[KTravel] Green Retreats to Survive Winter
3:04:00 PM
Early in November, cold winds begin to blow and people start to bundle up when heading out. By the end of the month, winter has fully arrived. The cold can leave you sluggish and feeling like every step is a Herculean feat. The best way to recharge your batteries and get back your vitality is by surrounding yourself with green plants. This winter, visit a greenhouse or garden-themed restaurant for a quick pick-me-up!
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Seoul Botanic Park
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Calling the brand new Seoul Botanic Park large is an understatement; two times the size of Yeouido, the garden is gigantic! Planning for a grand opening in May of 2019, the park is the first botanical garden in the Seoul metropolitan area. Admission is free until the grand opening, so we highly recommend visiting before then!
The park comprises Yeollinsup, an open forest; Jujewon, a theme garden; Hosuwon, a lake park; and Seubjiwon, a marsh eco park. While things are still being set up for the grand opening, the best place to visit is the greenhouse in the theme garden. The greenhouse is filled with plants from twelve countries in the Mediterranean and Tropics regions. Be sure to head up to the skywalk for a bird’s-eye-view of the entire layout.
Seoul Botanic Park
☞ Address: 161, Magokdong-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강서구 마곡동로 161)☞ Directions
- Walk for approx. 10 min from Yangcheonhanggyo Station (Seoul Subway Line 9), Exit 8
- Connected to Magoknaru Station (Seoul Subway Line 9, Airport Railroad), Exits 3 & 4
- Walk for approx. 10 min from Magok Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2
* Refer to the website to confirm open areas
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-2104-9711 (Korean only)
☞ Website: botanicpark.seoul.go.kr (Korean only)
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All The Morning
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Yeouido is one of busiest areas of Seoul, being the center of the commercial industry. Perhaps this non-stop rush was the driving force behind the opening of All the Morning, a beautiful restaurant perfect for taking things slow. The restaurant is located on the 50th floor of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) building, providing views of the surrounding city through the floor-to-ceiling windows. It is popular for taking in the nightscape, as well as for hosting wedding ceremonies due to the all white interior design.
As the name implies, All the Morning serves brunch menus from various countries, including France, England, and Greece. Additional menus include desserts, coffees, and wines. No matter the time you visit, you can enjoy a delicious meal in an interior that is equally scrumptious.
All the Morning
☞ Address: FKI Building 50F, 24, Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 영등포구 여의대로 24 전경련 빌딩 50층)☞ Directions: Walk for approx. 5 min from Yeouido Station (Seoul Subway Line 5, 9), Exit 2
☞ Operating hours: 09:00-23:00 * Break time 15:00-17:30
☞ Signature menus: Caprese burger & fries 22,000 won / Blue crab rose linguini piccole 29,000 won / Americano (hot) 6,000 won
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-2055-4442 (Korean only)
☞ Website: www.theskyfarm.co.kr (Korean only)
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Grand Greenhouse of Changgyeonggung Palace
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The Grand Greenhouse of Changgyeonggung Palace was the first greenhouse in Korea. Built in 1909 just before the Japanese colonial era, the greenhouse was designed after the Crystal Palace from the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. Although rather small in size, the greenhouse is filled with over 70 different types of plants. There is no separate fee charged, but visitors must pay admission to Changgyeonggung Palace to access the greenhouse.
Changgyeonggung Palace
☞ Address: 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 185)☞ Directions: Walk for approx. 15 min from Hyehwa Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 4
☞ Operating hours: February-May & September-October 09:00-18:00 / June-August 09:00-18:30 / November-January 09:00-17:00 (Last admission 1 hour before closing)
* Closed Mondays
☞ Admission: 1,000 won (Free admission: Preschoolers (ages 6 and younger), senior citizens (ages 65 and older), visitors wearing hanbok / all visitors on the last Wednesday of each month)
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-762-4868 (Korean only)
☞ Website: cgg.cha.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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Urban Plant
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Urban Plant is a café filled with greenery! The tasty brunch menus are a perfect match to the cozy interior. The signature Urban Omelet is stuffed with avocado, tomato, and bacon for a filling meal. To go with this, we recommend the sweet and sour fresh grapefruit juice to quench your thirst.
Urban Plant is located in Hongdae, a must-visit area for all tourists interested in Korea’s modern culture and style. The café has plenty of seating, taking up three floors, with terrace space as well. The home-like interior will have you wanting to never leave.
Urban Plant
☞ Address: 3, Dongmak-ro 4-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 독막로 4길 3)☞ Directions: Walk for approx. 10 min from Hapjeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 6), Exit 7
☞ Operating hours: 10:00-23:00
☞ Signature menus: Urban Omelet 14,000 won / Americano 5,000 won
☞ Inquiries: +82-70-4192-0378 (Korean only)
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Alex the Coffee
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Alex the Coffee is located in the quiet neighborhood of Seongbuk-dong in Seoul. One wall of the café is entirely made up of windows overlooking the garden, while the café interior is filled with various potted plants. All the coffee beans used are directly purchased and roasted for a high-quality flavor. To satisfy a sweet tooth, we recommend Charlie Choco, served with ice cream and chocolate cake topped with marshmallow.
Alex the Coffee
☞ Address: 9, Seongbuk-ro 28-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성북구 성북로28길 9)☞ Directions: Take a taxi for approx. 10 min from Hansung Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 7
☞ Operating hours: 10:00-22:00
☞ Signature menus: Flat white 5,500 won / Red fader 7,000 won / Charlie Choco 7,000 won
☞ Inquiries: +82-70-7520-7714 (Korean only)
☞ Website: www.alexthecoffee.com (Korean only)
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[full credits to Korea Tourism Organization]
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