Our
11-day study trip to Seoul started on a rather ‘interesting’ note, when the
plane journey was increased to about 7.5 hours (instead of the usual 6) due to
Typhoon Sanba lurching towards Seoul and the several turbulences that we
encountered along the way. Indeed, it was a bumpy ride to say the least.
We
thought that we could finally escape the scorching heat of Singapore, and the
seemingly omnipresent haze – only to have it replaced with a heavy rain and
chilly winds to kick-start our expedition.
As it
turns out, much of our planned itinerary had to be altered to fit with the unexpected
bad weather. Our first stop was to the Seoul FIFA World Cup Stadium, where we
were brought to the stadium’s museum, and had a chance to explore the place.
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| A "worm's eyes" view of the Seoul FIFA World Cup Stadium. (Photo Credit: Hannah Farhanah) |
It
was my first time entering a stadium that
big, covering an area of 1,356 square meters, and a stadium that is currently
the largest stadium in Asia, with a seating capacity of 66,800 people.
Even
though there are a total of 10 FIFA World Cup stadiums scattered around South
Korea, this one has got to be the most unique due to a convertible
stage-seating area that it houses; as well as the presence of the membership
rooms! The rooms are still available for rental during special events, and are
accompanied with a balcony where family and friends can get a close up view of
the game’s actions!
Our
next destination was Myeong Dong Underground Shopping Center. As the largest
underground mall in Korea, this shopping center offers tourists a wide range of
handmade merchandises and souvenirs.
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| One of the many souvenir shops in Myeong Dong. (Photo Credit: Hannah Farhanah) |
We
also visited YP Books, one of the biggest bookstore chains in Korea, which was
located near one of the exits – in
Myeong Dong. In fact, what makes this bookstore different from those found in Singapore
is that they house cafés – and even a gelato shop – within the store.
 |
| Interior of YP Bookstore. (Photo Credit: Angelyn Leow) |
Our
next stop: Dongdaemun shopping district, to immerse ourselves into more retail
therapy! But alas, the rain put a damper on the parade. The usually bustling
street was closed due to bad weather. But nonetheless, this is definitely a
tourist’s paradise, because fashion accessories and cosmetics products are still
available for all 24 hours of the day at the nearby shops! Cosmetics brands found
at places like Etude House and The Face Shop, even sold their products
for lower than half price!
After
an entire day of shopping, and even a luxurious meal of beef and seafood
hotpot, we were finally back the comfort of our hotel rooms at the Prime In
Seoul Hotel.
- Chingus
Video credits to Shah Ezuan & Angelyn Leow
Article by Rachel Leong, Fatin Sufiah & Nur Amirah
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