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Living & Surviving in Korea | |
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Entertainment in Korea
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There is a lot to see and do in Seoul. There are loads of movie theatres, shopping malls, museums, palaces, markets, and restaurants. There are also several theme parks (lots of fun!), ten pin bowling centers, ice skating areas, and several good parks and a zoo (not that we would recommend the zoo unless you would like to see the polar bear going insane in temperatures of 35 degrees in the middle of summer!). There are also other options such as indoor skiing and golf ranges, saunas and hot pools and loads of traditional performances and the occasional concert (lots of international bands such as Rage Against the Machine and Smashing Pumpkins come to Korea, though you do really have to look out for any signs advertising them, as they are easy to miss and you usually find out about it the day after it happens!) Twenty million people live within 50 km of the centre of Seoul, the country?s capital city. 82% of Koreans live in urban areas. Some of the countryside and mountain areas can be truly beautiful and at this stage Korea has not been subjected to a tourism invasion similar to Thailand and other Asian countries. Koreans love their art - traditional music, dance, painting and pottery (famous bluish green celadon pottery) - and many find it enjoyable and educational to look into this aspect of the culture. You will not be bored, as there is a lot to do and experience.
There is also a page of media and communication links. For updates on current events it is also easy just to log onto either the CNN or BBC websites when you check you email, there are numerous 'PC Bongs' where you can use the internet really cheaply (mind you, you do have to contend with gallons of cigarette smoke and kids enthralled with computer games!)
The Yongsan electronics market is the place to head if you are after anything remotely electronic. Electronic equipment is not that cheap over here, however we have managed to find mini disc players at good prices and in the winter, you can't really buy a 'humidifier' anywhere else than in Korea!
The U.S. Military broadcasts both radio and television. Called AFKN (American Forces Korea Network), although the television station may be difficult to receive outside of Seoul. Cable TV is available for a monthly fee. This includes the movie channel and CNN. You can find many American sit-coms on various channels - Friends, Just Shoot Me, The X-files, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Dawson's Creek and more, which are usually in English although sometimes they can be dubbed over with Korean, which can provide much amusement in itself (especially Once Were Warriors dubbed over in Korean! ). There are also many video stores that have all the latest releases in English with Korean subtitles. If you don't have a video player you can go to the 'Video Bong', where for a small price you can have a private room to watch the video of your selection! Take care however as some of these rooms are distinctly more 'sleazy' than others!
Itaewon is the area where you will find loads of other foreigners and heaps of American soldiers (there base is right next to the Itaewon shopping area). There are several good places to go, with Geckos and Hollywood being two that we personally recommend. Some places require you to pay an entrance fee, this is usually quite modest and you get a voucher that entitles you to a free drink once inside. The Shinchon/Hongdae area is where you will find many Korean University students. There are several great dance clubs and some good jazz bars (mind you not all bars that claim to be 'jazz bars' actually play jazz!). Again, we recommend trying places out until you find something that really appeals. If you are looking for somewhere classy, there are bars in the larger hotels, with JJs in the Hyatt being our recommended option. It is expensive but the views and atmosphere are great. Korean style nightclubs usually require an entrance fee between 30 000 and 60 000 won. With this fee you get a table for the night, a couple of drinks each and some food. The smaller more traditional 'hofs' do not require the same admission fee, however in most (especially those out of Seoul) you are required to purchase a 'side dish' along with any drinks. This is not usually very expensive and can be quite amusing, you do really remember those nights out when you were delivered a sweet potato and egg along with the pint of beer!
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