Not to miss sights in Tokyo & Seoul?
#1
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Not to miss sights in Tokyo & Seoul?
My husband just found out that he has to go to Tokyo and Seoul for business, and I am going along for the ride. We leave in one week, and have limited time for research on what not to miss. Our hotels are arranged, so I am looking for what to do, buy, etc.
We will have 2-3 days total in Tokyo and 4 days in Seoul. I am interested in:
(1) Day trips from either city,
(2) What should we be sure to see in either city on a tight schedule,
(3) Shopping - we usually like to pick up something original to the area (food, spices, art, paintings, etc.)
(4) Suggestions on what I can do on the days that my husband will be working in each city. I enjoy taking in the natural beauty of things - so any recommended gardens or walks would be great!
(5) Things to see off the beaten path.
We will likely purchase the LP guide on both cities today, but your personal experiences and suggestions would be most welcome!! Many thanks in advance!
We will have 2-3 days total in Tokyo and 4 days in Seoul. I am interested in:
(1) Day trips from either city,
(2) What should we be sure to see in either city on a tight schedule,
(3) Shopping - we usually like to pick up something original to the area (food, spices, art, paintings, etc.)
(4) Suggestions on what I can do on the days that my husband will be working in each city. I enjoy taking in the natural beauty of things - so any recommended gardens or walks would be great!
(5) Things to see off the beaten path.
We will likely purchase the LP guide on both cities today, but your personal experiences and suggestions would be most welcome!! Many thanks in advance!
#3
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Dear Nbendl,
When in Seoul, be sure to make a day trip to Folk's Village, about 1 hour outside of Seoul. It is a village with old houses and folksy crafts and village markets, etc., where you can see traditional wedding processions and try traditional foods. A must-see. Your hotel should be able to help you as to how to get there. In Seoul, there are several old palaces with beautiful gardens on the grounds right in downtown area. Some of them have museums attached to them. There is one museum on Korean Folk Life (Min Sok Museum) that is interesting - shows you how people used to live before modernization. It is not as well known as the National Museum, but perhaps as interesting. If you want to pick up some traditional things (pottery, fans, tea, etc), go to Insadong, where there are may quaint shops that sell them. I like this area - there are some old tea houses there, but it's impossible to describe the directions to them. You can try to go to Tong-In store, which is a 4-story store that sells traditional Korean things in Insadong, and perhaps they may be able to help you find them. Insadong is different from Itaewon, where a lot of Americans go to get knock-off handbags and leather jackets; if you know where to look you can get good deals, but a bit touristy. Anyway, hope this is not too late - have fun!
Kay
When in Seoul, be sure to make a day trip to Folk's Village, about 1 hour outside of Seoul. It is a village with old houses and folksy crafts and village markets, etc., where you can see traditional wedding processions and try traditional foods. A must-see. Your hotel should be able to help you as to how to get there. In Seoul, there are several old palaces with beautiful gardens on the grounds right in downtown area. Some of them have museums attached to them. There is one museum on Korean Folk Life (Min Sok Museum) that is interesting - shows you how people used to live before modernization. It is not as well known as the National Museum, but perhaps as interesting. If you want to pick up some traditional things (pottery, fans, tea, etc), go to Insadong, where there are may quaint shops that sell them. I like this area - there are some old tea houses there, but it's impossible to describe the directions to them. You can try to go to Tong-In store, which is a 4-story store that sells traditional Korean things in Insadong, and perhaps they may be able to help you find them. Insadong is different from Itaewon, where a lot of Americans go to get knock-off handbags and leather jackets; if you know where to look you can get good deals, but a bit touristy. Anyway, hope this is not too late - have fun!
Kay
#4
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In Tokyo an interesting temple to visit is Sengakuji, a short walk from Shinagawa station. It is the burial site of the 47 ronin (masterless samurai), a story considered an historical epic in Japan.
In 1703 the 47 ronin avenged the death of their clan leader by attacking the mansion of the lord responsible for their clans demise, executing him and carrying his head to the grave of their master. They were sentenced to death by the Shogunate and committed seppuku (hara-kiri). Nearly 300 years later incense still burns daily at each gravesite.
Another interesting area to visit is the Tsukiji market. Not the fish auction, but the area nearby with many shops selling meats, fish, vegetables, tea, snacks, pottery, etc. Mostly locals shop there. Go around 9:00 am and browse around. There are many small places to eat in the area that cater to shoppers and workers that serve good, cheap japanese meals.
In 1703 the 47 ronin avenged the death of their clan leader by attacking the mansion of the lord responsible for their clans demise, executing him and carrying his head to the grave of their master. They were sentenced to death by the Shogunate and committed seppuku (hara-kiri). Nearly 300 years later incense still burns daily at each gravesite.
Another interesting area to visit is the Tsukiji market. Not the fish auction, but the area nearby with many shops selling meats, fish, vegetables, tea, snacks, pottery, etc. Mostly locals shop there. Go around 9:00 am and browse around. There are many small places to eat in the area that cater to shoppers and workers that serve good, cheap japanese meals.
#5
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In Seoul you should see Namdamoon. A huge ancient castle. Also Dongdemoon market is good for shopping.you might want to also try Insuldong.While in Insuldong. Sit in one of the Traditional
folk resterants and drink rice wine Dong
Dongjew. With Onion Pancakes. Pindeadot
No trip to Korea is complet without trying Kalbi B.B.Q,Beef ribs
folk resterants and drink rice wine Dong
Dongjew. With Onion Pancakes. Pindeadot
No trip to Korea is complet without trying Kalbi B.B.Q,Beef ribs