Highbrow Magazine - korea https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/korea en 12 Destinations You Absolutely Must Visit in 2024 https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/24297--destinations-you-absolutely-must-visit <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/travel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Travel</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Wed, 01/10/2024 - 15:44</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1sushi_depositphotos.jpg?itok=C_Ueledz"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1sushi_depositphotos.jpg?itok=C_Ueledz" width="480" height="320" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">There's no shortage of fascinating places to visit in 2024. I know because I'm on the road 365 days a year, and in 2023, I traveled to a few destinations I can personally recommend.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">I don't just parachute into these places for a few days with my reporter's notepad. I spent several weeks in almost all the cities on my list. I shopped in the markets, explored the city and befriended the locals. Sometimes, I also brought my college-age sons along for the adventure.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">You'd think "What's your favorite destination?" would be the question people ask me the most, but it's not. (I'll share the number-one question in just a minute.)</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">First, here's my list of the 12 best places to see in 2024, along with the best time to visit. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1antartica_chris_elliot.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>January: Antarctica</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">You'll want to sail down to Antarctica during the Southern Hemisphere summer. Temperatures are relatively mild and the normally tempestuous Drake Passage is calmer. I flew to Ushuaia, Argentina, and boarded the <a href="https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-us/expeditions/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Hurtigruten Expeditions</a><em> MS Fridtjof Nansen</em> for a 10-day cruise down to Antarctica in late December and arrived in the White Continent just before the New Year. It was spectacular. Even though it looks a little risky, you should not miss a hike on the ice to see the penguins. If you're really brave, try the polar plunge into subfreezing water. Unfortunately, we missed our chance to dive into the Antarctic because the glacier was calving, sending large sheets of ice crashing into the water. Go see it before it's gone.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1qatar_depositphotos.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>February: Doha, Qatar</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Qatar is one of the most underrated destinations in the world. The weather in late winter is nearly perfect -- warm days, cool nights. My sons and I spent time wandering around the world-famous Souk Waqif, a crowded market where you can buy almost anything, but the main activity seems to be drinking coffee and smoking vanilla-scented shisha (we tried the coffee, but skipped the shisha). Highlights of our visit included an afternoon spent at the <a href="https://nmoq.org.qa/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">National Museum of Qatar,</a> which explains where this gleaming metropolis came from, and a journey to the desert to see the monoliths by American sculptor Richard Serra. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1christchurch_chris_elliot.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>March: Christchurch, New Zealand</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Christchurch, on New Zealand's South Island, feels like a different planet. March is early fall in the Southern Hemisphere, but even then, the hills remain a brilliant shade of green. You'll recognize this place if you've ever seen one of the Lord of the Rings movies, but there is so much more to it than the striking cinematic scenery. Christchurch is a welcoming city with terrific coffee shops (my favorite was Espresso Studio by Fushoken) and great dining options that are easy on the wallet. I spent days wandering around Hagley Park in the middle of town and admiring the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. Make sure you get out of town to hike up in the mountains. You don't have to love Middle Earth to enjoy New Zealand's South Island.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1sushi_depositphotos.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>April: Kyoto, Japan</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">If you can get to Kyoto in April, you should. The cherry trees bloom in mid-March and usually reach their peak in early April. But even if you miss Sakura season, you really need to see this place. The former Japanese capital is filled with ancient temples and shrines. This is also the place to go to learn how to make sushi from the artisans at <a href="https://www.kyoto-sushimaking.com/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Kyoto Sushimaking</a> or, as you are struggling to adjust to the new time zone, find a place that serves authentic ramen. My sons and I kept coming back to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kyotoengine/?hl=es" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Kyoto Engine Ramen</a>, hidden down a narrow alley and always crowded with jet-lagged expats. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1hoian_chris_elliot.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>May: Hoi An, Vietnam</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Vietnam was the biggest surprise during my 2023 travels. I spent a long weekend in Hoi An, in the central part of the country, and I'm still processing the natural beauty of the place, with its steep green mountains and postcard-perfect beaches. Hoi An is an ancient city filled with temples and a rich history of various cultural influences, including Chinese and French. Make sure you get down to the marketplace and out on the Thu Bon River at dusk, when the boats drift downstream with their colorful lanterns. And check out the pho for dinner over at the <a href="https://www.anantara.com/en/hoi-an" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Anantara Hoi An Resort</a>. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1japan_depositphotos.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>June: Fukuoka, Japan</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">If you're looking for something different in Japan, outside of Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, you should check out Fukuoka. It is easily the most friendly of the Japanese cities I visited. If you make this a second stop in Japan, I highly recommend getting there via the Shinkansen (bullet train), which is an engineering marvel. Fukuoka also has excellent shopping. We stocked up on green tea before heading back to the States. If you can catch the hydrofoil out to Iki Island, it's well worth it. Don't miss dinner at the <a href="https://www.kairi-iki.com/en/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Iki Retreat</a> if you go. It's worth the trip. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1chile_depositphotos.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>July: Santiago, Chile</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Chile has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, and there's no better time to visit than during the middle of the Southern Hemisphere winter. Some of the top resorts, such as <a href="https://skiportillo.com/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Portillo</a>, are only a short drive from Santiago.<strong> </strong>Even if you visit Chile during the summer, you can still look at the snow-capped Andes mountains and think about the world-class skiing in the southern hemisphere.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1korea_depositphotos.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>August: Seoul, South Korea</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">I know this is going to sound strange, but the best part of visiting Seoul was taking long walks in Gyeongui Line Forest Park, a three-mile-long urban park that used to be an old railroad line. It takes you through some of Seoul's famous neighborhoods, and you'll find an almost endless variety of coffeeshops and restaurants where you can stop and enjoy the view. Sure, there are irresistible cultural sites, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple. But I will always remember Seoul for its vibrant coffeeshop culture and friendly people.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1losangeles_depositphotos.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>September: Los Angeles</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">I returned to the States for a few weeks this fall. I stayed in Marina Del Rey, Calif.,  but spent some time along the beach in Venice and Santa Monica. And there's one takeaway from talking to shopkeepers and tour operators. Early fall is really the best time to visit L.A. Hotel rates, particularly in touristy areas, tend to slip during the shoulder season. I love L.A. during the early fall, and if you find yourself near the beach, you should check out Santa Monica's <a href="https://www.santamonicapier.org/walk-through-pier-history-tour" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">A Walk Through Pier History</a> tour, which tells the backstory of this iconic attraction. And who doesn't love an old merry-go-round?</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"> </span></span></p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/thailand_chris_elliot.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>October: Chiang Rai, Thailand</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">The Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet, used to be known for its opium trade. Today, it's all about tourism. Although the rainy season is over, it still isn't too busy here, so you'll practically have all the temples to yourself and can take long walks through the rainforest or along the rice fields without having to dodge busloads of visitors. There are elephants here, and there may be no better place to see them than at the <a href="https://www.anantara.com/en/golden-triangle-chiang-rai" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp &amp; Resort</a>, which also offers dramatic views of the Ruak River and beyond it, Myanmar and Laos.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/cambodia_chris_elliot.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>November: Siem Riep, Cambodia</strong> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Words fail me when trying to describe the experience of watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world. It's a historic landmark of breathtaking scale that is being devoured by the jungle. I've never seen anything like it, and I probably never will again. Go to the main temple complex just before dawn and watch the sun come up. Getting to Siem Riep is much now easier thanks to a new international airport, and there is plenty to do in the city. But this destination is all about the temples. You'll need at least three days to even get a sense of the scale of Angkor Wat, but it will be something you'll never forget.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/hobart_depositphotos.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>December: Hobart, Tasmania</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">There may be no better place to spend the end of the year than in Hobart, Australia. It is the peak of the Southern Hemisphere summer, and Hobart is one of the coolest Australian cities in which to enjoy it. You can watch the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race from the suburb of Battery Point or catch the ferry out to the <a href="https://mona.net.au/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Museum of Old and New Art (Mona)</a> to see one of the most bizarre art museums in the world. If you can get out of town, check out Cradle Mountain and visit with the Tasmanian Devils at <a href="https://devilsatcradle.com/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Devils@Cradle Sanctuary.</a> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">So is there an answer to the question, "What's your favorite destination?" With so many places to see, I can't pick just one favorite. I love <em>all</em> these places.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">And yet, this isn't the most frequently asked question. My friends have stopped asking me<em> how </em>I am; now they ask me <em>where</em> I am. Given the fact that I don't have a permanent home, it's a fair question.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">So where am I now? Santiago, Chile, for the next few days, and then headed to Uruguay. By the way, you can follow all of my adventures and catch my podcast on my free newsletter, <a href="https://www.elliottconfidential.com/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Elliott Confidential</a>. I can't wait to see where else 2024 takes me. If you have any South American destinations you'd like to recommend, please send me an email (I'm at <a href="mailto:chris@elliott.org" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">chris@elliott.org</a>). I'd love to hear from you.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio: </strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="http://chriselliotts.com/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline"><strong><em>Christopher Elliott</em></strong></a><strong><em> is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded </em></strong><a href="http://elliottadvocacy.org/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline"><strong><em>Elliott Advocacy,</em></strong></a><strong><em> a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes </em></strong><a href="http://elliottconfidential.com/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline"><strong><em>Elliott Confidential</em></strong></a><strong><em>, a travel newsletter, and the </em></strong><a href="http://elliott.org/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline"><strong><em>Elliott Report</em></strong></a><strong><em>, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can </em></strong><a href="http://elliott.org/help" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline"><strong><em>reach him here</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Photo Credits: Christohper Elliot; <a href="https://depositphotos.com/stock-photography.html" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Depositphotos.com</a>; Bernard Spragg (</em></strong><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/volvob12b/49915247277" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline"><strong><em>Flick</em></strong></a><strong><em>, Creative Commons)</em></strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Highbrow Magazine</strong></span></span></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/best-places-visit" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">best places to visit</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/countries-visit" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">countries to visit</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/traveling-2024" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">traveling in 2024</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/japan" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Japan</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/thailand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Thailand</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/cambodia" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Cambodia</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-zeland" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new zeland</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/korea" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">korea</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/chile" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Chile</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/australia" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">australia</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/los-angeles-traveling" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">los angeles. traveling</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Christopher Elliot</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">In Slider</div></div></div> Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:44:17 +0000 tara 12927 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/24297--destinations-you-absolutely-must-visit#comments Seoul, Korea: Another City That Never Sleeps https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1905-seoul-korea-another-city-never-sleeps <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/travel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Travel</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Wed, 01/02/2013 - 09:41</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1seoul.JPG?itok=UefAc7Be"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1seoul.JPG?itok=UefAc7Be" width="480" height="360" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>  </p> <p> Nestled between eight mountain ranges lies an Asian metropolis rivaling the population of New York, the culture of Tokyo and the backdrop of Denver.</p> <p>  </p> <p> With a population greater than NYC, at over 10 million inhabitants, and divided by the Han River, Seoul sits as a beacon of economic growth and Korean pride.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Just 35 miles from the North Korean border, Seoul technically straddles a still active war zone. Despite its name, the demilitarized zone (DMZ) is the world’s most heavily militarized border. Manned around the clock by American, North and South Korean soldiers, the area is a constant reminder of North and South Korea’s shaky relationship. On April 23rd, North Korea threatened to reduce the nearby capital to ashes by ‘unprecedented peculiar means’, according to MSNBC World News.</p> <p>  </p> <p> In the shadow of this heavily fortified border, however, Seoul’s steel towers stretch into the sky as a testament to swift economic progress and a growing significance in the 21st century.  Despite its frigid neighbors, the metropolis is warm, inviting and exciting.</p> <p>  </p> <p> “Gangnam Style” is not solely an infectious tune taking the world by storm. Gangnam district represents wealth. Land south of the Han, including the Gangnam district is brighter, faster and shinier. Key international offices such as Google, IBM and Toyota reside here. With expensive real estate and affluent residents, IT companies and Korea’s banking and finance sectors also call Gangnam home.</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/3seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/4seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/5seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Shops &amp; Stops</strong></p> <p> Seoul encompasses a strong reverence for culture and traditions, while also leading the world’s top cities in economic output.  Dongdaemun and Namdaemun Markets, South Korea’s largest and oldest shopping markets respectively, draw thousands of tourists. While the markets cater to traditional shopping, the Myeongdong district of Seoul draws shoppers and tourists seeking mid to high-end retail.</p> <p>  </p> <p> No visit to Seoul would be complete without a visit to one of its most popular foreign shopping districts. Itaewon, with its prime position in the heart of Seoul and near a US military base, boasts a diverse marketplace full of foreign food shops, restaurants and Korean souvenirs. Between the plentiful (and authentic) Mexican, Pakistani, Turkish and Indian dining establishments and the historic “Hooker Hill”, Itaewon blends tradition, tourism and diversity.</p> <p>  </p> <p> A short and steep hike from Itaewon stands Namsan Tower, officially CJ Seoul Tower. The communications and observation tower sits atop Namsan Mountain and is the highest point in the capital. More importantly, however, it has become a monumental step for Korean and tourist couples. Lovers who make the hike often reach the top to insert a lock somewhere in the sea of locks present. Next, couples thrust the key over the edge of the platform into the mountainside. Besides a touching gesture of “unbreakable love”, Namsan offers an awesome view of the city.</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/7seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/6seoul_0.JPG" style="width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/8seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Transportation</strong></p> <p> The easiest, albeit crowded, way to maneuver the city is the subway. Seoul’s train system is fast and extremely reliable. With English translation and fully equipped 3G and WiFi, Seoul’s subway system moves over 6 million passengers daily and was named one of the World’s Best Metro Rail Systems by Yahoo Finance.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/12seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Food</strong></p> <p> After being jostled underground, the smells of Seoul above ground can tempt any palate. Hunger is easily satiated in the city. Seoulites pressed for time can grab a quick bite from a street vendor right outside Seoul station or along Itaewon Street. For the equivalence of $5 or less, hungry bellies can partake in grilled meats, rice and fish cakes, and an array of tempura treats.</p> <p>  </p> <p> For a US soldier and Korean hybrid dish, budae jjigae, a quick train ride to Gangnam will take you to Songtan Budae Jjigae.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Following the Korean War, food was scarce. This caused the people to become inventive and use what they had and could acquire from surplus food supplies on area US army bases. Koreans had ramen, vegetables and spices. Soldiers had hot dogs and spam. The union of these available resources created this stew of onions, hot dogs, beans, spam, ramen, garlic, chili peppers and kimchi.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The megacity is nestled in the center of a peninsula. With such proximity to the sea, open markets are prevalent. Noryangjin Fish Market, the city’s largest marine market offers more than 66,000 square feet of wholesale products ranging from flounder to giant squid tentacles. For chefs needing less quantity, Chungbu market near Euiljiro station (exit 4) is perfect for groceries and fresh seafood.</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/2seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 463px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/10seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Culture</strong></p> <p> According to Mahatma Gandhi, “ A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and the soul of its people.” Throughout it’s history of occupation and war, South Korea has held fast to its traditions and taken pride in its culture. A tourist can witness a festival or performance on any given day. From the annual cherry blossom festival to musical performances in the country’s traditional garb, hanbok, Seoul balances both tradition and an embrace of encroaching western influences.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The luckiest tourists catch the city in spring at the height of cherry blossom season. Whether biking along the Han or grabbing a bite of tteokbokki, rice cakes in spicy red sauce, Seoul is alive in an array of sights and sounds.</p> <p>  </p> <p> New York City may be the city that never sleeps, but Seoul definitely never stops moving. Quiet moments are a rarity, but should be cherished. Soon, the smog will settle. Small, elderly women, with bent backs, will stoop to set up their street stands. Men and women will board the morning’s first trains only to immediately nod off en route to their companies or universities. It will be another long day…and an even longer night.</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/9seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/11seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 300px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/13seoul.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 285px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> <em>Alexis Barnes is a contributing writer and photographer at</em> Highbrow Magazine.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/seoul" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">seoul</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/korea" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">korea</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/traveling-seoul" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">traveling to seoul</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/koreans" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">koreans</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/visiting-korea" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">visiting korea</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/visiting-seoul" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">visiting seoul</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tourist-sites-seoul" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tourist sites in seoul</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Alexis K. Barnes</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Alexis Barnes</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:41:56 +0000 tara 2118 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1905-seoul-korea-another-city-never-sleeps#comments