Seoul - ( Capital of South Korea)

Ancient temples, high-end fashion boutiques and gleaming office towers that are shrines to current Gods make Seoul a fascinating city

Having arrived in Seoul I almost felt at home. The streets were traffic-clogged and there were sprawling high-rise buildings interspersed with quaint, historical treasures. As the days went by, I felt the similarity between Koreans and us. They are much like us - friendly, academically- oriented, ask for a bargain even in a departmental store, are fond of spicy food and are crazy about foreign labels. It’s not a coincidence that we chatter away on our Samsung phones, watch Nach Baliye on LG TVs and love to drive Hyundai or Daweoo cars (all Korean products).

I realised that we have quite a few historical similarities too. India is called Bharat in Hindi after the legendary monarch who ruled the land, while Goryeo (also Koryo) is so named after the dynasty which ruled the country for over five centuries till 1910, one of the longest actively ruling dynasties in world history.

During the Korean War (1951-1953) Seoul suffered massive destruction. The northern part of the capital city is still home to hundreds of spectacular palaces and shrines. The Chosun Dynasty's Gyeongbokgung Palace is a 5.4 million square feet landmark with a 500-year history and stands among the remaining four palaces in Seoul. Almost an entireday could be spent exploring the regal palace in all its magnificence. The Jongmyo Royal Shrine, where the Chosun Dynasty worshipped, is a perfect next stop.

	Seoul can be divided into numerous small districts with their own distinct characteristics. The primary landmark remains the Han River, which runs east to west and bisects the metropolis just like Hoogly in Kolkata. At the heart of Seoul lie Chongno and Kwanghwamun areas, besides other districts which are of interest to visitors. They can all be easily accessed by the subway system, which is convenient as well as economical. The easiest way of finding a place is by locating the nearest subway station or landmark, or by asking the locals who are ever willing to help. Just south of Chongno is theNamdaemun/Myungdong area, which can be reached from Hoehyon and Myungdong Subway stops. Namdaemun, which literally means ‘the great south gate’, is the name of both, the impressive stone and wood structure which still stands at the centre of the intersection and of the large market nearby. Just east of that is the fashion mecca of Myungdong, a favourite with the young crowd. Situated just two square kilometers from City Hall Station are the ancient royal palaces of Doksu, Kyongbuk and Changgyong and the National Museum and Chogyesa Temple. Seoul today represents a blend of high-end fashion and subtle traditionality. From branded boutiques to traditional antiques, coupled with invogue styles and advanced electronic gadgets, Seoul has become a world shopping hub. The southern part of Seoul is the commercial centre of the city and boasts a fascinating blend of traditional and hyper-modern architecture.

Seoul is home to the World Cup Stadium and has an amusement park, Lotte World. While there, be sure to visit the city gates and then venture beyond into the strikingly lush and green landscape. Take a cable car up to Seoul Tower or take in the dinner theatre at Korea House.

Dongdaemun (great east gate) is the district immediately east of Chongno, famous for its market, where you can buy discounted branded items and outdoor wear/equipment.

Antiques, which can classify as take-away tokens from Korea, can easily be found at Insa Dong. Korean artifacts, pottery and metallic decorative pieces can be brought here. If you plan to shop in Korea, do go for spectacles, sunglasses, non-designer clothes, accessories, cosmetics, shoes and electronic goods. Another tip is not to go for western brands but to settle for Korean brands, excluding mobile phones. South Korea produces the best mobiles in the world, but they won't work back home.

After sundown, it's time to unwind, have fun and be part of a city which bares its charms differently in the neon lights. Shops generally shut by 8 pm, after which traders set out their stalls in the city's main thoroughfares and stay open till midnight. If you want bargains, head straight for Migliore, a five-story, neon-lit, indoor clothes market, which features over two thousand independent fashion stalls. Close copies of the latest catwalk creations are adapted by local and Chinese manufacturers and sold at a fraction of what one would have to pay in London or New York.

Mt. Namsan, a favourite with foreigners, is located at the heart of Seoul. On top of the mountain is the Seoul Tower from which the whole of Seoul can be seen. Major districts like Myeong-dong and Jongno, tourist spots like Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, and Jongmyo Shrine are located near Mt. Namsan, making it ideal for a combined tour.

There are a little over 10,000 Buddhist temples in the country, most of them on mountains. By staying in the temple, one can experience first- hand the peaceful monastic lifestyle of the monks. Initially established in 2002, a Temple Stay is a cultural-experience program designed to help people understand Korean Buddhism better.

The stay offers various experiences like Yebul (ceremonial service involving chanting), Chamseon (Zen meditation), Dahdoh (tea ceremony) and Balwoo Gongyang (communal Buddhist meal service). One can also participate in activities like helping to beautify the temple grounds, making lotus lanterns, producing sutra prints from woodblocks and learning Buddhist martial arts (Seonmudo). The Temple Stay program is a wonderful way to learn about Korea's rich Buddhist culture while also experiencing the tranquility and beauty of Korea's mountains and forests.

You can’t just leave Korea without sampling the ubiquitous kimchi which accompanies nearly very meal, and is very spicy. Made from fermented cabbage and chilli, kimchi can also be made from white radish, pumpkin, cucumbers, chives or pretty much any vegetable that can be pickled. Just like us who give so much importance to our achars!