Hospitals and Emergencies and Doctors.
by kdoc13
I hate the lable "Favorite thing about Seoul." It totally doesn't apply.
Anyway, one of the key things to remember about Korea is that it is in many ways backwards from America. Have an emergency? Don't dial 911, here it is 119. Information? not 411, but 114.
There are many hospitals that have English speaking staff. The best bet for this is the Seoul National University Hospital, if you are on the north side of town. Other places probably have people who can speak English too though, or can get someone who does quickly in case of an emergency.
For non-emergency doctors, I have found that the best place to go is to the International Clinic in Itaewon. It wouldn't be my first choice if I were back in the states, there is definately an aspect of traditional asian medicine that goes with the modern science, and the bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired. But, the english is good, and if you are down and out with a virus, it is a good place to see a doctor about some antibiotics. Plus, being in Itaewon, it is in close proximity to a place where many have picked up there first STD. So in a sense, it is a little bit of one-stop shopping for those people! The international clinic's web page can be found here. http://www.internationalclinic.co.kr/
Korean Ministry of National Defense
by Ewingjr98
Korea's MND is their version of the Pentagon in Washington DC, though much smaller and in multiple buildings. It is the headquarters of their military and includes their civilian defense minister and the joint chiefs of staff, along with all of their support staff. They are responsible for the defense of South Korea by utilizing the nation's 700,000 active duty troops and its 4.5 million reserves. The Korean MND is just across the street from the US and United Nations headquarters in Korea, underscoring the importance of their relationship.
Bowing and Kim-Chi in Korea
by bpacker
It's more polite to bow than to shake hands in Korea it seems. Well, given the recent SARS scare, it's more germ-friendly to nod than to pass your snot to an unsuspecting chap, right? Courtesy aside, there's no need to worry about this, there was never a single SARS case in Korea as this is a GARLIC-LOVING country. I don't think it's possible for these people to get SARS or for Dracula to go near them as they get loads of anti-oxidents everyday by eating kim-chi.
Now if you have not tasted this delightful pickle before, try it in Korea. Go for the cabbage as a starter. The rich, alchoholic and spicy taste of garlic and chilli will overwhelm your senses.
How do they pack in the punch? Well, traditionally, this pickle is fermented in earthern pots and buried in winter grounds.
Of course, there are now more advanced methods of making this pickle otherwise you'll have Korean treasure maps all over the place. Other than plain ol' cabbage, you can find kim-chied cockles, fish roe, cucumber and other exotic creatures you won't dream of eating. Try it, it just doesn't taste the same elsewhere.
The Disappearing Kimchi Jars
by AKtravelers
When my mother visited Seoul in 1976, she returned with stories about kimchi jars being everywhere in Seoul -- in backyards, on roofs, in front of doorways. Since kimchi is fermented cabbage, the combination of leafy vegetable, garlic and spices had to be kept undisturbed to "ripen" for some long period of time and every Korean woman had her collection outside. I have heard that it used to be that a Korean woman had to know how to make 16 different types of kimchi before she would be considered a good bride. But, when I first visited Seoul in 1990, I didn't see all the kimchi jars my mother talked about, but I did see a lot.
Now, however, they are a vanishing sight. As modern life steals more and more time and space from Korean families, making one's own kimchi has become less common and kimchi jars are a rare sight in Seoul. I saw these jars outside a Buddhist temple, where a nun (whom I met) obviously maintained the old traditions.
A Quicker Way to Get to Chamsil Stadium
by YksiOrbi
As was mentioned by the others, baseball is more fun to watch in Korea than the US. It is more participatory, like the Japanese. You can buy what I call 'boom sticks' for W1000 and participate by listening to the guy with the whistle. After a few games, you should be able to follow the whistle and be in unison with the crowd.
Moving on to the title of this entry. Many have suggested taking the Olympic stop, but if you want to save time and footsteps, get off the Chamsil/Sports Complex stn. Normally, if it is baseball day, you can just follow the crowd out of the station.
Upon exiting the stn, you will immediately see the stadium in front of you.
You can grab snacks being sold by the many ajuma as you get out of the stn and before you reach the tkt booth. You can buy team paraphernalia from the stadium store. You can get the boom sticks here as well.
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Myeongdong
Night and light
Deoksugung
Bus conductor-who wants to hop off??
