개중에는 해외에서 유래한 공휴일은 이태원의 다문화적 환경에서 보내야 한다고 생각하는 사람들이 있다. 큰 착각이다. 할로윈, 크리스마스의 이태원은 인산인해를 이뤄 도저히 여유라고는 찾아볼 수 없는 혼란의 도가니다. 특히 저녁이 되면 택시를 잡기 어려워져 오도 가도 못하고 길거리에서 추위에 떨어야 할지도 모른다.
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Top 3 places to avoid during Christmas in Seoul
With Christmas just around the corner, people are wondering where and how to spend some quality holiday time with their loved ones.
Some of you may get some ideas from Korean dramas in which couples watch the ball drop at a hotel party or walk on streets aglow with the Christmas spirit.
But try that in real life, and there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to recover by the New Year, getting shoved and bumped by the huge crowds.
So, if you happen to be in Seoul during the holiday season, forget these places on the list below.
1. Myeong-dong
For some, Myeong-dong could be on top of the list when planning Christmas dates. Yes, the neon lights, Christmas decorations and street shopping sound like the perfect way to spend the day, but you’re probably not the only one thinking going there.
The crazy crowd in Myeong-dong’s main shopping street, stretching from the Lotte Department Store to the Catholic church, make it all but impassable, even during an ordinary weekend.
Just thinking about the situation is painful.
2. Gangnam Gangnam Station is one of the biggest transportation hubs providing convenient access to and from Seoul to nearby regions.
Plus, the area has a lot of businesses, restaurants and a lively nightlife, eventually drawing an average of 200,000 to 210,000 people daily.
3. Itaewon
If anyone was in Itaewon on this year’s Halloween, they would easily agree that planning a Christmas date in the area would be insane.
Of course, Itaewon is choc-a-block with trendy bars and restaurants, providing the most festive activities to enjoy in Seoul. But that is, only if you can make it to your destination.
Last Halloween, it was nearly impossible to walk a block near the subway station. Many Koreans came because they opt to think any holiday or events that originate from the West are most enjoyable in Itaewon, where one can meet people of diverse nationalities and cultures.
The place is also notorious for being nearly impossible to catch a cab in the evening, so it’s already late to regret once you are there.
By Suk Gee-hyun (
monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)
