Shopping & Money, Seoul

Favorite thing: Ahh, Seoul, the shoppers paradise. Although great bargains can be had pretty much all over Seoul, don't forget to try the markets! They're fantastic. And how much were the jeans? I found a pair for $1 (U.S.) at the current exchange rate.

You will usually get a better deal in the markets if you have a friend who speaks the language. But don't worry if you don't. I've found some pretty good bargains using just a calculator and a lot of hand gestures. The people are extremely friendly and animated. The food is gorgeous (and spicy!).

I also enjoyed looking at the underground markets near the subway system. I could lose myself in them looking at all of the kitschy stuff. I never did reach the end. I think they go on for miles and miles...

Fondest memory: My friend and I stayed at a Yogwan which is a very cheap hotel. Most of the time, they're used for lovers or young couples, so ours had a condom machine in the room. Very classy, I know.

But the price was excellent. It was cheap and clean (and the sheets & walls were decorated in pink satin).

When we arrived at the Yogwan, the manager looked at us as if we were insane because we booked the room for 3 nights. But when we checked out, the manager (this darling little old man who didn't speak a word of English) shoved a bunch of souvenier postcards into our hands as a gift. They were standard pictures of Seoul, but it was so nice of him to give us a parting gift. You meet the nicest people in the most unusual places.

Fondest memory: This was once Seoul's main city gate. Originally it was built in the 14th century but the gate now standing was reconstructed in the 1960's after the Korean War.

Take the subway to Seoul Station on line 1 or line 4 and walk. There is a great market nearby.

Favorite thing: This is not a favorite thing, it is a least favorite thing. Expect the unexpected, and illogical, if you plan on being in Seoul/Korea for an extended period.

I went to my (Kookmin) bank to request a Check Card. These are new to Korea and offer the convenience of a crediit card plus additional tax benefits (you get a tax credit when you use your credit card or check card!). It is secured by cash in the account just like a debit card, so you cannot 'charge' more than is in the account. It is free (except for a 1,000 won (USD 0.80) initial charge) was well.

The bad news? Foreigners, even resident aliens like myself, cannot get them. Why? Oh, because Korean banks are conservative. These are the same banks that went so crazy issuing credit cards a few years ago that their bad loans rates went up to about 10%!

How can a Check/debit card be risky?!? It is 100% covered by the cash in the account at the bank. There is no risk of loss for the bank at all. But, I guess it is not 'conservative' for the bank to offer such things.

Oh well, I guess I'll apply for a credit card and expose the bank to credit risk. Go figure.

Favorite thing: No matter where you go in South Korea, the markets are one of the most interesting places to visit. You'll find a mix of vegetables, fruit, plastic goods and clothing. But, more importantly, you'll find kind people and, as always in this country, a very warm welcome.

Favorite thing: Do some shopping, because Seoul is a paradise for those, who like to go shopping. If you look for a nice souvenir only, or for electronic goods, or music cds or clothing ... Seoul has it all! Have a look at Namdaemun or Dongdaemun Market, at the huge department stores like Lotte or Hyundai, or at Myeongdong ... Last one has a good nightlife too .... Don´t forget to take enough money, you will love it!

Favorite thing: Visit Insadong, streets filled with antique and art stores, galleries, and restaurants inside some of the oldest buildings on the city.

Fondest memory: The food! Cheap and wonderful Korean reataurants line the streets; Street food to warm you during the harsh winters; sitting on a heated floor with my shoes off and eating a 'Korean pizza' with my dear friend Kim, Me; the soothing effects of atomic-hot kimchee chige or sam gae tang during the headcold season. Tokk manduguk for New Years Day! More panchan (side dishes) than there is room on the table! I could go on and on . . .

Fondest memory: Seoul is a wonderful place for shopping. Dongdaemun, Namdaemun, Itaewon....The city is so alive even during the midnight. You can shop as well as view the street performance. Shopping wise, there is so much choices, stalls on the street or levels and levels of shops in shopping centre. Hey!!! Check out the lady on the right hand side. Cool hah!!!! : )

Favorite thing: wholesale shoe market in dondaemun, insa-dong for all things 'traditionally korean,' art galleries in apgujung-dong, check out the palaces, the rodin museum in the samsung building in namdaemun,kyung-dong market for all sorts of korean foods- great prices (near chung-yang-ni train station), hong-dae for a slightly bohemian feel,

Fondest memory: well, my best memories are of my grandparents, aunt and I hanging out at their farm outside of seoul eating fruit and looking up at the sky, noticing how quiet it is just an hour outside of seoul. Cricket, cicadas, and other night sounds. i definitely think if you visit korea, go to the countryside and camp out for a few days and it will be such a break from the constant noise of seoul.