Category Archives: News

COEX Mall renewal project to be completed in late 2014.

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Most visitors to Seoul have spent time shopping, sleeping, or attending meetings/conventions at the COEX center in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The COEX complex consists of a subway station, three hotels, casino, shopping mall, convention center, and countless restaurants. The shopping mall, which boasts of being the largest underground shopping mall in Asia, underwent construction in July and is expected to be completed by December 2014. A second subway station will also open with connections to Gimpo Airport. It’s also worth noting that the mall offers blazing fast free wifi. (Note: nearly all of the shopping mall is closed for construction as I discovered.)

Here’s a story on the overall future plan for COEX.

507 COEX 1508 COEX 2
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Korean cosmetics and clothing companies expand to meet growing demand in Japan.

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A Japanese press article detailing the expansion of Korean brands into Tokyo’s Shibuya and Harajuku Districts as well as to Yokohmama city. The article specifically mentions the growing interest in Korean pop culture as a reason for the increased demand. It points out the fact that fashion seems to transcend the ongoing political disputes between the two countries.

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Robot Land Amusement Park in Incheon city to open in late 2015.

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RobotThe groundbreaking ceremony for Robot Land amusement park was recently held in Incheon city, an hour west of Seoul. The park is scheduled to open in late 2015. Story here.

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Seoul taxi fares to increase by 25% from 10/12.

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7-Transportation Bus Taxi
Seoul taxis have been a fast and economical way for two people to travel short-to-medium distances as compared to a subway or bus ride. Sadly that’s about to change with a dramatic 25% fare increase next week. It’s the first fare increase in 5 years. Luxury/Deluxe black taxi fares will also rise to 5,000Won from 4,500Won.
[Note: I can’t think of a reason why someone would take the older Deluxe taxis except for when a regular taxi is nowhere in sight. The myth that the drivers can speak multiple languages is mostly untrue.] Story here.
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Pink Zones (female-only areas).

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Female-ZonePink Zones are a topic of debate and some Koreans are calling it reverse-discrimination. Several female-only areas (pink zones) have popped up across Korea as part of an effort to make women feel more comfortable and safe. These no-men zones include female-only library seating sections, lounges, smoking areas, buses, and parking. Continue reading →

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Airport Railway – Seoul Station to Incheon Airport in 43 minutes.

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Train
After arriving at the City Air Terminal in Seoul Station, passengers can check-in and check luggage in less than 20 minutes. Next, board the Airport Express (AREX) train and arrive at Incheon Airport in 43 minutes. Be sure to take the Express train that covers the 58km distance without stops. Continue reading →

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A permanent smile – “lip tail” plastic surgery in Korea

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Plastic-SurgeryA fascinating look at a surging trend in lipline surgery in South Korea. Continue reading →

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