Daily Archives: 6th December 2013

South Korea, Travelinds

Seoul Forest

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6 December 2013

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This weekend, we went to Seoul Forest (서울 숲 pronounced “soh-ool soop”) for a picnic with some Korean friends.  It is a large green area set along the northern side of the Han River (한강) and surprisingly, right in the center of the bustling metropolis of Seoul; although surrounded by trees and twittering birds, it certainly doesn’t feel like you are in the middle of this massive city.

History

tumblr_mxc1f1OH1A1s64282o2_400Seoul Forest was opened in 2005 by Korea’s controversial tenth president, Lee Myung-bak, while he was still the Mayor of Seoul.  The Seoul Forest consists of five “themed” parks (sculpture, ecological etc) and it covers over approximately 1.16 million square metres.  Lee Myung-bak also created the beautiful Cheonggyecheon stream (one of my favourite places in Seoul!) and he is also accredited with having introduced the rapid transit buses to the city’s transportation system.

Our Visit

It was truly amazing to find this little piece of heaven in the middle of the craziness that is Seoul and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the park and forest during the peaceful afternoon.

We managed to get to the sculpture park, a couple of open grassy patches, an educational greenhouse, a butterfly farm, a deer enclosure, waterfalls and quiet benches; as well as plenty of place to picnic, ride bikes, walk and enjoy the sunshine.  There is is also a bridge near the deer enclosure, which leads over the wide Han River to the other side.  The south side of the Han River is mainly sports parks, walking areas and bicycle tracks.tumblr_mxc1f1OH1A1s64282o6_400tumblr_mxc1f1OH1A1s64282o5_250

Armed with our silver picnic mat and gimbap (as the Koreans do), we found a shady spot near the grassy patch that was also hosting a children’s festival that day called “Treasure Island”; near the convenience store and coffee shop, which are also, obviously, available in the middle of the forest (because, it would be unacceptable to escape to a forest if there wasn’t a convenience store and a coffee shop available).  Only in Korea I tell you!

Getting there

As with anywhere is Seoul, you can get easily get to the park in several different ways.

Car: We drove here using the GPS and paid about 8,000won for (outside) parking for the afternoon.tumblr_mxc1f1OH1A1s64282o7_400

Bus: Front entrance (2014, 2412, 2413 or 2224, and get off at Seoul Forest), or Back entrance (141, 145, 148 or 410, and get off at the back gate of Seoul Forest).

Subway: Seoul Forest Station (Subway Bundang Line), Exit 3.  or
Ttukseom Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 8.tumblr_mxc1f1OH1A1s64282o3_250

Make the trip

It was certainly worth the trip and we hope to visit here again soon.  What a lovely retreat for Seoulites who need to escape the madness of the city for while!

South Africa, Travelinds

Travelinds <3 South Africa

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5 Dec 2013

Sawubona, Dumela, Molo, Hoegaanit, Howzit, Yo, Hello!
Since we are so passionate about South Africa, it felt appropriate to start a series of South African travel posts on this sad day, the final passing of our former president, Nelson Mandela (8 July 1918 – 5 December 2013).

South Africa is a land of beauty, energy, diversity, struggle, victory and determination – and where Travelinds calls home.  It boasts a wide array of cultures, 11 official languages, colourful traditions and an indescribable natural beauty.  Its recent history is filled with rage and confusion, its present is filled with tenacious endurance and the future of this ‘Rainbow Nation’ is yet to be determined.

Over the next few months, we’ll post a series of our favourite places to go in South Africa – there are so many! It’s the perfect destination for honeymooners, families, groups of friends, hikers, adrenaline junkies, curious travellers, destination weddings and nature enthusiasts.

There is so much to tell.

Our home, our South Africa.