Exploring Korea with BBB, part 1

Exploring Korea with BBB!!! Part 1.
Starting this April we are to explore Korea and give you some fun and exciting details about the places we visit. We're going to welcome the new start with Exploring Korea!

The Manhattan of Seoul - Yeouido

As a beginning we spent a day with Allen Walk, whose Korean name is 'Jun-Seo Won(원준 서).‘ Jun-Seo is a student at NYU majoring in eastern philosophy. He's interest is in "Samul-nori" - a traditional Korean folk music accompanied by four percussion instruments - which is the reason he decided to study aborad in Korea. Currently he is studying Korean at Sogang University. He has been in Seoul, Korea for about 10 months now. But since it's Jun-Seo ‘s first spring in Korea, we decided to show him how beautiful seoul is in the springtime. In order to do that we went to Yeouido which is often compared to Manhattan in New York City.

Yeouido is called the Manhattan of Seoul because of its large corpor ate buildings. Some of the famous landmarks include 63 Building and the LG Twin Towers as well as Korea's major TV stations such as Korea Broadcastin g System(KBS) and Munhwa Broadcasting System(MBC). Also there are DongA Ilbo, the Federation of Korean Industries, Yeouido Gospel Church and all sorts of financial institutions.

But don't think of Yeouido only as an office district. Yeouido has a lot more to offer. There are places such as Yeouido Park which is perfect for a picnic or a simple stroll. It is consisted of groves, grass, ponds, and pavilions. A bicycle path and walking trail circle the park and are conveniently linked with an underground sidewalk to the waterfront of the Hangang River. You can borrow bicycles and roller blades for a moderate price. 3 bridges cross the Yeouido among bridges that link south and north of Seoul. This island Yeouido, is the symbol of Seoul.

Brief History of Yeouido, Seoul

Yeouido(汝矣島) means "Your Island". Yeouido started as a importan t ranch in the Chosun Dynasty. There was a government office that raised sheep and goats. In 1929 when Korea was under the influence of Japan, Yeouido was a strategic position for air transportation linking Japan-Korea-Manchuria(滿洲). It expanded until the airport moved to Gimpo. In 1968, it started to develop as modern city.

Yunjungno Cherry Blossom Tunnel

Yunjungno is one of the best and most popular destination for cherry blossoms in Seoul. They are in full bloom during the second week of April. The blooming season may slightly differ with the weather, so if you're planning to visit please check the schedule beforehand.

Our main purpose of was the Yunjungno Cherry Blossom festival. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom when we visited. There were so many people, and so many things to see! The snack bars along the road drew everyone's attention, too. Jun-S대 and our BBB members tried a few of them: Bbun dae gi(fried pupa), and Ho-ddu k(a hollow pancake with honey inside) Hmmm... delicious!It was one fine, beautiful, spring day.

Places to Eat in Yeouido

1. Pavillion Buffe t- A spoonful of everything would be more than enough for a good meal. Here there are 200 different menus(including grilled frog hind legs!) in 7 categories-Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Western, cold dishes, salads, dissert.(1588-5644 -->02-789-5731)

2. Andong Guks i- This Korean noodle shop gets so full at lunch time that you might have to eat in a cafe upstairs. Anyway, worth the trouble: the chewy noodles made with bean powder, and the rich beef soup are not only deliciou s but good for your diet as well! (1588-5644 -->02-782-1094)

3. Jinyong's Pojang Macha(street snack shop) - Not in the mood for a heavy meal? Would rather like some spicy, chewy snacks to fill you up? This is where you can get the best Dduck-bbokki in Yeouido! Ah, but not so early, it only operates between 1~8 in the afternoon. (1588-5644 -->011-89 0-9837)

Transportation

To Yunjungno, take subway 5 to Yeouinaru Station, a 5 minutes walk.To 63 Building, take subway Line 5 to Yeouinaru Station, go out of Exit 1,or 4, or Yeouido Station, Exit 5. Take a 63 Building shuttle bus for free.