Travel News Summary

A vendor at Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market (노량진 수산시장) (from Gourmet Magazine). 

Seoul Fish Market in Gourmet Magazine
Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market (노량진 수산시장) receives rave reviews in October’s edition of Gourmet Magazine. Described as “one of the greatest food spectacles on earth”, writer Jonathan Gold praises the 700 stalls of stingrays, halibut and pickled clams. If you’d like to visit the fish market yourself, arrive early in the morning via Seoul subway line 1’s Norangjin Station.

Korea a Shopping Destination for Chinese and Japanese Tourists
Tokyo and Hong Kong are typically regarded as Asia’s premier fashion cities, but a recent article in the Japan Times says that these days, Japanese and Chinese tourists are coming to Seoul for their shopping sprees. The availability of inexpensive, high quality fashion is certainly the biggest draw for foreign shoppers, but not the only one. Short flights, cheap taxis and Seoul’s safe 24-hour shopping megacenters, like Dongdaemun, all add to the attraction.

Jeju Island Publishes Cultural Dictionary
And, finally, Korea’s biggest island, Jejudo, is a popular travel destination and UNESCO world cultural heritage site. But in addition to its scenic beauty, the island has a unique form of Korean culture that’s celebrated in the new “Dictionary of Jeju Island’s Cultural Symbols.” The list promotes Jeju’s top ten cultural icons and 99 key attractions, including Mount Halla, women sea divers and the island’s delicious tangerines.

An artist’s rendering of the Dangsado Lighthouse, which is currently being restored (from KBS).

99-year-old Lighthouse to be Restored
In other news, a 99-year-old lighthouse in South Jeolla Province will be restored in time for its 100th anniversary next year. The 14-meter-tall Dangsado Lighthouse on Wando Island was once a vital beacon for boats navigating between Busan and Incheon, and Jeju Island and the mainland. According to KBS, when it reopens next October, the lighthouse will feature a new observatory, overnight accommodations and green solar technology. I think I’ll have to go and check it out.