By Ogugua Obidike
There's just so much to see in Seoul, it may take a few trips to the Korean capital before a traveler's mind turns to seeing places outside the city.
Apart from the terrible traffic on weekends, traveling around Korea is not as daunting as it may seem, with government-launched initiatives such a foreigner-only national bus tours, and convenient high-speed trains from central Seoul.
So when the city's fast pace and crowds get too overwhelming, some time away might be just the thing. Here are nine great day and weekend trips, according to season
Fall
1. Heyri Art Valley, Paju.
Just north of Seoul is a valley officially described as “the loveliest village on earth/all artists are dreaming.” It's an ambitious statement that seems believable once you’re actually there.
In Paju, nearly 400 artists have contributed to one of the most carefully created villages in Korea. What was once a desolate and conventionally ugly expanse of land has now become a haven for artists.
Visitors can see firsthand how the painters, photographers, musicians and other creatives who live and work there create and thrive, and can even join in and learn a few crafts themselves.
But those who aren’t too good with their hands can still find plenty to enjoy. There are enough museums, book stores, cafés and restaurants to occupy even the most left-brained.
How to get there
Head to Hapjeong Station (Line 2) and get on bus #200 or #2200 from Exit 2 and get off at Heyri First Gate.
Approximate travel time from central Seoul: 90 minutes
Approximate cost: ₩2,100 (US$2) (320naira)
2. Busan
The second largest city in Korea, Busan isn't exactly a pastoral getaway. But it's not just a smaller Seoul -- it has the advantage of the sea
This southern city is one of Korea’s most well-known locations outside of Seoul. Some travelers even choose Busan as their primary destination for a Korea vacation, but that doesn’t mean that the trip can’t be done in just a day, thanks to the incredibly convenient KTX, Korea’s express train.
With good planning, a plane trip to Busan may cost only a little more than the KTX, shaving even more off the travel time.
And though Busan is famous for its beaches, there are plenty of sights to see and things to eat not involving getting stuck in a crowd of sun-fearing beachgoers.
You can eat hoe at the Jagalchi Fish Markets and then head to the Haeundae district, where you will find the famous Haeundae Beach, the Busan Aquarium, Dalmaji Hill, Jangsan Mountain and Shinsegae Centum City for shopping.
Given the relatively long travel time, a weekend trip may make more sense.
How to get there
Take the KTX from Seoul Station (Line 1, 4, A’REX, Gyeongui) to Busan Station.
Approximate travel time from central Seoul: 2.5 hours by train, four hours by car.
Approximate cost: ₩110,000 (US$100) (16,000naira) for KTX roundtrip.
Winter
1. Jisan Forest Resort
Instead of a crowded club in Seoul, this could be your Saturday night.
Jisan Resort may be better known for its summer bash Jisan Valley Rock Festival, but the sloping green hills that turn into stages for international musicians are actually more regularly used as ski slopes.
While no ski resort that’s close to Seoul is going offer very challenging runs, Jisan Forest Resort is perfect for a quick ski/snowboarding fix.
There are almost 10 slopes and five lifts, and lessons (in Korean and English) are available. Food is available inside the resort, but the area surrounding the resort has plenty of supermarkets and restaurants as well.
How to get there
Shuttle: reserve a spot on the free shuttle bus via the website or call +82 31 644 1552.
Public transportation: head to Express Bus Terminal (Line 9) and take the bus to Ichon Terminal (이촌종합터미널) and take bus #12 or a taxi to Jisan Resort.
Approximate travel time from central Seoul: 40-60 minutes
Approximate cost: ₩35,000 (US$32) (5120 Naira) for bus and taxi roundtrip
2. Bearstown Resort
If you're looking at these kids and thinking, "Amateurs!" you're probably right. Bearstown is more about bunny slopes and safety. But that just makes it perfect for curious beginners.
Bearstown is another resort that won’t offer much in the way of challenges for experienced skiers/snowboarders, but it is an option for those looking to just have a fun snow day.
The resort not only has 11 slopes and nine lifts, but also offers several sledding slopes as well as lessons and inexpensive rental equipment.
As it is a beginner friendly resort, there may be an excess of youngsters and snow bunnies, but if the slopes get too crowded, Bearstown also has an indoor pool, tennis court, sauna, bowling alley and more.
How to get there
Shuttle: free and paid shuttle buses are available and reservations can be made online or by calling +82 31 540 5000.
Public transportation: take the #11 bus from Gangbyeon Station and get off at Bearstown Resort.
Approximate travel time from central Seoul: 90 minutes
Spring
1. Boseong (Green Tea Fields)
The tea fields at Boseong have been the backdrop for many a love story, both real and fictitious.
Boseong's green tea fields may be a little too obscure to dedicate a full vacation to, while far enough from Seoul to deter enough travelers from making a quick trip.
But while the travel time is long for a day trip, as long as you depart early, there’s enough time to go and be back in time to make the last subway train home. We recommend a weekend trip, however.
The fields are beautiful and the trip is a nice breather -- literally, since the fresh scent of tea is everywhere. Visitors can walk through the seemingly endless fields of the Daehan Plantation for a small admission fee.
The surrounding restaurants offer plenty of green tea-flavored goodies, including green tea samgyeopsal, ice cream and rice cake soup.
The annual Green Tea Festival takes place in the spring, when visitors can pick their own tea leaves, make tea and other products, as well as view several exhibitions.
For those with enough time, Yulpo Beach is 10 minutes away by bus, where a green tea-themed spa features deep seawater mixed with green tea. Transportation back to Boseong Terminal also tends to be easier from Yulpo Beach.
How to get there
Bus: from the Express Bus Terminal, take the bus to Boseong Beolgyo Express Terminal and take a bus headed to Yulpo Beach or take a taxi to the green tea fields for approximately ₩10,000 (US$9).
Train: take the KTX from Yongsan Station to Gwangju, and then transfer from the Gwangju Bus Terminal and take a bus headed to Boseong Beolgyo Express Terminal. From the terminal, transfer to Yulpo Beach-headed bus, or take a taxi.
Approximate travel time from central Seoul: five hours
Approximate cost: ₩70,000 (US$64) for KTX and taxi roundtrip, ₩55,000 (US$50) (8000 Naira)for bus and taxi roundtrip
1. Daecheon Beach (Boryeong)
2. Nami Island
With avenues like these, we suspect Nami Island would have been popular without its Korean drama fame
No comments:
Post a Comment