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Lafesta and Western Dom shopping/entertainment complexes house a variety of boutiques,
restaurants, and nightspots that rival almost anything in the capital.
Day 5
To prove Seoul isn't all business, spend the day exploring the Daehangno or Shinchon/
Hongdae university districts, both accessible by subway—you could even try to cram both
into a single outing, although they're relatively far apart. Both have a slightly bohemian
feel, pleasant pedestrian areas, and an abundance of youth-centric boutiques, cafés, and
pubs, but the Shinchon/Hongdae area is better known for cutting-edge galleries and club-
bing, while Daehangno is famous for its outdoor sculpture, theaters, and street-side per-
formances. Anyone on the hunt for low-cost housing would do well to talk with some of
the real estate agents in these areas, as both have accommodations geared toward student-
sized budgets. You should also stop by the campuses of the main schools, such as Yonsei
University in the Shinchon area, if you're considering taking language or other courses in
Seoul. Parents may also want to visit the Seoul Foreign School in nearby Yeonhui-dong,
seen as one of the city's preeminent international schools. The area surrounding the school
also has a good range of expat-friendly housing and shops.
Day 6
Hopefully having completed most of your research, devote your sixth day to some leisure
pursuits. If you enjoy hiking, tackle one of the fairly unpunishing mountains in central
Seoul—Inwangsan is a good pick—for fairly fresh air, spectacular views, and hidden
shrines. You're highly likely to make some local friends along the way; Seoulites are rarely
as relaxed or congenial as they are on the mountaintops. Seoul Forest and any of the Han
riverside parks are alternative, less strenuous venues for a long, scenic stroll. If you're will-
ing to go farther afield, a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas
or a trip west to Gangwha-do, an island littered with temples, fortress sites, and other relics,
are both worthwhile trips.
Day 7
On your last day in Seoul, try to tie up any loose ends, taking the time to visit any neigh-
borhoods you're curious about but may have missed, even if only to browse some of the
advertisements pasted in the windows of property agencies to get a better idea of prices.
This might also be a good time to visit the Seoul Global Center, a support facility for non-
Korean residents in Jung-gu, to ask any questions that have come up on your trip and pick
up some of the literature they have on utilities, banking, and other services to help prepare
you for the eventual move.
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