
15.05.2012 / World Bulletin
Rediscovering Seoul
A city in full bloom, where the old crams against the new, and a forthcoming future coexists with a difficult past and ancient history. In Seoul, Zaha Hadid‘s futuristic design sits side by side with historic palaces and the anonymous, instant architecture which distinguished the growth of one of the world’s most densely populated metropolises.
Everywhere in the city, the atmosphere is livened up by a huge cultural and economic ferment, and brand new spaces devoted to art, design, fun and conviviality are sprouting like mushrooms. Today, Seoul is a place to discover and experience. Here’s where to start from.
STREET FOOD
Jokbal, bin dae duk, mandu… These are some of the exotic names of Seoul’s typical street food delicacies available inside Gwangjang Market, in Jongno. Located in an old part of the city, this historic covered market specialising in textiles is a mine of discounted fabrics and… traditional recipes. At the heart of the market is an amazing food section with stalls selling everything from dumplings to Korean pancakes and spicy pork. Why not learn to know the city starting from its tastes?
TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE
Bukchon (or “northern village”) is a corner of the city preserved just as it used to be some 600 years ago. Located between Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace, it is composed of lots of alleys lined with hanoks, the traditional Korean wooden homes. The area is also pleasantly crammed with cafes, art galleries and restaurants.WELL BEING
Jjimjilbangs, or public baths, are a crucial part of Korean culture. Originating from Japanese onsens, they usually include saunas, hot and cold baths and spaces devoted to massages. Close to Yongsan Station, Dragon Hill Spa is one of the city’s most luxurious jjimjibangs, equipped with saunas, an open-air bath, a seawater bath, a salt room, a swimming pool and a health center.
SHOPPING
Shinsegae’s flagship store in Myeong-dong is one of the city’s main department stores, where Oriental- and Western-style shopping mingle in perfect harmony. Shop for fresh ingredients in the basement, hunt for designer clothes in the upper floors and try some local dishes in the food garden.
ART
Itaewon is the expat-friendly neighborhood near the main U.S. Army base. Crowded with bars, clubs, shops and restaurants, in recent times it has become a vibrating and attracting area where you can find alternative art spaces such as Space Hamilton, a gallery for contemporary art hosted inside a former furniture shop.
INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS
Inside Art Sonje Center, a private contemporary art museum, The Books is a charming bookshop selling artist’s books and small-press publications with unique designs and uncommon graphic styles.
Links
http://www.podopodo.net/hamilton/list.asp
http://department.shinsegae.com/




