We had a short business trip to Seoul in September to attend the Global Infrastructure Cooperation Conference (GICC). As part of the trip, SPAD was invited to visit and experience the Korean high speed rail.
Sunday, 3 September 2017
Related posts: Seoul Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
We took Singapore Airlines to Seoul. It was my first time experiencing the airline. Interestingly, they served bimbimbap (a Korean dish) in the flight. It was quite tasty!
- Flight: Singapore Airlines
- Flight Number: SQ119 -SQ608
- Route: KL-SG, SG-Seoul
- Total Duration: 1h 10m + 6h 35m
- Depart KL: 8:40PM
- Arrive Seoul: 6:35AM
Incheon Airport was how as I remember it. Clean, modern, and efficient. Our local host from Korea Rail Network Authority (KRNA) greeted us when we arrived. They took us to our hotel, the Intercontinental Seoul COEX.
I was given the standard double room on the 22nd floor. The design of the room was somewhat interesting. It has green carpets, and the wallpaper was of trees. The facilities of the room was great. It has a nice view of the city!
After taking a short nap, we went out for some sightseeing in Seoul. Our host took us to Deoksugung Palace. Built in the 16th century, it was used as a royal residence until the Japanese occupation in the 19th century. At the palace entrance, we observed the changing of guards ceremony, and had a short tour of the compound.
From Deoksugung Palace, we walked across to Seoul Plaza. Lucky for us there was a large cultural event at the plaza that day. It was the Seoul Friendship Fair. Numerous countries opened up booth promoting their dances, culture and food. There was even a large Malaysian contingent present!
From Seoul Plaza, we walked to the Cheonggyecheon stream. I requested for this visit as I wanted to see the world famous “River of Life”. Kuala Lumpur is embarking on a similar project, inspired by the Cheonggyecheon stream.
The Cheonggyecheon stream lived up to is expectation. It was simply amazing to see people relaxing by the river, having a good time with family and friends. This is the true meaning of a “River of Life”! I hope the Malaysian project would come close to achieving the same results as Cheonggyecheon stream.
From the river, we went to Myeongdong. It’s a famous shopping district in Seoul. The went sightseeing in the area, later the host took us for dinner at Saffron Arabic Cuisine, in Myeongdong area.
Related posts: Seoul Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Imran Jaafar 