짱이뻐!: August 2018

[KTravel] Seoul’s Best Underground Shopping Malls

KTravel 11:19:00 AM

Korea's four distinctive seasons, with cold winds in winter or the sudden downpours during the rainy season in summer, may cause varying levels of inconvenience in having a pleasant shopping experience in Korea. However, the weather causes no problem at underground shopping malls in Seoul, where one can go and fully enjoy shopping, without being restricted by the whims of weather. Not only are these shopping malls lined with shops, but they are also packed with restaurants, cafés, and cultural attractions. Plus, these malls are connected to the subway, allowing you visit the malls conveniently and enjoy shopping while keeping your feet dry even in the middle of a rain storm. Check out Seoul's top five underground shopping malls!

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Goto Mall and Famille Station

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Goto Mall, a contraction of gosok teomineol, meaning "express bus terminal" in Korean, and Famille Station are often referred to as shopping heaven for women. A long shopping aisle connecting Banpo Station (Seoul Subway Line 7) and Express Bus Terminal Station (Seoul Subway Line 3, 7, 9) flourishes with a multitude of stores offering various goods, making it the largest underground shopping mall of its kind in Seoul. The latest clothing trends, accessories, cosmetics, interior products and wholesale flowers – there's nothing you won't find here. You can also enjoy a delicious meal or a cup of coffee at one of the many popular restaurants and coffee shops, or seek entertainment at a movie theater. In addition, shoppers can move easily around the area thanks to the passageways that connect to Shinsegae Department Store, Central City Terminal, and Seoul Express Bus Terminal.

☞ Directions: Express Bus Terminal Station (Seoul Subway Line 3, 7, 9)
☞ Operating hours
- Goto Mall: 10:00-22:00 / Closed the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
- Famille Station: 10:00-22:00 / Break time 15:00-17:00 (Varies by shop) / Open all year round (Varies by shop)
☞ Nearby attractions: Banpo Hangang Park, Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain, Shinsegae Department Store – Gangnam Branch, Sinsadong Garosu-gil Road
☞ Goto Mall website: www.gotomall.kr (Korean only)
☞ Famille Station website: www.centralcityseoul.co.kr/famille (Korean, English)

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Yeongdeungpo Underground Mall and Times Square

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Yeongdeungpo has long been a hub of public transportation in Seoul that is always crowded with people coming and going. Since the opening of the mega shopping mall Times Square, it has been drawing even more traffic. Yeongdeungpo Underground Mall offers a variety of products marketed to different age groups from teenagers to seniors. Visitors can also visit Shinsegae Department Store and Times Square, connected to the underground mall, for a variety of shopping options.

☞ Directions: Yeongdeungpo Station (Seoul Subway Line 1)
☞ Operating hours: 10:00-22:00 (Varies by shop)
☞ Nearby attractions: Lotte Department Store – Yeongdeungpo Branch, Yeouido Hangang Park, Yeongdeungpo Market
☞ Times Square website: www.timessquare.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

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Gangnam Underground Shopping Center

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Gangnam Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 and Shinbundang Line is quite popular among international travelers. Gangnam Underground Shopping Mall is where affordability meets quality as it boasts the greatest concentration of clothing, cosmetics, and telecommunications stores. The shops in the Shinbundang Line area feature low- to mid-priced brands and franchised coffee shops, offering one of the most convenient and comfortable underground shopping experiences. For those who are determined to go on a big shopping spree, try walking through Gangnam Underground Shopping Mall all the way to Sinnonhyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 9, and exiting out on to Gangnam-daero Road. The much-loved Gangnam-daero Road is known for its sprawling shopping district.

☞ Directions: Gangnam Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Shinbundang Line)
☞ Operating hours: 10:00-22:00 / Partial closure during Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thankgiving Day) holidays (Varies by shop)
☞ Nearby attractions: Samsung D'light, Kukkiwon, Gold Spa (Hwanggeum Oncheon), Sinsadong Garosu-gil

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Jamsil Underground Shopping Center and Lotte World Mall

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Another shopping center in the heart of Seoul is located at Jamsil. Jamsil Underground Shopping Mall is connected to Lotte World and Lotte Department Store, offering a wide range of shopping options. In particular, a fountain inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome will catch your attention at the square located between Jamsil Station and Lotte Department Store. This “Trevi Fountain” in Jamsil Station is guaranteed to serve as a great backdrop for memorable souvenir photos. Lotte World Tower is another must-go attraction within the area that has an aquarium, a movie theater, department stores, restaurants, and the highest observatory in Seoul.

☞ Directions: Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 8)
☞ Operating hours: 10:00-22:00 / Closed first and third Monday of every month (Closed days vary by shop)
* All stores operated by Lotte Department Store and Lotte World Tower have the same closing days as Lotte Department Store.
☞ Nearby attractions: Lotte World, Songpa Naru Park (Seokchonhosu Lake), Jamsil Sports Complex, Olympic Park, Jamsil Hangang Park
☞ Lotte World Tower website: www.lwt.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

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Starfield COEX Mall

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Starfield COEX Mall is a well-known underground shopping mall in Korea that houses many brand stores. A movie theater, aquarium, duty-free shop, casino, COEX InterContinental Seoul, and department stores are connected to the underground mall, making it possible to enjoy shopping and cultural experiences without leaving the building. Famous restaurants and trendy dessert cafés, along with character pop-up stores and kid's cafés located in the mall provide a fun day for all generations. In particular, Starfield Library, a unique cultural space, brings a lot of popularity to Starfield COEX Mall.

☞ Directions: Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), connected to Exits 5 & 6
☞ Operating hours: 10:30-22:00 / Open all year round (Varies by shop)
☞ Nearby attractions: Bongeunsa Temple, Seven Luck Casino, Seolleung & Jeongneung Royal Tombs
☞ Starfield COEX Mall website: www.starfield.co.kr/coexmall (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)

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[full credits to Korea Tourism Organization]

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[KTravel] Autumn in Chuncheon, South Korea

KTravel 10:44:00 AM

Chuncheon, well-known as a lakeside city, is a romantic travel spot. The city is just a short one-hour ride on the ITX-Cheongchun Train from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul. Chuncheon holds the lovely meaning of "a stream that flows when spring comes," but it is actually more beautiful when visited in fall. At this time of the year, the colorful fall foliage creates a picturesque sight. In order to get the most out a visit to Chuncheon, a relaxing two-day schedule is recommended over a rushed one-day trip.

Begin your journey at Namiseom Island

Namiseom Island in Chuncheon is the famous filming location for the drama, "Winter Sonata (2000).” The place was not originally an island, but formed as a result of being surrounded by water when the Cheongpyeong Dam was built. Although the island is small enough to be explored in half a day, it remains one of Chuncheon’s top attraction among international visitors. The many walking paths allow one to enjoy the seasonal beauty, and the island’s many other attractions keep visitors of all ages entertained.

The Metasequoia Road and Songpa Gingko Tree Lane are two of Namiseom Island’s most popular attractions and are frequently featured in dramas, movies and commercials. In particular, the beauty of Songpa Gingko Tree Lane reaches its peak in late October and early November. The entire area is colored in shades of yellow, delivering a scenic autumn landscape.

Not only is Namiseom Island famous for its nature, there are a variety of things to see and experience here. There are spots that cannot be left unvisited like the UNICEF Hall and the Song Museum, and visitors can even catch sight of various animals including ostriches, rabbits and squirrels. Visitors looking for a more active trip can rent a bicycle from the bike center. The crisp autumn air is great for taking a spin around the island on a bike.

Tourists walking around Namiseom Island will find their eyes drawn to particularly interesting sights. Different areas of the island are decorated with recycled materials like glass, plastic bottles and wood. These rare pieces of art can only be found on this island and are not only fun to view but also great for taking photos.

☞ Address: 1, Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1)
☞ Directions: Take a taxi for approx. 5 min. from Gapyeong Station
☞ Operating hours (Ferry): 07:30-21:40
☞ Admission: Adults 13,000 won / Teenagers (middle & high school students) 10,000 won / Children (3 year-elementary school students) 7,000 won
※ Admission includes ferry ride
☞ Website: namisum.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Chuncheon’s main attractions

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Jade Garden Natural Arboretum

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Jade Garden Natural Arboretum is well-known as the filming location for the movie "You Are My Pet (2011)” and the drama "That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013).” Created with the theme of "Small Europe in the Forest," a beautiful building stands right at the entrance. Designed in Tuscan style, this architecture gives a classical touch to its surroundings. The garden has three trail courses; Tree Scent Trail, Maple Tree Trail, and Forest Breeze Trail, as well as 24 beautiful themed gardens.

☞ Address: 80, Haetgol-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 햇골길 80)
☞ Directions: Gulbongsan Station (Gyeongchun Line), Exit 1. Take the free shuttle bus (first-come, first-served basis)
※ Shuttle bus service runs 11 times daily (10:45, 11:55, 12:45, 13:45, 14:45, 15:45, 16:45, 17:45, 18:45, 19:45, 20:45); additional operations added when necessary.
☞ Operating hours: 09:00-19:30 / extended operations 09:00-22:00
※ Extended operations: Friday-Sunday, public holidays, summer & winter vacation period; refer to the website for details
※ Closing time subject to change depending on weather
☞ Admission: Adults 8,500 won / Teenagers (middle & high school students) 6,500 won / Children 5,500 won
☞ Website: www.hanwharesort.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

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Gyeonggang Rail Bike (Gangchon Rail Park)

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Gyeonggang Station, the filming location for the movie, "The Letter (1997),” is an abandoned train station on the border of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do. This small way station has transformed into a location for riding rail bikes. Gangchon Rail Park offers a 50-minute, round-trip course from Gyeonggang Station to Gapyeong Railroad Bridge and back. Visitors can pedal along the old railroad tracks and enjoy being in a tranquil, rural environment.

☞ Address: 71, Seobaek-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 서백길 71)
☞ Directions: Gulbongsan Station (Gyeongchun Line), Exit 1. Walk for approx. 25 min. / Take a taxi for approx. 5 min.
☞ Operating hours: February 17 - October 31 08:30-18:00 / November 1-February 16 09:00-15:30 ※ Gyeonggang Rail Bike operates in 1 hour 20 minute intervals, with 6 departures daily spring-fall (09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00) and five departures daily in winter (09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30)
☞ Fees: 4-seater bike 35,000 won
☞ Website: www.railpark.co.kr (Korean only)

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Chuncheon Myeongdong Street

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Chuncheon's busiest street is lined with shops selling clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as a movie theater. The bustling street resembles a miniature version of Myeong-dong in Seoul, which is where it got its name. Dakgalbi Street, another one of Chuncheon’s famous attractions, is also found here, along with the handprints of the main actors from the popular drama "Winter Sonata."

☞ Address: Joyang-dong, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 조양동)
☞ Directions: Chuncheon Station, Exit 1. Walk for approx. 20 min.

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Chuncheon Romantic Market

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Chuncheon Romantic Market is the city's best-known market that holds within it the lives of ordinary people and a warm ambience. It changed its name from Chuncheon Jungang (Central) Market to Chuncheon Romantic Market in 2010, and revamped the market space to match its name. Inside the market are buildings that have been standing for 30 to 50 years, and each store is decorated with drawings that deliver the distinct atmosphere of the shop. In different corners of the alleys, there are various sculptures and wall paintings, adding to the fun of looking around the marketplace.

☞ Address: 34, Myeongdong-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 명동길 34)
☞ Directions: Chuncheon Station, Exit 1. Walk for approx. 20 min / Approx. 5-min. walk from Chuncheon Myeongdong Street

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Gubongsan Mountain Observatory Café Street

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Gubongsan Mountain Observatory is one of the most scenic driving courses in Chuncheon, stunning with its breathtaking views overlooking the downtown area. Interestingly, it does not feature the usual observation deck. Instead, the area is lined with cafés that are great for taking in the sights. In other words, the cafés here are the observatories. Each of the cafés is decorated with different themes and styles, but all of them offer a spot to gaze out on the beauty of Chuncheon.

☞ Address: Area of Janghak-ri, Dong-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 동면 장학리 일대)
☞ Directions: Take a taxi for approx. 20 min. from Namchuncheon Station

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KT&G Sangsangmadang Chuncheon Art Center

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The cultural complex KT&G Sangsangmadang opened its third art space in Chuncheon, following Hongdae and Nonsan. Amenities include a gallery with various works of art, outdoor performance hall, and café, keeping visitors entertained. Items made by designers can be purchased at the Design Square.

☞ Address: 25, Sports town-gil 399beon-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 스포츠타운길 399번길 25)
☞ Directions: Take a taxi for approx. 10 min. from Namchuncheon Station
☞ Operating hours
Gallery: 10:00-19:00
Design Square: 11:00-21:00
Dancing Caffeine: 09:00-22:00
☞ Website: www.sangsangmadang.com (Korean only)

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Uiamho Lake Skywalk

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Chuncheon's Uiamho Lake Skywalk has gained attention as a rather new attraction. The observation deck with a scenic view is located halfway along the bike path and it is a great spot to take pictures. The skywalk is a built with a transparent glass floor about 12 meters above the water. Visitors walking around the deck get to experience both the feeling of walking on clouds and the unsettling feeling that they might plunge into the water at any moment.

☞ Address: 486, Chiljeon-dong, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 칠전동 486)
☞ Directions: Take a taxi for approx. 15 min. from Namchuncheon Station
☞ Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
※ Skywalk may be unavailable during adverse weather conditions

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Chuncheon Mulle-gil

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For a unique experience, tour Uiamho Lake by canoe on the Mulle-gil. Many tourists come here, seeking a canoe experience, after the place was introduced on popular Korean TV shows like "Two Days, One Night" and "Running Man." Several courses are offered at Mulle-gil, of which the "Bungeoseom Island (Carp Island)" course is the easiest and most popular. The canoeing section stretches across 4 kilometers and can be covered in about 45 minutes.

☞ Address: 113-1, Sports town-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 스포츠타운길 113-1)
☞ Directions: Take a taxi for approx. 15 min. from Namchuncheon Station
※ Tell the taxi driver to go to "Chuncheon Songam Leports Town Mulle-gil (춘천송암레포츠타운 내 춘천 물레길)"
☞ Operating hours: Weekdays 09:00-17:00 / Weekends 08:00-18:00
※ Hours are subject to change depending on the season; service is unavailable during winter (December-February).
☞ Fees: Original Canoe 30,000 won
※ Canoe fits two people; extra surcharge of 10,000 won for each additional adult (5,000 won for child)
☞ Website: mullegil.com (Korean, English)

More Info

☞ Suggested itinerary for Chuncheon (2-day trip)
Day 1: Namiseom Island → Jade Garden Arboretum → Gyeonggang Rail Bike
Day 2: Chuncheon Myeongdong Street → Romantic Market → Gubongsan Mountain Observatory Café Street → KT&G Sangsangmadang → Uiam Lake Skywalk
☞ Chuncheon Tourism Website: tour.chuncheon.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)

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[full credits to Korea Tourism Organization]

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Pages

[KTravel] Seoul’s Best Underground Shopping Malls

Goto Mall and Famille Station

Yeongdeungpo Underground Mall and Times Square

Gangnam Underground Shopping Center

Jamsil Underground Shopping Center and Lotte World Mall

Starfield COEX Mall

[Q&A] Korea Rhinoplasty #3

[Q&A] Korea Rhinoplasty #2

[KTravel] Autumn in Chuncheon, South Korea

Begin your journey at Namiseom Island

Chuncheon’s main attractions

Jade Garden Natural Arboretum

Gyeonggang Rail Bike (Gangchon Rail Park)

Chuncheon Myeongdong Street

Chuncheon Romantic Market

Gubongsan Mountain Observatory Café Street

KT&G Sangsangmadang Chuncheon Art Center

Uiamho Lake Skywalk

Chuncheon Mulle-gil

More Info

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