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Ask any of my peers about South Korea and, depending on their gender, they will invariably launch into discussions about Korean drama serials — Winter Sonata seems to be a favourite — Hyundai cars or Manchester United's Korean winger Park Ji Sung.
But what about the place itself? Perception of South Korea has been shaped by pop culture and a trip to its capital, Seoul, is a sure-fire way to know the country beyond its products.
OLD SEOUL
At first sight, Seoul resembles any modern capital with its skyscrapers and designer coffee joints. Explore further and one will uncover a city that boasts numerous Unesco World Heritage sites. These include the Jongmyo Shrine, Chang-deokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
I visited the last, an expansive palatial complex that was the seat of power during the Joseon Dynasty that lasted from 1392 to 1910. The grounds used to house 330 buildings but most of them were destroyed during the Japanese Occupation in the 1940s.
Restoration of the Gyeongbokgung Palace began in 1990 and to date several buildings, including the royal quarters and Taewonjeon Hall have been completed.
One of the more established buildings is the grand Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. The structure, situated on an artificial lake inside the compound, is familiar to all Koreans as it is featured on the back of the 10,000-won note.
The vast expanse of the Gyeongbokgung Palace was a sight to behold, and it was a sight that took some getting used to. Here was a historic site smack in the middle of a cosmopolitan area. I'd look at one direction and see Mount Bugaksan, while a 180-degree turn had me facing the skyscraper-lined skyline.
And despite the hundreds of tourists who were roaming the palace grounds, it was a peaceful place. As I sat by the Geoncheonggung Palace, a small building in a pond within the main palace grounds, it became evident that South Korea was a land of differences, much symbolised by the yin-yang symbol on its flag.
The military helicopters circling above the complex and the nearby Cheong Wa Dae, the official office and residence of the South Korean President, served as a gentle reminder that the country is always in a state of heightened alert.
The National Folk Museum of Korea is also on the palace grounds, and visitors can learn about Korean life prior to and during the Joseon Dynasty era here.
Visitors to the palace can observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which happens hourly from 10am to 4pm. There are also free hour-long walking tours conducted in English available on site.
YOUNG SEOUL
For the kids, Seoul and its surrounding areas are homes to several theme parks including Lotte World, Children's Grand Park and Seoul Land. Located half-an-hour south-east of the city is the Everland Resort, a theme park that some say is Korea's answer to Disneyland.
The park features rides that won't look out of place beside the offerings of Universal Studios or Six Flags in the United States. Eagle's Fortress, for example, is a suspended rollercoaster built into the side of a mountain that takes thrill-seekers on an exciting, twisting and turning ride through the trees.
The park's latest attraction is the T Express, a wooden rollercoaster that has drops of up to 77 degrees, pushing the cars to speeds in excess of 100kmh. The 1.6km-long trip gives riders non-stop thrills for over three minutes.
For those who prefer a more pedestrian pace, the Four Seasons Garden is a place flower lovers must visit. This French-style garden is home to famed flower festivals. Depending on the time of the year, the ground is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours made up of lilies, tulips, roses or chrysanthemums.
April is the month for the Tulip Festival, which welcomes the arrival of spring. It proved to be a big hit with the shutterbugs in my group and I found myself struggling to find a vantage point for the perfect shot.
The park also features the Everland Zoo, which boasts Safari World — a replica of the African Savannah in north-east Asia. Hop on a bus or a van to get up close and personal with lions and tigers as they roam free within the park grounds.
SEOUL IN BAGS
Seoul is also a haven for shoppers, with a multitude of shopping malls and department stores offering local and designer goods.
For a different shopping experience, visit the Namdaemun market. The market dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, when it was a trading hub of the time. It's still a hot spot today, offering wares ranging from clothes to electronics and furniture.
The Dongdaemun market is good for late night shopping. Located near the Heunginjimun or East Gate, the market's shops don't close until the wee hours of the morning.
The various small underground shops and stalls are places for some serious haggling. This is where bargain hunters can break down the toughest stall owners with a shake of the head, and if that doesn't work, there's always the trusty calculator to punch the ideal price on to.
This trip was made possible by the Korean Tourism Organization and Asiana Airlines. - TODAY/ra
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