Whether your current travel aspirations are to relax with some retail therapy, eat some of the world’s most delicious and comforting foods, visit ancient temples, or expend extra energy on the slopes, Korea welcomes you with a plethora of options for any agenda!

Snowboard, Ski & enjoy the scenic sights of the Winter Sonata!

Located about 200km from Seoul, this offbeat locale is perfect as a get-away from the hustle and bustle from the city. The picturesque view of frosty trees, friendly mountains, and happy travelers makes it all worth your while. The area is dotted with many private homes that you can rent as your ski lodge, hotels and even westernized resorts. You can enjoy skiing the winter slopes while touring the Winter Sonata film locations at Yongpyong Resort, Korea’s largest ski resort. YongPyong offers a variety of slopes to test your skills! But be warned, due to the relatively warm temperatures in Nov/Dec, the snow is maintained artificially and can be quite icy and painful to fall on! I had several rough falls (ouch!).

If you are not on the slopes, you can relax in the spas and hot springs, grab a drink at a local bar, join the local night Winter festivities or even try out your dance moves in one of the night clubs!

Travel Planner: Winterfriend (https://www.winterfriend.com) 

A Korean travel agency that is able to communicate fluently in English. We made our bookings via email for the snowboard package (incl rental of gear), accommodation and transportation.  

Accommodation: Queens Garden Hyssop (http://www.queens700.com)

A charming and quaint self-sufficient lodge that is managed by friendly Korean family. Highly recommended! 

Indulge in history!

Before your gluttony of shopping and eating, you need to take a trip to the amazing temples of Seoul. There are a variety of Buddhist temples here dating back as far as 632 AD. Feast your eyes on the beautiful ancient architecture — buildings of bright color, infinite layers, and roofs that seem to reach for the heavens. These temples will give you an intimate insight into Korea and its history.

• Gyeongbok Palace (closed on Tues): 1 Sejongro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea; 82-(0)2-171-2461 royalpalace.go.kr
• Blue House (Cheongwadae): The President’s Residence. Located near the Gyeonbok Palace
• Changdeok Palace: 1 Waryung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea; 82-(0)2-762-8262
• Bukchon Village: Neighbourhood of Hanok (traditional Korean wooden homes) located between the 2 palaces. To get there, travel via subway line 3 to Anguk Station and take Exit 3.

Shop till you drop!

If you are a fashion connoisseur or just curious window shopper, you will be delighted by a visit to one (or several!) of Seoul’s shopping malls and street level shopping! Fashion boutiques abound in Seoul! Be thrilled by the many malls with levels and levels of specific “his”and “hers” shopping. Time is no issue, these malls are open into the wee hours of the morning! Be sure not to miss the latest in Korean fashion! If you prefer, there are also many malls with a variety of western high-street names – for instance, in Myeongdong, you will find H&M, Zara, Nike, and more.

• Itaewon: Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Namdaemun Market: 49 Namchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
• Lotte Department Store: 1 Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 100-721; 82-(0)2-771-2500 lotte.co.kr
• Myeongdong Shopping District: Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 

Seoul Subway Line 4 Myeongdong Station Exit 7.

(http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/1001_About%20Korea.jsp)

Eat your fill!

After you’ve worked up an appetite shopping, you won’t have to look too far to find yourself a table and a dish of delicate and delicious Korean food. If you are craving meat, you are in the right place. Korean barbecue is hailed around the world as some of the best, and something to try as often as the mood strikes! If you are craving something lighter, go with a delicious ginseng chicken soup, or a hot-pot that will warm your entire being for the rest of the day. We love walking down the streets of Itaewon and popping into the restaurants there. 

There are plenty of quaint coffee joints around the Sinchon area. Do spend an afternoon there!

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