SEOUL

Where the Action Is

Seoul sizzles with food, fashion, palaces and pageantry. BY GREGORY D. MCCLUNEY

Korean Cool:

(Left to right) Ssamziegil traditional cultural and shopping complex in Insa-dong, cable car to N Seoul Tower, and COEX mall Starfield Library in Gangnam

PHOTOS: © SANGA PARK | DREAMSTIME .COM, © SEBASTIAN CZAPNIK | DREAMSTIME.COM, © SANGA PARK | DREAMSTIME.COM L ike the frenetic kitchen of a sold-out Korean restaurant, Seoul is hot, sizzling, a 24/7 mass of energy. Yet few travelers have the bustling South Korean capital of 25 million people at the top of their bucket list of destinations.

Seoul may not possess the panache of Paris, the royal history of London or the flair of New York City. What it does offer is thousands of years of history, mega-shopping for the latest fashions, a vibrant food scene particular to Korean customs and tastes, five palaces, pageantry, casinos, clubs and exciting attractions to please business visitors or entice families. Add to this a favorable exchange rate ($1 equals 1,103 won) and lots of English-speaking young people you won’t find in most other Asian countries.

When you’ve settled in your hotel (there’s one to fit every budget) and rested from the major time change, you’ll find subways and taxis provide the best way to see the city. Purchase a T-money card for the subway and enjoy the good maps and English signage at most stops. Taxi drivers rarely speak English but can translate using smartphones (keep the business cards provided by your hotel). Taxis are reasonable, clean and abundant. Unless you read or speak Korean, the bus system will prove an unnecessary challenge.

The Han River divides Seoul into two major sections: north (Gangbuk) and south (Gangnam). The northerly, older section houses many tourist sites while the south, the new Seoul, is more affluent and the place to be seen with the latest fashions and technology.

Each section further divides into many distinct neighborhoods. You’ll most likely navigate to a destination by finding these neighborhoods, such as the popular tourist area of Insa-dong or the palace area of Gyeongbokgung. Shopping exists in almost every neighborhood,

with many retailers specializing in crafts, high fashion, sports clothing and electronics. You’ll find only two actual enclosed malls, with multiple levels and international brands.

Get your bearings with a visit to the N Seoul Tower, the highest point in the city. Take a cable car and then a fast elevator to the top for a 360-degree view of the city. At sunset you get a different view on a Han River cruise, no advance reservations necessary.

After cruising the city, drop into one of the many “meat houses,” where you cook your own entrée over a flaming grill built into the middle of each table while you socialize with other guests. Servers bring a host of side items to accompany your freshly grilled meats. It’s all for fun, and you may make some new Korean friends during the evening.

For those interested, a daytrip to the DMZ border with North Korea can prove either fascinating or scary. One million troops stand guard on the most heavily fortified border in the world. Either full-day or half-day tours are available, including travel time, and may not be ideal for all family groups, although many do make the trip. Visitors witness awesome military pageantry and get a glimpse of what it means to live in a divided country.

You can spend almost a full day in Korea’s premier museum, the National, the sixthlargest in the world. Its three floors display thousands of artifacts, archaeological objects, an entire floor of fine arts featuring more than 800 works and yet another strictly for Asian art.

Few visitors to Seoul pass up a visit to the royal palace complex of Gyeongbokgung, an easy subway ride from almost any hotel. Situated in the heart of the city, it includes a performing arts center, throne room, meditation pond and more historic buildings, including the National Folk Museum.

LODGING

InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas Known for its central location, spacious rooms and exceptional service for business travelers, this newly renovated hotel welcomes groups and families as well. Enjoy the spa, pool, lounge and firstclass restaurants, including a deli.

521 Teheran-ro, Gangnam $$$$

Park Hyatt Seoul Offering contemporary luxury with fantastic views and a great location near COEX mall, the hotel features a spa, pool and an excellent restaurant with a home-style Italian menu.

606 Teheran-ro, Gangnam $$$

The Shilla Seoul For a slightly more Korean hotel experience, The Shilla offers luxury and superb service among Korean art and décor. International travelers return to enjoy the 23 private acres, Michelin-starred restaurant and private shopping arcade.

249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu $$$

DINING

Balwoo Gongyang A unique experience awaits at this superb restaurant (reserve ahead) operated by monks from Seoul’s main Buddhist temple. The menu features creative continental and temple cuisine, but the vegetarian option stands out. Great for kids.

Temple Stay Information Integration Center, 56 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu $$

Doore Dine like royalty in a 1900s hanok wooden building, a showcase for Korean art. True Imperial cuisine comes on fixed or à la carte

menus.

5-24 Insadong 4-gil, Jongno-gu $$

Samcheonggak Travel up the hill to the presidential Blue House for a Korean take on international fine dining, at half the cost of Europe or New York, in beautiful rooms with a view. Choose the continental fixed menu.

3 Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu $$$$

INFO TO GO

Because of the worldwide reach of the South Korean business network, the city’s Incheon Airport is a model of efficiency and design. Carriers offer direct flights and connections to most of the world’s capitals and beyond. Service to and from other Asian countries is frequent and convenient. Some routes within Asia utilize Gimpo (GMP), a second Seoul airport. The big three U.S. carriers offer service with several non-stops. Once on the ground, passage through customs and immigration is quick and efficient. Reach the city center in less than an hour by rail, express airport bus or taxi. Remember, you need not tip in Korea. You can exchange currency for the local won at ATMs in banks and some retail spots. Major international credit cards are widely accepted. For the best weather, visit in the fall or spring.

As you’ll be doing a lot of walking in the city and crossing the river several times a day, take a break at one of the Han River’s bridge cafés. Relax and order a cool iced drink or green tea and plan your next stop while the city buzzes around you, always in high gear.

For visitors who want a hands-on Korean experience, a visit to Korea House near Myeong-dong offers a cultural arts experience as well as a restaurant. With demonstrations on making kimchi, hanji (paper craft) and traditional dance, each class lasts about two hours. In the evening some of Korea’s top performers take over with traditional dance and music performances, with English subtitles.

After dinner, head to Itaewon to experience a mix of Seoul’s nightlife. Here a combination of tourists, U.S. military, businesspeople and local Korean students and lovers come to see and be seen. On weekends, hot clubs like Soap Seoul have folks spilling out of the front doors and into the street. For LGBTQ+ visitors, the most popular bars, dance clubs and karaoke bars may be found in both Itaewon and Jongno. The fun continues in the Hongdae (university) neighborhood, where students gather to dance and sing in private karaoke rooms.

In this Korean city, there’s always more action just around the corner.

Hands-On:

Kimchi-making demonstration (top), and Korean hanji paper craft (bottom)

PHOTOS: © THITAREE MAHAWONG | DREAMSTIME.COM, © AMY HARRIS | DREAMSTIME.COM

Island Spirit

The warmth of the Caymans makes visitors feel right at home. BY EUGENIA LAZARIS

When the Cayman Islands reopens to global tourism after the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be waiting with open arms. Visitors will once again be able to experience what makes the Caymans a world-class destination — pristine beaches, stunning scenery, magnificent wildlife and its very own brand of kindness: Caymankind.

Caymankind is all about the beauty, culture and heart of the islands. From the welcoming hospitality and the laid-back lifestyle to the incredible landscape and wildlife, the Caymans offers a piece of true Caribbean paradise.

Boasting more than 1.7 million visitors in 2019, the Caymans is clearly wellequipped to show guests a good time. To get a true feel for the island vibe, head to the big island of Grand Cayman where iguanas roam free, waves crash gently on sandy white beaches and smiling locals happily show off the home they love.

In 2016, Troy Leacock, a 10thgeneration Caymanian, started Crazy Crab because he wanted to offer a premium tour experience on an intimate level that can turn strangers into friends. This family-run business offers small-boat, chartered tours where guests choose their destinations and tour lengths. This relaxed flexibility epitomizes the easy-going style of the Caymans.

The most popular attraction on the island is Stingray City. Located on a sand bar in the island’s North Sound, this attraction consists of a waist-deep sandbar home to a population of southern stingrays. These gentle giants will swim right up to you and eat squid out of your hands. Crazy Crab’s guides help guests navigate the experience, making sure everyone explores at their comfort level. The rays are so friendly they will even give lucky visitors a stingray “kiss,” proving it’s not just the local humans who understand Caymankind.

Crazy Crab also helps visitors experience the diverse culinary culture, showcasing locally grown produce and fresh-caught seafood. A seaside meal is the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful sunset before you segue into a nighttime swim in Bioluminescent Bay. One of only a handful of locations in the world where this natural phenomenon occurs, Bioluminescent Bay is home to microscopic plankton that flash in brilliant shades of bright iridescent blue when disturbed by movement in the water.

On an intimate tour of Grand Cayman, each visitor feels welcomed into the island’s heart. It’s no wonder visitors return year after year to a paradise that, thanks to the Caymankind spirit, makes them feel like they are coming home.

In the Swim:

Family on a Crazy Crab tour interacting with a stingray in the shallow waters at Stingray City (above), and Crazy Crab boat (left)

PHOTOS: © CRAZY CRAB