Insadong and Samcheong-dong
Insadong (Anguk Station – Line 3 or Jonggak Station – Line 1) is regarded as the place for artwork, antiques and things that are authentically Korean where many of the items might have been handcrafted or painted by the shop owners themselves. Everything from paintings, art supplies, tea sets, wooden masks and other handicrafts can be purchased despite at slightly higher prices due primarily to its quality and authenticity. Tired feet and hungry stomachs can be refreshed at restaurants and cafes that serve traditional food and teas. Don’t forget to drop by the National Souvenir Center and Seoul Souvenir Shop to get souvenirs for your loved ones.
Just walk a little to the north is Samcheong-dong, a perfect place for trendy clothing and accessories where most of these shops are managed by the designers themselves. A stroll along the street and you’ll find European cafes, restaurants and wine bars with exquisite ambience. These shop and dine experiences will surely be a memorable chapter in your trip to Korea.
