Jaunted - Tag: South Korea Travel

Seoul: No Soju And Karaoke For Obama In South Korea

JetSetCD — 2009-11-23T13:21:23-05:00

After some tense days in China, President Obama puddle-jumped up to South Korea, opening the flood gates to jokes about how Obama's got Seoul.

But, like in China and Tokyo, Obama wasn't about to hit the karaoke bars or down soju (rice wine); no, he had business to do and soldiers to visit. After meeting with the South Korean president at the historical "Blue House," Obama headed to Osan Air Base to addressed 1,500 US and Korean men in uniform. There would be no trips to the border with North Korea with Barack, since tensions run so high this year. Too bad though; we enjoyed looking at the little barbed wire souvenirs you can buy at the border base at Panmunjom.

Although Obama's first trip to Asia as president was focused on China, he had to give some attention to South Korea. It's a good thing he didn't bring the family though, since we doubt Malia and Sasha would have liked eating living, wriggling octopus tentacles.

Related Stories:
· Commander-in-Chief Obama shares stories with U.S. troops in Korea [LA Times]
· Obama's S. Korea visit free of major protests [Washington Times]
· Obama Around The World [Jaunted]

[Photo: AP/WashingtonTimes]

Busan: Japanese Tourists Die At Shooting Range (But Not How You Think)

amandak — 2009-11-16T09:19:28-05:00

You might think a shooting range could be a slightly dangerous place to visit on vacation because there's that small chance you could get shot. Unfortunately, eight Japanese tourists were killed at a Busan indoor shooting range in South Korea on the weekend, but ironically, because a fire burned the place down.

So far there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire, although they seem to think it started in a sofa near the entrance (cigarette butt, anyone?). The Japanese group was on a two-day trip to Busan, which is one of the closest parts of South Korea to Japan.

Pyongyang: North Korea Inviting South Korea Over For The Weekend

JetSetCD — 2009-08-19T08:49:37-05:00

Who's game for a nice little package trip to North Korea? Anyone? Bueller?

It was announced yesterday that Kim Jong-il is feeling a little neighborly lately and less bomby, and wants to restart family reunion trips from South Korea. Although South Korea hasn't yet said yes to allowing their people to venture over the border, North Korea is re-opening an enclave for reunions at Mount Kumgang, which was once a major money generator for the poor country.

Incheon: Survey Says: All The Best Airports Are In Asia

amandak — 2009-06-10T10:40:27-05:00

The results are in, and Incheon Airport near Seoul in South Korea has been crowned the best airport in the world. The Skytrax survey people say they've spent ten months surveying almost nine million passengers and Incheon wins.

No doubt it helps that Incheon Airport has a casino, golf course and indoor gardens; we've only flown in and out of there twice but have nothing but good memories—the airport advice counter actually found us a great place to stay even when we arrived without a booking in the middle of the World Cup a few years back.

And if you're after a good airport experience, this survey definitely says that you've got to stick with Asia. Hong Kong International Airport came in at a close number two, and Singapore's Changi Airport was put in third place by just a few votes. Three more Asian airports made it into the top ten, with Zurich, Munich, Amsterdam and Auckland getting the other big votes.

Related Stories:
· Seoul's Incheon Airport Voted Best [CNN]
· Big Korean Airport Makes Friends With Jin Air [Jaunted]
· Changi Airport Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: riNux]

Seoul: South Korean Housewives Forced To Live With Fewer Facelifts

pbb — 2009-01-02T15:15:42-05:00

The economic crisis won't even spare the real housewives of South Korea: After riding high on Botox and nose jobs, newly frugal plastic surgery aficionados are, ahem, cutting back on procedures as clinics are closing down for lack of business.

In Seoul, where The New York Times reports there are more than 600 plastic surgery clinics, 20 or so have already closed, with more posting "for sale" signs in the windows. Says one surgeon:

In hard times, people always cut back on luxuries like eating out, jewelry and plastic surgery. If this is a normal recession, then these desires will eventually get reignited, and our patients will come back.
If this downturn is like the Great Depression, then we are all going to get killed off.

The good news--for those of us spending dollars, anyway--is that South Korea has gotten about 25 percent cheaper in the last six months, as the financial crisis has shored up the value of a buck. And now that you can get more than 1,200 won for a dollar--and clinics are desperate for customers--now might be the time to check out a swanky destination hospital or clinic in Korea.

[Photo: DanMelinger]

Seoul: Seoul Says Celebrate Here

amandak — 2008-12-08T09:00:30-05:00

When we plan a Christmas getaway, Seoul isn't the first destination that springs to mind, but the South Korean tourism peeps are telling us it should be.

About 15 percent of Koreans are Christian--and with 60 percent saying they don't belong to any religion at all, that's a fair chunk of believers--so the whole Christmas thing doesn't get ignored like it would in neighboring Asian countries.

On the contrary: There's plenty of Christmas shopping to be done at the big Seoul malls like Lotte World, you can skate on the outdoor ice rink that opens December 12 and at night you can admire the "Lucevista" street lights through the city center.

But the weirdest bit is Piano Street. In true Korean techno-geek style they're installing a road-sized piano keyboard and while you stroll around admiring the Christmas lights, your feet will be playing a tune--just like in "Big!"

Related Stories:
· Korea Sparkling [Official Site]
· Christmas Alternatives coverage [Jaunted]
· Seoul Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: wish I had an SLR]

Lounging In The Jjimjilbang Is As Cool As It Sounds

ced138 — 2008-10-31T11:30:05-05:00

The Korean Jjimjilbang is even more fun than trying to spell it. Think of it as a 24-hour Peewee’s Playhouse--but giant-size and minus the psychosexual disorder.

Thousands of Jjimjilbang’s fill Korea. They’re large, gender-segregated complexes complete with spas, pools, video arcades, massage parlors, snack bars and play centers for kids. The main draw of the centers are the heated hardwood floors, once a fixture in traditional Korean homes but forced out by the modern high rise and the arrival of the padded bed.

Since most Koreans live in tight quarters with their extended family members, the Jjimjilbang is a wholesome way for parents and kids both to retreat to their own favorite activities and get away from each other. It’s also a place for a foreigner to learn the surprising joys of laying on a hot, hard floor.

Related Stories:
· For All Kinds of Good, Clean Fun, Koreans Turn to Bath Houses [NYT]
· Learn The Monk’s Life In South Korea [Jaunted]

[Photo: IHT]