i ♥ Seoul (#5)

Amusement Parks

• Lotte World. (Metro Line 2, Jamsil stn) One of the world's largest indoor amusement parks that is located in Seoul by the Jamsil Station. It has a folk museum where one can have an insight into ancient Korean life. Lots of rides, and reopened in the summer of 2007 after a massive reconstruction.

• Everland. The Korean version of Disneyland. It is south of Seoul and transportation by bus is the easiest way to get there. Non-stop buses to Everland leave from various parts of Seoul daily. Has a miniature zoo where one can see a lion-tiger hybrid.

• Seoul Land. Theme park located in Gwacheon. This park was opened just before the Olympics in 1988. It is easy to get to by subway and is open year round.

• Children's Grand Park, in Neung-dong, Gwangjin-gu. The park was constructed after the decision of the City Planning Facility in 1971 and was opened on May 5, 1973. The park has a zoo, amusement facilities and restaurants. To get there, simply take the subway to Children's Grand Park on line 7. Avoid the weekends as it can get very crowded.

Gambling

• Horse Racing, Seoul Racetrack in Gwacheon. Races are normally only held during weekends, night racing also takes place during August. During the week, visitors can take guided tours of the grounds.

Performing Arts

• Sejong Centre for Performing Arts (line 5 Gwanghwamun Stn.). 81-3 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Oldest and one of the largest multi-purpose theatre in downtown Seoul and home of Seoul Philharmonic. Biggest pipe organ in East Asia is in its Great Auditorium, and several video art pieces from Nam June Paik are in the entrance of auditorium.
• Seoul Art Center (line 3 Nambu Bus Terminal stn). 700 Seocho-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Another great place for performing arts and Korean traditional art.
• KBS Hall (line 9 National Assembly stn). Home of KBS Philharmonic Orchestra and KBS Traditional Music Orchestra.
• LG Arts Center (Metro line #2, Yeoksam Station, Exit 7). 679 Yeoksam, 1 Dong Kangnum gu, Seoul. phone="+82 2 2005 0114" Opened in 2000, this modern, multi-purpose performing arts auditorium features live musical, theatre and dance performances from Korea and worldwide. Visit website for performance schedule and ticket information. Underground parking is available.

Spas, Saunas, and Massage Rooms

Saunas generally take the form of public baths in Korea, and are a popular form of relaxation. Services such as hair cuts and shoe cleaning are generally available. Some saunas also include sleeping areas for overnight stay.

• The Spa Grand Hyatt Seoul, Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel, 747-7 Hannam 2-Dong, Yongsan-Ku, ☎ +82 2 797 1234 (info.grandhyattseoul@hyattintl.com).

• Park Club Spa & Fitness Centre, Park Hyatt Seoul Hotel, 995-14 Daechi 3 - dong Gangnam - gu, ☎ +82 2 2016 1234 (seoul.park@hyattintl.com).