Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Holiday Hotspot – Ritz Carlton - Seoul www.ritzcarlton.com
Seoul is a thriving city that blends old traditions and style with modern culture. Seoul is simply bursting with interesting attractions and visitors will be able to explore ancient palaces, temples and historical sites situated alongside modern amusement parks, aquariums and science centres. Originally named Hansung when it was founded during the Koryo Dynasty, Seoul has long been rich is culture and history as well as the most densely populated city on the planet.
The National Museum of Korea is the sixth-largest museum in the world with 6.6 acres of exhibitions on 76 acres of land. The collection spans Palaeolithic artefacts, stone pagodas, giant Buddha’s and traditional Korean painting. The 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace, the oldest property of the Joseon Dynasty, is set in a garden landscape that also holds the National Folk Museum of Korea. Located on an island in the centre of the Han River, the Yeouido neighbourhood is noted for its towering skyscrapers. Prominent buildings such as the National
n Ritz Carlton Seoul Accomodation.
Assembly and the Seoul Stock Exchange are located in Yeoui as well as some trendy restaurants and shops The Yongsan-gu district is home to one of the largest electronics markets in the entire world as well as a major US army military base. Seoul’s main shopping district Dongdaemun-gu contains a wide range of stores where just about anything can be purchased. The main theatre area, which is known as Hyewa, is also located here and features the performing arts centre and a number of small theatres. While in Seoul, travel to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and Panmunjom – officially known as the Joint Security Area (JSA) – and experience the infamous border that divides North Korea and South Korea. Learn from an expert guide about the role of the DMZ and the negotiating site of the JSA, from the Korean War to the present. You’ll visit the Freedom Bridge and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and observe life on the other side from the Dora Observatory.
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com Gangnam-gu a modern neighbourhood offers excellent restaurant choices and shopping alongside large numbers of luxury top end hotels including one of my favourites RitzCarlton. This contemporary hotel features an indoor swimming pool, spa services, n DMZ Korea nightclub, fitness centre, and concierge services. Expect premium bedding including The hoevening turndown service and tel’s eateries offer casual free newspapers delivery. As to elaborate however I never standard Ritz Carlton Seoul got to experience an evening offer free high-speed internet offering. The international access, LCD TVs, in-room safes breakfast buffet as you would and complimentary overnight expect from Ritz Carlton was shoeshine. When you book a impressive. For best rates visit room on the Club Level you’ll www.ritzcarlton.com. Seoul benefit from a dedicated con- has an intimate air and the cierge to assist your every large population means that need and access to their there is plenty to do in the Club Level Lounges, which city after the sun sets such as provide an exclusive sanctu- dancing, dining and karaoke ary to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and visitors can be sure that and a complimentary bever- there is always something to age service throughout the see and do in this wonderday. Korea Exhibition Centre fully vibrant city. Turkish airand World Trade Centre is a lines offer super connections 10-minute drive away while from Dublin to Seoul in South Shin Non Hyun Subway Sta- Korea via Istanbul. On longtion is just a 5-minute walk. haul flights, first, business &
economy class passenger’s feast on authentic Turkish and international dishes and the “in flight” experience leaves other carriers trailing far behind. The new business lounge for passengers connecting at Istanbul to Korea will leave you breathless and for me is the finest of its kind in the world. For best fares visit www.turkishairlines.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com