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Seoul Travel Guide
Soul of Asia
Just as its name rhymes with the word “soul,” Seoul's tourism slogan claims the city to be the “Soul of Asia.” This tongue-in-cheek statement may be open to debate but one thing is for sure: Seoul is the very soul of South Korea. Not only is it the country's largest city, it is also the center for economy, politics, and culture. Some 10 million people inhabit it, and together work to make up roughly 21 percent of the nation's annual GDP.
Characterized by bustling streets, high-rise buildings, buzzing nightlife, and a frenetic pace of living, Seoul is certainly a far cry from its past as the 17th century Hermit Kingdom. It is popular among tourists, even if it is the third most expensive city in the world due to its high standards of living.
Seoul Rising
Seoul had made its stirring transformation by embracing technology and the modern age. In fact, it is home to some of the biggest companies in the world: Samsung, Hyundai, and LG. This has helped fuel the city's $32,171 GDP per capita income, turning it in to the 6th most economically-powerful on the planet and a global city.
It is still growing, though. Seoul has recently been selected as the 2010 World Design Capital, mostly due to possessing some of the most advanced infrastructure on the globe. Life in the capital is undeniably modern, with futuristic IT and multimedia amenities available, such as a digital mobile TV technology and one of the fastest broadband networks anywhere.
City of Nature and Culture
Through it all, Seoul has remained somewhat grounded when it comes to culture and sociality. It is still a city in touch with its past, with its well-preserved royal palaces like the Gyeongbokgung, Deoksu, and Unhyeon in its historical core of Insa-dong. The Bukhon District allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the city's traditional villages and houses, while Namdaemun and Myeongdong offer the unique Korean shopping experience and a taste of Seoul's rural life.
Mother Nature has not been forgotten there as well. Though not particularly known for it, one of the highlights of a trip to the city is a trek through the mountains, forests, and rivers that dot its landscape. Certified favorites are the Hangang Park tracing the banks of the Han River, and the Songnisan National Park of the Sobaek Mountains.
Seoul Traveler Advice
User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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