OT: Seoul Korea (and beyond)

[rwsaunders]

So my youngest is headed to Seoul for 17 days (24 Nov-10 Dec), tagging some tourist time to a school pal's wedding that he's attending. He and another friend have some tourist plans and he has some suggestions from the groom, who grew up there. Any "must do/see/eat" suggestions from the collective would be much appreciated.

[Mabouya]

Just tell him to be careful if he wanders off looking for the men's room.

[j44ke]

I'll ask my wife. She's spent a lot of time there recently. But she's 6 or 8 time zones away right now. Later then.

[rwsaunders]

Just tell him to be careful if he wanders off looking for the men's room.

Funny Louis…he keeps joking with my wife that they’re going to visit the 38th parallel in homage to my Dad who as a young Marine, was involved for two years in the “Korean Conflict”, and then maybe hop on a tour bus to North Korea for a day for a pickup game of basketball with Rodman and Kim.

[j44ke]

My wife says

If you have time (not in Seoul but very close and easily reached,) go for a day at Buchanan National Park. It is S. Korea's most popular National Park, and as a result there are a lot of supporting businesses and facilities. You can enter the park at several different points and trails throughout of varying difficulties. Afterwards (or during) there is plenty of food sold in restaurants around the area, and the food is really good. One of the traditions is to hike and then warm up with red-bean soup.

https://www.koreatodo.com/bukhansan-national-park

She also recommends going to Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is the most over the top amazing palace in Seoul. There are other palaces, but if you have time for only one, go to this one for the full treatment. I guess a lot of movies are shot there or on sets made to resemble this palace, so if your son is a Korean movie buff, he may see recognizable features.

https://thereshegoesagain.org/palaces-of-seoul/

If you want knock out dining experience, try Eatanic. Probably expensive (editor note: understatement) but one of the best during her travels.

https://eatanicgarden.com/en/restaurant-en/

For cultural artifacts, bronzeware is a traditional cultural product. Look for shops that are certified as a cultural property and use traditional methods of craftsmanship to produce their bronzeware. Napcheong is one of the most esteemed shops, and founder has been designated a National Treasure by the government.

https://english.visitseoul.net/attra...ware/ENP025928

http://www.napcheong.com/eng/index.asp

Finally for gifts to bring home to people less fortunate, she liked Ahwon, a gallery that represents the work of contemporary Korean artists. The website isn't as representative as the Instagram site evidently, but the website will get you to their IG site and to their (somewhat limited) online shop.

https://www.ah-won.com

Might not be as fun as playing basketball with Dennis Rodman and that other guy, but hopefully something appeals.

edit: Here's a video of Korean bronzeware being made.