Suddenly you descend from the clouds and there is a peninsula jutting out into the sea. After hours of flying and seeing nothing but the emerald green sea below you which sometimes showed an angry black reflection of the sky it was good to see land. The drive from the international airport to the town is a long one but you get to see a lot of the country side of Seoul which is beautifully maintained with its farms on either side of the broad roads.

The main town is full of skyscrapers and winding roads that go uphill and downhill on this sloping town. Filled with shopping malls and eateries you could walk into anyone of these for a typical Korean meal of bibimbap which is a mixture of rice and vegetables and meat and an egg to top it. You could ask for a vegetarian one but it will have fish in it as fish is considered vegetarian by the Koreans. There is a mixture of the modern skyscrapers and bright neon lights and then you have the small lanes which are marvelous for shopping at real bargain prices. The Namdaemun market in Seoul should not be missed by any tourist. This is the best place to shop for souvenirs and knick knacks to take back home. A lot of bargaining takes place here and it is surprising how the prices can be brought down. The market place is another great sight with ginseng roots sold in gunny bags alongside the bright red mushrooms which are supposed to be high in food value. The palaces and Buddhist temples are a must see if you visit Seoul.

Travel to Seoul from any part of the world by air and within the city by the mono rail, bus or taxi service which is excellent. There are hotels to suit every pocket, but life in Seoul is expensive by normal standards. Night life is hectic and tourists take full advantage of this.